Last updated 19/09/2025
Visa & Travel Authorisation Information
Depending on the countries your assigned ship will visit, you may need to obtain a visa or travel authorisation. Your Global Talent Partner (GTP) or CUK Compliance Contact will guide you on which documents are required and will support you throughout the application process.
The company will cover the cost of up to two visa applications, in case the first application is declined. Please note that additional expenses related to obtaining a visa such as travel costs will not be reimbursed.
Once your visa(s) and/or travel authorisations have been issued, you must provide proof to your GTP or CUK Compliance Contact before embarkation. You are also required to carry the original visa(s) with you when travelling.
Below is a list of the most commonly required visas and travel authorisations for crew members prior to starting their tour of duty or assignment.
Australian Transit Visa (ETA)
The Australian Transit Visa (Subclass 771) is free for all foreign nationals and can be applied for by anyone outside Australia. It typically takes around 17 days to be granted and can be applied for after the Maritime Crew Visa (MCV) but before the MCV is granted. This visa must be applied for and approved while the applicant is outside Australia. It goes hand in hand with the MCV and is recommended for all crew members, as it is prioritised for approval when holding an MCV. Applications should not be submitted more than 12 weeks prior to travel.
Please see information below on how to apply:
To apply for your Australian Transit Visa (Subclass 771) please click here
This guide will help you when completing your application. Alternatively, you could apply for an ETA(Subclass 601) & eVisitor (Subclass 651), however, for seafarers we recommend you to apply for a Transit (Subclass 771) as it’s usually faster to obtain.
Brazillian VIVIS
A Brazilian VIVIS is a visitor visa for foreign nationals to enter, stay, and travel within Brazil for a specified period. Whether you need one depends on your nationality.
If required, you must obtain a VIVIS from your local Brazilian embassy, as it cannot be obtained online. If not required, you must have a valid passport and either a Seaman’s Discharge Book or a National SID card, depending on your nationality.
Your Global Talent Partner (GTP) or CUK Compliance Contact will advise you on the necessary documents or visas that are required.
For more information on affected nationalities that require a Brazilian VIVIS click here.
Canadian ETA
A Canadian Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) is a digital entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to or transiting through Canada by air. It is linked electronically to your passport and is valid for up to five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Dependent on your nationality you may be required to obtain an online ETA or apply for a Canadian Visitor visa at your local Canadian embassy. For more information on what visa application is applicable to which nationalities, please click here
To apply for Canadian eTA please click here
We also recommend that you complete an ArriveCAN in advance – this is a customs and immigration declaration up that can be completed up to 72 hours before flying into Canada. This isn’t mandatory but it will give you a faster boarder experience. Click here to learn more and to apply.
Hong Kong PAR
For Indian passport holders, it is recommended to apply for a Pre Arrival Registration (PAR) before arriving in Hong Kong. Some airlines require a successful PAR even if you have a valid passport, seaman’s book, and OKTB. We cannot guarantee airline acceptance without a PAR.
Applications can be completed online. To apply, please click here
Hong Kong Visa
Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a Hong Kong visa if you are joining or transiting through Hong Kong. Without a visa, you’re joining, or tour of duty/assignment could be affected.
Your Global Talent Partner (GTP) or CUK Compliance Contact will advise you if you require one.
MCV – Maritime Crew Visa
The Maritime Crew Visa (Subclass 988) is free for all foreign nationals and must be applied for and approved while you are outside Australia. The processing time is typically around 3 days, with 90% of applications being auto approved if all correct documentation is submitted.
Please see information below on how to apply:
To apply for your MCV (subclass 988) please click here
This guide will help you when completing your application. Your MCV will be valid for 3 years and is granted to you as an individual and not your passport. If you get a new passport, you will need to update your details via the immi account created at the time of your original application. To check if you already hold an MCV, or wish to check the expiry date, please click here
New Zealand Travel Authority (NZeTA) – Crew
The Crew NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) is required for seafarers of passenger airlines and cruise ships before they travel to New Zealand.
If you are flying to New Zealand to join your ship, you will be required to have an NZeTA. All seafarers except Australian or New Zealand nationals will require this.
Your Global Talent Partner (GTP) or CUK Compliance contact will apply for this on your behalf via an online immigration portal before your departure. It is valid for 5 years and you will receive an email confirmation once it has been approved.
New Zealand Travel Declaration (NZTD)
In April 2024, New Zealand introduced a new travel declaration process that both crew members and guests must comply with before arriving in New Zealand.
All seafarers disembarking or transiting through New Zealand will be required to complete the online or paper NZ Travel Declaration prior to arrival. The earliest this can be submitted is 24 hours before departure from the last port of call before New Zealand.
