C1/D Visa Guidance for Cruise Ship Crew in Windhoek
Namibian cruise ship applicants need to plan differently than they did before August 2026. Routine U.S. visa services in Windhoek were realigned to regional hubs, so crew should confirm the correct South African processing location before paying for travel or accommodation.
The 24-month reciprocity period is visa validity for Namibian passport holders. It does not mean a traveller may stay in the United States for 24 months.
What Windhoek-based crew should confirm first
Your correct visa category
Your joining route may require C-1 transit authority, D crewmember status or a combined C-1/D visa. Check the purpose of travel and the instructions for your contract.
Your interview city
For routine Namibia NIV cases, current Department of State guidance directs applicants to Johannesburg or Cape Town. Confirm the city shown in the appointment system before making travel plans.
Your South Africa travel plan
If the interview requires travel from Namibia to South Africa, plan transport and accommodation only after the appointment is confirmed.
Your crew evidence
Keep your contract or joining letter, vessel name, joining port and travel route consistent with the information entered on the DS-160.
Practical application sequence from Namibia
Confirm the current processing location
Use the latest Department of State list and the official appointment system. Do not assume Windhoek still handles routine C1/D interviews.
Complete the DS-160 carefully
Check names, passport details, work history and travel information before submission. Save the confirmation page.
Pay the official visa application fee
The current non-petition-based nonimmigrant visa application fee covering C-1 transit and D crewmember categories is US$185.
Book the designated interview
For routine Namibia applications, current guidance points to Johannesburg or Cape Town. Keep the appointment confirmation showing the exact post, date and time.
Prepare for cross-border travel
If you need to travel to South Africa, allow time for transport, border formalities and any accommodation needed around the appointment.
Attend with organised supporting documents
Take your passport, DS-160 confirmation, appointment confirmation and the crew evidence requested for your case. Answer questions truthfully and clearly.
Documents worth preparing before leaving Windhoek
- Current passport and any previous passport relevant to your travel history.
- DS-160 confirmation page.
- Visa appointment confirmation showing the correct South African post.
- Cruise line contract, employment confirmation or joining letter.
- Vessel name, joining port and intended travel route.
- Visa photograph that meets current U.S. requirements.
- Any additional documents specifically requested in the appointment instructions.
Namibian C1/D validity and reciprocity
The current U.S. reciprocity schedule for Namibia lists C-1/D visas with no reciprocity issuance fee, multiple entries and 24 months of visa validity. This is separate from the standard US$185 nonimmigrant visa application fee.
Visa validity is the period during which the visa may generally be used to seek entry. It does not determine the permitted length of stay for an individual trip.
Windhoek C1/D questions
Can I still attend a routine C1/D interview in Windhoek?
Routine visa services in Windhoek were realigned from 1 August 2026. Windhoek retains limited NIV services, but current designated NIV guidance directs Namibia applicants to Johannesburg or Cape Town for routine processing.
What is the current C1/D application fee?
The current non-petition-based nonimmigrant visa application fee covering C-1 transit and D crewmember categories is US$185.
Does a Namibian C1/D visa currently carry a reciprocity fee?
The current Namibia reciprocity schedule lists no C-1/D reciprocity issuance fee, multiple entries and 24-month visa validity.
Should I buy flights to South Africa before the appointment is confirmed?
No. Confirm the interview city, date and time first. Appointment arrangements can change, and non-refundable bookings can create unnecessary cost.
Useful next steps for Namibian crew
Keep the visa application connected to your wider joining plan. Confirm the correct interview city first, then organise your crew documents and travel arrangements around the verified appointment.