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Joined: 11/11/2010
Posts: 3
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I am planning to join a yacht for a delivery from Cape Town to Scotland in about 2 weeks. I am returning straight home to my job in South Africa after the delivery.
As a South African passport holder I am aware that I need a visa to enter the UK, but there is no time to apply. After arrival in port, I will head straight to London and fly back, my flight will be booked before we go.
I do not qualify for the 'transit without visa concession' as I am not arriving by air, although I meet all other requirements. The skipper will take responsibility while we are underway, but I am not sure whether that could extend until I leave the UK, since I will leave the yacht in Scotland.
Should I expect major problems when I exit?
Any helpfull comments will be much appreciated.
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Hi S,
I would have the captain get in contact with the agent at your arrival port. See if they can organize a "In Transit" visa for you upon arrival. I have done this several times for my crew. Just remember that you need to fly directly out to a non schengen country you cannot fly from one schengen country to another so make sure if you have a connecting flight it is in a non schegen country. hope this helps!
Hope this helps.
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Joined: 01/06/2008
Posts: 1013
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Anonymous wrote:Hi S,
I would have the captain get in contact with the agent at your arrival port. See if they can organize a "In Transit" visa for you upon arrival. I have done this several times for my crew. Just remember that you need to fly directly out to a non schengen country you cannot fly from one schengen country to another so make sure if you have a connecting flight it is in a non schegen country. hope this helps!
Hope this helps.
Over 20 years of doing this and I have never seen a situation where the seaman couldn't get to the airport from the ship and fly home over a visa issue.
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Joined: 25/06/2009
Posts: 271
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Henning, would a South African seaman's book help in this case?
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Joined: 01/06/2008
Posts: 1013
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rodsteel wrote:Henning, would a South African seaman's book help in this case?
A Seaman's Book would generally guaranty him safe passage to the airport and if he was destitute it would also get him home one way or another even if they stick him on some other ship heading home. A proper seaman is accorded quite a few international courtesies.
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Joined: 11/11/2010
Posts: 3
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Thanks for the replies, it helped a lot. I will try to arrange what I can, and hope they will let me leave in peace, as opposed to letting me leave with a kick on the backside (read: red stamp in passport)!
BTW, who do I contact if I wanted to get a SA seamans book?
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Joined: 01/06/2008
Posts: 1013
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Steph wrote:Thanks for the replies, it helped a lot. I will try to arrange what I can, and hope they will let me leave in peace, as opposed to letting me leave with a kick on the backside (read: red stamp in passport)!
BTW, who do I contact if I wanted to get a SA seamans book?
Call your MP's office, they'll have all that info.
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Hi Steph, you can get the SA Seaman's book from SAMSA (SA Maritime Safety Association) in Cape Town.
There is also a Maritime Academy (STCW school, Foreshore area) in Cape Town that can assist with this.
Typically you will need to submit an employment letter from the vessel, STCW certificates and ENG1 medical exam report.
Happy sailing.
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Joined: 24/03/2011
Posts: 4
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Hi Steph, you can also get your seamans book in Durban if you are from there, plus you can get your ENG 1 there.
Hope this helps.
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Joined: 01/10/2009
Posts: 2
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