I'm an Indian seafarer possessing a valid US visa (C1/D). I wanted to know if I can use the same along with my Indian passport to visit the United States of America for a week as a tourist?
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2You’ll need a visitor visa for a holiday that’s completely unconnected to a work trip using your C1/D visa uk.usembassy.gov/visas/temporary-employment/…– TravellerCommented Jun 20 at 7:45
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1 Answer
A C-1/D visa allows you to be admitted to the US in C-1 or D status. C-1 status is transit. If your purpose in entering the US is anything other than to get somewhere else, you don't qualify for C-1 status. D status is as a crew member working aboard a vessel or aircraft. To qualify for D status. You must "intend[] to land temporarily and solely in pursuit of [your] calling as a crewman," which is a criterion that you will not fulfill when you arrive with the intention of visiting as a tourist.
The answer to your question, therefore, is no. To visit the US as a tourist, you need to be able to enter in B-2 status, which means that you need a B-2 visa or a combination B-1/B-2 visa.
(This answer ignores the Visa Waiver Program and ESTA because Indian citizens are not eligible to participate.)
