Seafarer’s Book: What It Is and How to Use It for Yacht Travel

What is a Seaman’s Book?

A Seaman’s Book (also known as a Seafarer’s Passport or Seaman’s Identity Document) is an official document that certifies a person as a member of a vessel’s crew. It is issued by maritime authorities of different countries under their respective flags.

It is important to note that a Seaman’s Book does not replace a regular passport, but it provides additional advantages for those who travel or live on a yacht.

Why is it useful?

• Staying on board
  If a yacht is moored in a marina, the Seaman’s Book allows you to be officially registered as part of the crew and remain on the vessel longer than a regular tourist visa would allow.
• Visa-free travel
  When sailing between countries (for example, from Cyprus to Greece or from Turkey to Italy), entry and exit stamps are placed in the Seaman’s Book rather than in your regular passport. This makes it possible to travel along such routes without a Schengen visa, provided you are genuinely moving by yacht.
• Crew list
  The yacht’s captain or owner can add you to the official crew list. The Seaman’s Book confirms this status and simplifies border formalities when entering a new port.
• Join ship entry
  In some cases, a Seaman’s Book can even be used when flying into a country. If the captain or an agent issues an invitation, you can arrive by plane to join a yacht and clear border control without a visa. In this case, you present your regular passport, the Seaman’s Book, and confirmation from the vessel.

Types of Seaman’s Books

You can obtain a Seaman’s Book under different flags. The most common options are:

• Belize, Panama, Palau, St. Kitts & Nevis — fastest to issue, usually within 2 weeks.
• Cyprus, Greece — processing takes longer and requires more documentation.
• Bahamas — one of the more expensive and time-consuming options, but highly trusted by port authorities.

The validity period of most Seaman’s Books is 5 years, after which they can be renewed.

Important Usage Notes

• A Seaman’s Book is always used alongside a regular passport.
• To have legal effect, you must be listed in the crew list or have an official invitation from the captain or agent.
• For independent trips not linked to a yacht, the Seaman’s Book is not applicable.

Seaman’s Book and Visas: How It Works in Europe

Entry from a non-Schengen country

If a yacht sails, for example, from Turkey to Greece or Italy, crew members can enter the Schengen Area without a visa using a Seaman’s Book. Border authorities record your arrival through the port and recognize you as part of the crew rather than as a tourist.

Movement within the Schengen Area

If the yacht is already in the Schengen zone (e.g., sailing from Greece to Italy), the Seaman’s Book does not extend your stay. Your days are still counted according to your visa or visa-free allowance.

If your Schengen stay has expired

A Seaman’s Book does not protect against overstaying. European authorities strictly enforce rules, and violations can result in fines or entry bans.

Conclusion

For those who spend a lot of time on a yacht with friends or travel frequently by sea, a Seaman’s Book is a very convenient tool.

⚓ If a yacht is more than just a short vacation for you—if it’s a lifestyle—a Seaman’s Book provides extra freedom and flexibility on the water.