What visas do I need?

In short, you don’t need to get your own visas, but there are exceptions. It is worth checking what you need before you join, from whoever gives you the position and seek a second opinion as some people like to be seen to know things they actually don't. They won't be the ones caught out!

Greg's tip: Some nationalities need a visa which others don’t for visiting certain countries. I am British and was visiting the U.S.A on one ship and didn't realise I needed a C1/D visa which allowed me to work onboard in the USA within 24 hours of the ship sailing from a US port. Fortunately, the passport check-in guy allowed me to enter as long as I got a visa before the next visit to a US port. I was able to get my visa in Bridgetown, Barbados (which was actually easier than it would have been in London). After this I learned to check exactly what was needed before I sailed. Some people of certain nationalities cannot visit certain ports. This means they will not be allowed ashore but will not pay a penalty for staying on board. In general the headache of visas is taken away by the crew purser. This is another benefit of working on a ship which passengers don’t have as they have to get their own visas.

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