Reviewed by Paula McGeown, Principal Lawyer · Updated
For athletes, coaches and event staff in other sports, see our guide to visas for athletes, race crews and event staff.
Who this covers
Race crew flying in for ocean races and regattas, delivery crew bringing a yacht to or from Australia, professional crew on superyachts cruising or refitting here, and the shore team, sailmakers and boat builders who support them.
Most crew need more than a visitor visa
Most international crew, including anyone paid by an owner, team or management company, anyone who could receive prize money or another reward for racing, and anyone working on board, need a visa that permits that activity, usually a Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) or, for some technical roles, a Short Stay Specialist visa (subclass 400).
A visitor visa (an ETA or eVisitor) suits only the rare genuine amateur who receives no payment or reward of any kind. If there is any doubt, we treat the person as needing a work-related visa, because getting this wrong can mean a refused entry or a cancelled visa.
Superyacht and delivery crew
Crew on superyachts and crew delivering a vessel by sea have different visa considerations from race crew who fly in. Their visas need to be in place before departure, and arriving by yacht has its own border clearance requirements.
When to apply
As soon as the crew list is settled. Major race seasons fall in busy travel periods and Home Affairs controls processing times, so late applications add risk. Tell us early about crew changes, previous visa refusals or health or character issues.
What we need for each crew member
Full name and nationality, passport details, current location, role on board, whether they are paid, planned arrival and departure dates, whether they arrive by air or on the yacht, and any previous Australian visas.
We have secured visas for Sydney to Hobart race crews over multiple years, and we coordinate the whole crew's applications around the race or cruising schedule.
Frequently asked questions
When should yacht crew apply for their Australian visas?
As soon as the crew list is confirmed, ideally several weeks before travel. Home Affairs controls processing times, so earlier applications reduce the risk of a crew member missing the start or the departure date.
Can the whole crew use the same visa?
Not necessarily. Racing crew, delivery crew, superyacht crew and shore support can need different visas. We check each person against what they will actually do.
A crew member has dropped out close to the race. What now?
Contact us straight away with the replacement's details and travel dates. We will identify the fastest suitable route and tell you honestly whether it can be done in the time left.