⚓ Voyage Hub · Visa Requirements
Visa Requirements
Seafarer visa & documentation guidance for major maritime countries — shore leave, crew change and airport transit. General reference only; rules vary by nationality and change often.
⚠ General guidance only.Visa requirements depend on the seafarer's nationality, the vessel's flag and the purpose of entry, and change frequently. Always confirm with the local agent and the relevant embassy/consulate before any crew change, shore leave or transit.
Legend:● Not required● Usually not required● May be required● Required
14 countries
🇺🇸
▼United States
Shore Leave
Required
Sign On/Off
Required
Airport Transit
Required
🇪🇺
▼Schengen Area (EU)
Shore Leave
May be required
Sign On/Off
May be required
Airport Transit
May be required
🇬🇧
▼United Kingdom
Shore Leave
Usually not required
Sign On/Off
May be required
Airport Transit
May be required
🇦🇪
▼UAE
Shore Leave
May be required
Sign On/Off
Required
Airport Transit
May be required
🇸🇬
▼Singapore
Shore Leave
Usually not required
Sign On/Off
May be required
Airport Transit
May be required
🇨🇳
▼China
Shore Leave
May be required
Sign On/Off
May be required
Airport Transit
May be required
🇰🇷
▼South Korea
Shore Leave
Usually not required
Sign On/Off
May be required
Airport Transit
May be required
🇮🇳
▼India
Shore Leave
May be required
Sign On/Off
Required
Airport Transit
May be required
🇧🇷
▼Brazil
Shore Leave
Usually not required
Sign On/Off
May be required
Airport Transit
May be required
🇵🇦
▼Panama
Shore Leave
Usually not required
Sign On/Off
May be required
Airport Transit
May be required
🇦🇺
▼Australia
Shore Leave
May be required
Sign On/Off
Required
Airport Transit
Required
🇿🇦
▼South Africa
Shore Leave
Usually not required
Sign On/Off
May be required
Airport Transit
May be required
🇪🇬
▼Egypt
Shore Leave
Usually not required
Sign On/Off
May be required
Airport Transit
May be required
🇹🇷
▼Türkiye
Shore Leave
Usually not required
Sign On/Off
May be required
Airport Transit
May be required
📖 Seafarer Entry Basics
- The IMO FAL Convention encourages shore leave for seafarers regardless of nationality, but each state applies its own immigration rules.
- A valid Seafarer's Identity Document / discharge book plus passport is the baseline everywhere.
- "Shore leave" (visiting port while the ship is alongside) is usually easier than "sign-on/off" (joining/leaving via the country) or "airport transit".
- The US (C1/D) and Australia (MCV) require a visa in advance for essentially all foreign crew — plan early.
- This is orientation only. The agent and the embassy/consulate give the binding answer for a specific nationality and date.