United States – Temporary ban on Immigrant/Non-immigrant Entry

Members who call at ports in the US should be aware that, on 27 January 2017, President Trump issued an Executive Order “Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States”. This restricts entry into the US of foreign citizens from Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Somalia, Iraq, Iran and Libya for the next 90 days, whether they hold visas or not.  Although the details of implementation are presently unclear, US law firm Freehill Hogan & Mahar LLP has warned that whilst vessels with crew from these countries are unlikely to be denied entry to the US, it is probable that these crew members will be denied shore leave whilst the vessel is at a US port and Owners may well have to employ security guards to ensure they do not leave the vessel. To access a copy of the US lawyers’ advice with further discussion on the above, as well as on crew changes and medical emergencies, click here.