What is a crew transit / crew member visa?

A short-stay visa specifically for crew joining or leaving a vessel. The US C-1/D is the canonical example: C-1 covers transit, D covers entry as a crew member; both run on the same combined passport stamp. Schengen states issue a C-type 'crewman' visa or treat short crew-change movements under FAL Convention exemptions. Some countries grant transit-only stamping in lieu of a formal visa when arrival is a direct crew change with proof (letter of guarantee + SEA + valid seaman's book).

What is the FAL Convention?

The IMO Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (1965, as amended) — Standard 3.44 requires Contracting Governments to permit shore leave to foreign crew members on a valid Seafarers' Identity Document (SID) under ILO C185, without requiring an individual visa, provided the seaman's identity document is recognised. In practice many states still require a visa for boarding/disembarking a vessel — FAL Standard 3.44 is widely-honoured for shore leave only.

Why does this lookup return 'verify with consulate'?

Visa rules change frequently and bilateral agreements override generic categories. This wizard returns a typical baseline; the manning agent and the ship's agent in the joining port should always confirm current requirements 30+ days before joining. The visa-matrix page maintains a more granular lookup; this wizard is for quick what-if scenarios.

Can I rely on a US C-1/D for a Schengen joining port?

No. Each country requires its own visa. A Filipino seafarer joining in Rotterdam needs a Schengen C visa even if they hold a valid US C-1/D for a US joining port. Multi-port voyages may require visas from every country with a planned crew-change call. Confirm with the ship's agent which calls actually trigger crew-change activity.

Crew change visa wizard

Quick lookup of typical crew-transit visa requirements by port country × seafarer nationality. Built around FAL Convention Standard 3.44 (shore leave) and ILO C185 (Seafarers' Identity Document) baselines, with country-specific overrides for the major joining ports. Always verify with the manning agent and the ship's agent in the joining port at least 30 days before travel.

Port country

Your nationality

Philippines → United States

Crew visa required

C-1/D combined transit / crewman visa required. No FAL exemption. Apply via the US embassy in your home country at least 30-60 days before joining; manning agent provides the letter of guarantee.

Documents to carry

· Passport valid 6+ months beyond the planned disembarking date.
· Seafarers' Identity Document (SID) per ILO C185 — many states require the SID specifically rather than a generic seaman's book.
· Original Seafarer Employment Agreement (SEA) or call-up letter.
· Manning agent letter of guarantee with the ship's agent's contact in the joining port.
· STCW Certificate of Competency / Proficiency originals plus copies.
· STCW medical fitness certificate (within 2 years; 1 year for <18).
· COVID / yellow-fever / specific country health certs where applicable (Yellow Fever required for several West African and South American port countries).

Source baseline: IMO FAL Convention 1965 (as amended, particularly Standard 3.44), ILO Convention 185 (Seafarers' Identity Document, 2003 revised 2016), national crew-change procedures published by the relevant maritime administrations. See also visa matrix, FAL Convention, SID, joining a ship.

Crew change visa wizard

Port country

Your nationality

Philippines → United States

Crew visa required

C-1/D combined transit / crewman visa required. No FAL exemption. Apply via the US embassy in your home country at least 30-60 days before joining; manning agent provides the letter of guarantee.

Documents to carry

· Passport valid 6+ months beyond the planned disembarking date.

· Seafarers' Identity Document (SID) per ILO C185 — many states require the SID specifically rather than a generic seaman's book.

· Original Seafarer Employment Agreement (SEA) or call-up letter.

· Manning agent letter of guarantee with the ship's agent's contact in the joining port.

· STCW Certificate of Competency / Proficiency originals plus copies.

· STCW medical fitness certificate (within 2 years; 1 year for <18).

· COVID / yellow-fever / specific country health certs where applicable (Yellow Fever required for several West African and South American port countries).