Travel letter / letter of guarantee

The owner's letter you show at immigration. Why airlines and border officers ask for it.

What it is

A letter on the shipowner's letterhead stating the vessel name, IMO, port and date of joining, the seafarer's rank, the agent contact, and the guarantee that the seafarer is travelling for crew-change purposes. Carried in hand luggage.

Who needs it

Every seafarer flying for crew change.

When it is checked

• Airline check-in.
• Immigration on arrival.
• Hotel before joining if used.

Common mistakes

• Letter printed in black-and-white only — some immigration desks want colour.
• Mismatch between the letter and the actual vessel or joining date.
• Old letter from a previous contract still in the folder.

Last verified 15 days ago