The ship will inform you when the declaration must be completed by. It is the ship’s responsibility to advise everyone to complete the form ahead of the first port arrival in New Zealand. You will not need to complete the NZTD again while sailing through New Zealand.
OK to Board Letters (OKTB)
An OK to Board (OKTB) letter is required by certain airlines and countries to verify your documentation before boarding a flight. If needed, your Global Talent Partner (GTP) or CUK Compliance Consultant will inform you and apply on your behalf.
To obtain an OKTB, you must have a valid Seaman Discharge Book and provide a copy to your Global Talent Partner (GTP) or CUK compliance consultant. Without it, authorities will be unable to issue the OKTB, which may affect your ability to join the ship.
Countries where you might need an OKTB include:
- Barbados
- Malta
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Hong Kong
Schengen Visa
A Schengen visa allows non-EU nationals to travel within the Schengen Area, which comprises of 27 European countries, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
There are three types of Schengen visas:
- Single-entry visa: You must join the ship in ports from the country where the visa was issued. Single entry – must be applied for at the embassy of the country you are visiting. eg. if embarking in Spain, apply at a Spanish embassy.
- Multiple-entry visa: For the first entry, you must join the ship in ports from the country where the visa was issued. (Spain, Italy etc) After the first entry, you can join any country within the Schengen area.
- Airport Transit visa: allows you to connect through the international transit area of an airport in the Schengen area during a stopover or a change of flights. It does not allow you to leave the international transit area.
Airport transit visa: Connect through the international transit area of an airport without leaving it.
Depending on your nationality, you may be required to apply for a Schengen visa. Your Global Talent Partner (GTP) or CUK Compliance Contact will advise you on the required type and provide supporting documents to assist you in your application process.
For more information on Schengen visas, please click here
Singapore Sign on Letter
A Singapore Sign-On Letter is an official document issued by Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) . It is required to be held by all seafarers who are arriving in Singapore to join a ship.
Your Global Talent Partner (GTP) or CUK Compliance Consultant will apply for this letter on your behalf, you will be required to submit supporting documents to aid the application process.
Singapore Entry Visa
A Singapore entry visa is not an immigration pass. It is a pre-entry permission for the holder of a valid visa to travel to, and seek entry, into Singapore.
Dependent on your nationality you may be required to obtain a Singapore Entry Visa. For more information on nationalities that will require a Singapore Entry Visa please click here
Indian Passport holders, you will be granted Visa Free Transit Facility for joining to apply please click here
Your Global Talent Partner (GTP) or CUK Compliance Contact will advise you if you require one.
UK Visa
A UK visa for seafarers allows non-UK nationals to legally enter the UK to join or leave ships, transit through the country, or work on vessels operating in UK waters. It ensures compliance with immigration laws, protects seafarers’ rights, and distinguishes between those working offshore and those requiring work permission within UK territorial waters. While some seafarers may be exempt if they hold a valid Seafarers Identity Document under international conventions (ILO 108)
Your Global Talent Partner (GTP) or CUK Compliance Contact will advise you if you require one.
UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (UK ETA)
If you are flying to United Kingdom to join your ship in Southampton and you are one of the impacted nationalities listed on the UK ETA website then you will be required to apply for a UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) to support embarkation. Please note: This is NOT a visa
To view the full list of impacted nationalities Click here
Who applies for the UK ETA?
If you are one of the affected nationals, your Global Talent Partner will inform you of the requirement as part of your compliance process. As a seafarer, it is your responsibility to apply for a UK ETA. The UK ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. The fee for the UK ETA is £16.00. You can claim this expense back through the expenses process once you are on board.
For further information
Further information about the UK ETA is available on the UK Government website Click Here.
Note: Electronic travel authorisations (ETAs) are likely to become more common in the future. Many countries are adopting ETAs to enhance security and streamline the entry process for visitors. For example, in 2025 the European Union intends to launch the ETIAS (Electronic Travel Information and Authorisation System).
US C1D Visa
A C1/D visa is a non-immigrant visa for seafarers on commercial sea vessels or international airlines traveling to the US. It allows temporary entry while working on a vessel or aircraft and is often issued as a combination of a C-1 transit visa and a D crewmember visa. Some seafarers may receive separate C1 and D visas, depending on nationality. This document has country-specific validity.
Your Global Talent Partner (GTP) or CUK Compliance Contact will advise which category you fall into and whether you are required to obtain one. They will provide supporting documents to assist your application.
For more information please click here
Have Questions?
Click here for Compliance FAQs. If your question can’t be answered, contact your Global Talent Partner (GTP) or CUK Compliance Contact for assistance
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