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VISAS for seafarers

When you’re working on a ship that sails around the world, in most countries you will not require a VISA due to maritime agreements between cruise companies and the respective governments. However, due to specific national laws, crew members joining a cruise ship or a yacht in the following countries must acquire special VISAs to prove they are boarding the vessel for work purposes. This requirement is particularly enforced in the United States, Australia, Canada, Schengen region and Italy. Because the process and eligibility criteria can be complex, we created this page to explain each in more detail.

Crew members may also need VISAs to enter other countries around the world, but in these cases, the process is usually handled by the ship’s HR officials, so crew members don’t need to apply themselves. Additionally, some nationalities are exempt from needing certain VISAs due to how strong their passport is (you can compare different nationalities on the Passport Index) but keep in mind that this external comparison table is based on “tourism”.

ATTENTION: All cruise lines are required by international law to reimburse seafarers for the costs of any VISAs required for their employment. Keep the receipts and contact your HR department.

C1/d VISA - United States

If your ship is sailing to or from the United States, joining crew members are required to obtain the C1/D VISA in order to be allowed to work on board the vessel. Since the American market is one of the largest in the world, almost all crew members will apply for this VISA at some point in their careers.

Schengen Region - Europe

This VISA is required for cruise ships that sail in European waters within the Schengen region, and it is also mandatory for crew members joining ships during inaugural launches or dry docks.

Italian Seafarers VISA

This is by far one of the most simple and specific VISAs required for crew members to join a vessel in Italy. It applies exclusively to Costa Cruises and its crew members. Since the company’s ships are registered in Italy, crew members who enter the country by air to join a vessel are by law required to obtain a working seaman VISA.

MCV 988 - Australia

If you’re joining a vessel in Australia, you’re required to acquire the Maritime Crew Visa, subclass 988. The process is simpler than the United States VISA, but it will require some time to fill out the forms as you have to apply for one VISA but by filling out two different forms.

Canadian Visa

If your ship is sailing from Canada, you will require to apply for a transit VISA that will allow you to enter Canada by plane and then join the vessel. The same VISA is also required if you’re disembarking in Canada before heading back home. The process is simple and it usually takes less than five business days to apply and receive the VISA on your passport.

SELECTION PROCESS

Step by step through the selection process, outlining what you’ll need and what to expect.

How to work on Yachts?

Yachts offer a unique working experience, similar yet distinct from that of cruise ships.
Interested in learning more?