Starting March 1st 2025, and according to the Spanish authorities, all immigration offices in Spanish ports require a valid Seaman’s Discharge Book for all non-Schengen crew members requesting transit visas, including passport stamping on embarkation and disembarkation.
What is the Seaman’s Discharge Book?
This document is crucial for any seafarer, it records embarkation and disembarkation dates, validates sea time and is required for any procedure that demands proof of seafarer status (visa applications, passport stamping, and other immigration processes).
What does this new procedure mean for crew members?
If you are requesting immigration services in Spain, the requirement of having the Seaman’s Discharge Book is mandatory for visa processing and passport stamping. You must consider that other documents, such as the captain’s letters or employment contracts, will NOT be accepted as substitutes. The Seaman’s Discharge Book is the only officially recognized document to prove seafarer status, so it is essential to have it on hand and validated.
How to Obtain a Seaman’s Discharge Book?
This document is issued by national maritime authorities. To obtain it, seafarers must apply through the maritime authority of the home country or vessel registry. Each country has its own process for issuing the Seaman’s Discharge Book. Reaching out to the relevant maritime authority in your country for the application process is easiest way to obtain it.
Remember: From March 1st, 2025, the Seaman’s Discharge Book will be mandatory for visa processing in all Spanish ports. Stay prepared and ensure your Seaman’s Discharge Book is up to date and ready before arriving to Spain and ensure a smooth journey.
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