Embarking your ship in Cape Town, South Africa

Electronic travel authorisations (ETAs) and declarations (ETDs) are likely to become more common in the future. Many countries are adopting ETAs and ETDs to enhance security and streamline the entry process for visitors.  Because countries are introducing this electronic process at different timeframes, it’s important that you check with your Global Talent Partner / Crew Compliance team what requirements exist in your destination for your nationality.

Once the Crew Manager confirms the required boarding time, all RSA national seafarers making their own way to the terminal must be at the Cape Town Cruise Terminal by that time – this will be updated by 18 Jan 2026

At the security point, you can: Ask security to contact the Port Agent on your behalf or

Call the Port Agent directly, WhatsApp / Mobile: +27 76 861 1275

Please check with your Global talent partner/ Crew Compliance team what visa or travel documents you need for your entry in South Africa.

Visa: Not required for bona fide crew (any nationality).
Documents Needed for travelling to South Africa:

Passport – 6 months validity, 2 blank pages (manual extensions not accepted)
Seaman’s Book – 6 months validity
LOG / OKTB – provided by GTP
Confirmed E-Tickets

No. While certain nationalities do require a visa to enter the UK, seafarers traveling through the UK to embark or disembark one of our ships are granted a temporary visa waiver (known as Transit Without a Visa, or TWOV) if they hold a Bermudan ID Card or another eligible Seafarer’s Identity Document. Carnival UK, or your Global Talent Partner, will advise you on which document type is required to ensure compliance for travel.

If you encounter any issues when checking in for your flight, please present this UK Government document to the airline check-in staff and explain that you are traveling as a seafarer on duty—either to join a vessel or to be repatriated home.

Upon arrival at the airport, please proceed through the normal customs/immigration requirements and collect your luggage.

If you are missing luggage, please file a claim with the airline PRIOR to leaving the airport and to notify transporter (ALBATROSS MARINE) before leaving the airport.

Please email a copy of tag, flight details and passport to the Port Agent soonest: Dineom@sturrockgrindrod.com | sgm.cpt.agency@sturrockgrindrod.com

If your luggage is lost during your journey, please provide the address of the Cape Town Port Agent (below) and include the name of the ship you are due to embark

Sturrock Grindrod Maritime (Pty) Ltd, 96 Marine Drive, Paarden Eiland, Cape Town, 7405

A copy of the claim should be kept for your records. You must notify Crew Manager aboard your ship as soon as possible. The Crew Manager will inform the Port Agent in Cape Town together with sending a copy of the Claim Report.

If joining same day, please go to the Arrival Hall after the baggage collection where you will be met by an Albatros Marine representative holding a sign with our company’s logo, and you will be taken straight to the shop terminal.

If you are joining the next day, please go to the Arrival Hall after the baggage collection where you will be met by an Albatros Marine representative holding a sign with our company’s logo, from where you will be taken to the respective overnight stay hotel.

This will be one of the below hotels.

At the airport you will be advised of the allocated hotel that you will be staying. This will be one of the below hotels.

3*Hotel – StayEasy Cape Town City Bowl Hotel

Address: 54 Bree Street, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Members of Senior Management Team (Captain, Staff Captain, Chief Engineer, Hotel General Manager, Human Resources Manager) and Executive Officers (Staff Chief Engineer, Staff Electro-Technical Officer, Senior Doctor, New Build – Guarantee Engineer) will be accommodated at the 4* Star hotel specified below.

4*Hotel – SunSquare Cape Town City Bowl Hotel

Address: 23 Buitengracht Street, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

At the hotel, please be prepared to give them your name and your passport.

All hotel bookings are made on a dinner, bed, and breakfast basis.  Depending on your arrival time at the hotel, lunch may also be included. 

All incidental charges, such as phone, mini bar, in room movies, baggage handling etc. will be charged to your account and must be paid by you upon check out.

MEALS

Meal allowances are organized by Carnival UK.  The hotel will inform you of your allowance on check-in. 

Please be ready in the lobby for pick up as advised by the Reception at check in. If a transportation issue arises, ask the hotel reception to contact the Port Agent.

Telephone:            +44 (0) 800 0488717 E-mail:        fleettravel@carnivalssi.com

Sturrock Grindrod Maritime (Pty) Ltd – As Agents Only
Tel: +27 21 830 7049 | Mobile: +27 76 861 1275 ( After hours 24/7)
Email: Dineom@sturrockgrindrod.com | sgm.cpt.agency@sturrockgrindrod.com

WhatsApp and /or mobile: