If I have a British seamans book, do I still need a British transit visa to join my ship?

I'm from Serbia and I had to take a British transit visa last time I joined my ship. I have since obtained the British seamans book and have worked for a UK-based company for 7 years on ships. Can I go from London to Southampton without a visa?

Best Answer

Per TIMATIC, the database used by airlines:

Passport exemptions: Passengers with a Seaman Book issued by Azerbaijan, Brazil, France, India, Luxembourg, Moldova (Rep.), Russian Fed., Spain, Tanzania and Tunisia (which have ratified ILO Convention 185) or issued by countries that have ratified ILO Convention 108. The Seaman Book must contain the name and title of the issuing authority, date and place of issue and a statement that the document is issued for the purpose of the relevant Convention. The seaman must travel on duty.

The UK is a signatory to ILO Convention 108.

As such, you don't need a passport or visa to enter the UK

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Do seafarers need UK visa?

Stateless seafarers who are resident in the UK are required to hold a travel document and require visas for return to the UK if they are discharged abroad. You may need to issue the visa on a uniform format form.

Who needs a British transit visa?

You might need a Visitor in Transit visa if you're: changing flights in the UK on your way to another country. going through UK border control, for example to check in your luggage for a connecting flight. leaving the UK within 48 hours.

Does British Airways require transit visa?

Depending on your nationality and the purpose of your journey, you may need a visa or an equivalent form of authorisation for every country you enter as part of your journey \u2014 even if you are only connecting from one flight to another. This is in addition to a valid passport.

Do I need a visa if I hold a British travel document?

Holders of British Certificates of Travel (black) require visas for any kind of stay.

UK Transit Visa ! Full Information UK Transit Visa ! Visitor in Transit Visa UK !

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