These efforts are being made through a request that port States make provisions for crewmembers to be able to apply for visas upon arrival in port or very shortly before arrival if the port State requires a visa for shore leave.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) today announced its support of efforts being led by the International Shipping Federation (ISF) to facilitate shore leave for seafarers. These efforts are being made through a request that port States make provisions for crewmembers to be able to apply for visas upon arrival in port or very shortly before arrival if the port State requires a visa for shore leave.

CLIA supports ISF’s proposal made in a submission to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Facilitation Committee, which meets in April to consider its current review of the IMO Convention on the Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL). The FAL Convention includes a blanket prohibition on port states requiring seafarers to obtain visas in order to enjoy shore leave.

“Crewmembers are the lifeblood of our industry,” said Christine Duffy, President and CEO of CLIA. “We strongly support the efforts underway at the IMO to enable them to take advantage of their well-earned shore leave in the hundreds of ports across the globe that our member line ships visit.”

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association with representation in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. CLIA represents the interests of cruise lines, travel agents, port authorities and destinations, and various industry business partners before regulatory and legislative policy makers. CLIA is also engaged in travel agent training, research and marketing communications to promote the value and desirability of cruise holiday vacations with thousands of travel agency and travel agent members. CLIA’s Associate Member and Executive Partner program includes the industry’s leading providers of supplies and services that help cruise lines provide a safe, environmentally-friendly and enjoyable holiday vacation experience for millions of passengers every year.