Many countries require crew to obtain specific “crew” visas.
Flight crew members continue to encounter visa issues here and there around the
world on a fairly regular basis. It’s important to always verify the correct
visa type needed to enter your intended destinations worldwide. Crew visa
issues can be avoided with adequate advanced planning. Multiple entry visas are
usually a preferred option, particularly for those countries you intend to
travel to frequently. Additionally, many crew members take the precaution of
carrying a second passport. This allows one to be submitted for visas while
having a backup ready in case of a short-notice trip.
1. Knowing flight
crew visa requirements
While some countries allow flight crew members to enter
without visas (or with a business visas), many require specific “crew” visas.
China, for example, is very particular about crew having “C”-type visas. For
instance, if you’re operating an aircraft to or from China and do not have a
crew visa, you may be fined or subject to deportation. In terms of visa
planning, it often makes a difference how you enter and exit a country. For
example, if you enter China on a commercial carrier and depart as a crew
member, you’ll need an “L”- or “F”-type visa to enter and a “C” visa to depart.
Visa glitches can be avoided by working on these requirements in advance with a
visa or 3rd-party provider.
2. Understanding
visa documentation
In applying for crew visas, you’ll need to provide passport
details. Certain countries also require pictures, an invitation letter, length
of stay (itinerary) and crew position (i.e., Captain, Second In Command, etc.).
Some countries, such as Brazil, do not require visas for crew members on duty
with crew certificates such as an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATP).
However, they must be listed on the general declaration and have a crew I.D.
with a photo on it. Additionally, crew members such as flight attendants and
flight engineers must have visas unless they have appropriate certification
like a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) license. Nevertheless, there have
been problems at Brazilian airports (for example, customs inspectors have
insisted that all crew members require visas), so it’s always recommended to
obtain visas prior to arrival. We suggest you check with a visa provider or
other 3rd-party provider about requirements for each location. For example,
India requires an invitation letter from your local sponsor, and Russia usually
wants a support letter from your hotel in order to process a visa application.
Some Chinese embassies still ask for a sponsor letter, even though that
regulation no longer exists. If they do request a letter, please refer them to
internal document 119. For “‘C’”-type China Visa, you’ll need to
provide a letter (on company letterhead) with the aircraft registration,
aircraft type, schedule while in China, purpose of flight and crew members’
information.
3. Understanding
options in obtaining visas in advance
You have the option of obtaining flight crew visas directly
from an embassy or by working with a visa provider. In some cases, depending on
the country, (when possible) a 3rd-party provider may be able to assist in
obtaining visas on arrival for short-notice requests. A visa provider can obtain
visas in a more expedited fashion, but this service is usually more expensive.
The process of obtaining visas directly at embassies may take longer, and
someone will have to physically wait in line to submit the required
information. We recommend applying for multi-entry visas when possible and
having a second passport to provide short-notice trip backup options while
visas are being processed on the primary passport. It’s also a good idea to
have visas in place for backup pilots if the primary crew is not able to fly on
the day of flight or if a new crew must be repositioned to another location on
short notice.
4. Obtaining visas
on arrival: Pros and cons
Visas on arrival can be obtained at some locations. However,
this takes time and is usually only valid for a limited period – often just 72
hours. We always recommend obtaining visas in advance to avoid last-minute
problems and to cut down on crew duty time on arrival. Also, it’s best to
check with your 3rd-party provider on the possibility of obtaining visas on
arrival, as regulations may change without prior notice. It’s always best
practice to obtain visas prior to arrival to avoid problems.
[Source: http://www.universalweather.com/blog/2012/02/5-things-to-know-about-crew-visa-requirements/]
