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Visa Requirements
Seafarer entry guidance for major maritime countries — shore leave, sign-on/off and airport transit. General reference only.
⚠ General guidance only. Visa requirements depend on the seafarer's nationality, the vessel's flag, and purpose of entry, and change frequently. Always confirm with the local agent and the relevant embassy/consulate before any crew change, shore leave or transit.
● Not required● Usually not required● May be required● Required
🇺🇸United States
▼Shore Leave
Required
Sign On/Off
Required
Airport Transit
Required
🇪🇺Schengen Area (EU)
▼Shore Leave
May be required
Sign On/Off
May be required
Airport Transit
May be required
🇬🇧United Kingdom
▼Shore Leave
Usually not required
Sign On/Off
May be required
Airport Transit
May be required
🇦🇪UAE
▼Shore Leave
May be required
Sign On/Off
Required
Airport Transit
May be required
🇸🇬Singapore
▼Shore Leave
Usually not required
Sign On/Off
May be required
Airport Transit
May be required
🇨🇳China
▼Shore Leave
May be required
Sign On/Off
May be required
Airport Transit
May be required
🇰🇷South Korea
▼Shore Leave
Usually not required
Sign On/Off
May be required
Airport Transit
May be required
🇮🇳India
▼Shore Leave
May be required
Sign On/Off
Required
Airport Transit
May be required
🇧🇷Brazil
▼Shore Leave
Usually not required
Sign On/Off
May be required
Airport Transit
May be required
🇵🇦Panama
▼Shore Leave
Usually not required
Sign On/Off
May be required
Airport Transit
May be required
🇦🇺Australia
▼Shore Leave
May be required
Sign On/Off
Required
Airport Transit
Required
🇿🇦South Africa
▼Shore Leave
Usually not required
Sign On/Off
May be required
Airport Transit
May be required
🇪🇬Egypt
▼Shore Leave
Usually not required
Sign On/Off
May be required
Airport Transit
May be required
🇹🇷Türkiye
▼Shore Leave
Usually not required
Sign On/Off
May be required
Airport Transit
May be required
📖 Seafarer Entry Basics
- The IMO FAL Convention encourages shore leave for seafarers regardless of nationality, but each state applies its own immigration rules.
- A valid Seafarer's Identity Document / discharge book plus passport is the baseline everywhere.
- "Shore leave" is usually easier than "sign-on/off" or "airport transit".
- The US (C1/D) and Australia (MCV) require a visa in advance for essentially all foreign crew — plan early.
- This is orientation only. The agent and the embassy/consulate give the binding answer for a specific nationality and date.
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