A foreign-flagged recreational vessel can typically stay in U.S. waters for up to one year if it obtains a Cruising License. This license exempts the boat from formal entry and clearance procedures at every port, though the captain must still report their movements to Customs and Border Protection (CBP). For the crew, the rules are stricter; they usually enter on a B1/B2 visa or a C1/D crew visa, which typically allows stays of up to 6 months at a time. If the vessel is commercially registered, it cannot obtain a cruising permit and must formalize entry at every port. In 2026, "hybrid" registrations like the Marshall Islands' PYLC are popular as they often grant easier cruising access. If a vessel intends to stay beyond a year, it must typically depart to a foreign port (like the Bahamas or Mexico) to "reset" its status before returning, or face formal importation and 1.5% duty fees.