Crew transit visa

C1/D, Schengen, Australian MCV, UK transit — who arranges, what to carry, what the agent should send before flying.

What it is

A short-term visa permitting transit through, and crew change in, a foreign country. Different countries name it differently: US C1/D, Schengen seafarer transit visa, Australian Maritime Crew Visa (MCV), UK Joining-Ship transit visa, Canadian crew-change visa.

Who needs it

Seafarers joining or signing off via a country whose visa policy requires it.

When it is checked

• Airline check-in.
• Immigration on arrival.
• Sometimes on sign-off when leaving the country.

Common mistakes

• Last-minute application — most crew visas need 1–4 weeks.
• Wrong visa class (tourist instead of crew).
• Single-entry visa when the route needs multi-entry.

Last verified 15 days ago