Applicants for a seaman’s visa must be employed in any capacity on board a vessel, and seeking to enter the Philippines solely in pursuit of his/her calling as a seaman, with the intention of departing with the vessel or reshipping on other vessel that is bound for a foreign port or place or one coming to the Philippines to join a vessel in this country.

In cases where distance makes it difficult for the applicant to travel to the Consulate, the visa application may be lodged by mail. In such cases, the accomplished visa application form and passport photograph must be noted by a Justice of the Peace, the visa fee payment must be in the form of a postal money order, and a self-address Registered Post envelope must be provided by the sender.

The minimum requirements for a seaman’s visa are the following:

For an Individual joining a vessel in the Philippines

1. Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the intended period of stay in the Philippines;
2. Valid Seaman’s Book or Certificate of Competence;
3. Duly accomplished Visa application form
4. Passport Photo (white background) taken within 6 months on the date of application;
5. Sponsorship letter from the shipping company or authorized agent; and
6. A non-refundable visa fee to be paid either in cash or postal money order payable to the “Philippine Consulate General in Sydney”. Refer toConsular Fees.

Crewlist (traveling to the Philippine on board the vessel)

1. Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the intended period of stay in the Philippines;
2. Valid Seaman’s Book or Certificate of Competence;
3. Duly Accomplished Crewlist application form (FA Form No. 60)
4. Letter from the shipping company or authorized agent; and
5. A non-refundable visa fee to be paid either in cash or postal money order payable to the “Philippine Consulate General in Sydney”. Refer to Consular Fees.