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.
Related
Primary sources
High confidence
Last verified