Updated crew change process

14 Apr 2021 / Ras Laffan, Qatar

GAC Qatar has been granted approval to proceed using existing/issued multi-entry visas for crew sign- on & -off at Ras Laffan port, for the crew holding a valid seaman book instead of Multiple entry visa cancellation. Future crew movements of crew sign on /off should be used seaman visa instead of multi-entry visa.

The process using multi-entry visa will be same as seaman visa process below.

SIGNING -ON PROCESS REQUIREMENTS

  • Clear copies of valid seaman book & passport copies (with at least 6 months’ validity) to process seaman visa, which takes 2-3 working days to release.
  • Quarantine hotel to be booked through Discover Qatar after visa receipt. Air ticket to be booked based on quarantine hotel availability.
  • Air ticket for OKTB with airline.
  • Upon arrival at the airport, Mobile Sim card (Local) to be arranged to install Ehteraz App on smart phones from App Store / play store and to be activated by adding seaman visa details which shows the health status after swab test and are mandatory for travel purpose. Health status to be green color code. Original passport required to purchase Sim card.
  • Transport from airport to Hotel TO be arranged by Discover Qatar.
  • Proceed for Hotel quarantine for 7 days and a swab test will be arranged on 6th day of quarantine.
  • GAC to be notified on crew arrival for seaman visa extension after crew arrival and visa used inside country.
  • GAC will be able to extend the seaman visa for 30 days (cost QR 100.00 or penalty of QR 200 applied each additional of overstay after 48 hours).
  • Test results will be released within 24-48 hours and Ehteraz status will change to green based on negative results.
  • Seaman transit pass and transportation to Ras Laffan will be arranged for sign on.
  • Screening at clinic RLIC will be arranged prior proceeding to immigration for clearance.
  • Crew joining to vessel after completion of security & immigration clearance.

SIGNING-OFF PROCESS REQUIREMENTS

  • Clear copies of seaman book, passport copies (with at least 6 months’ validity) to process seaman visa, which takes 2-3 working days to release.
  • Mobile Sim card (Local) to be arranged to install Ehteraz App on smart phones from App Store / play store and to be activated by adding seaman visa details which shows the health status after swab test and are mandatory for travel purpose. Health status to be green color code. Original passport required to purchase Sim card.
  • Shore leave pass, gate pass and temporary accommodation to arrange for the crew at Shaqab camp till the swab test results arrives. There is no requirement of 7 days’ quarantine for off-signers holding seaman visa.
  • Mandatory swab test to be arranged at Ras Laffan port clinic or Medina clinic with advance notice (minimum 3 working days). Results take a minimum of 24 -48 hours.
  • Departure flight ticket to be issued for next day pm hours of swab test results (2nd day of swab test) as the test results are valid for 72 hours only.
  • Seaman transit pass to be prepared (requires passport, seaman book, visa, blue background JPEG photo & flight ticket)
  • Upon issuance of swab test results with green status & valid seaman transit pass is sufficient to arrange transportation 6 hours prior flight departure from RLC to airport for smooth repatriation.

For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Ras Laffan, contacvt GAC Qatar at [email protected]

If quoting any content from Hot Port News, please cite GAC Hot Port News as the source.