777 - 08/11 - Visa Requirements - Nigeria

This is an update to Bulletin 423Club Members are expressing concern over requirements for cadets, supernumeraries and supercargoes onboard to possess a valid visa when visiting Nigerian Ports. Members with vessels frequently trading to Nigeria say that it is difficult to obtain such visas, imposes substantial administrative problems and is not viable for vessels in worldwide trade.

Fines of US$ 2000 per infringement are being charged to vessels allegedly due to noncompliance with visa regulations. Immigration authorities’ recognise cadets, supernumeraries and supercargoes to be classified as passengers and as such require valid entry visas.

A copy of the relevant section of the Nigerian Immigration regulations can be found at; http://www.ukpandi.com/loss-prevention/article/777-08-11-visa-requirements-nigeria-3302/

In recent incidents Immigration officers are actively scrutinising crew contracts, seaman’s discharge books, passports and certificates of competencies to look for any minor discrepancy for which they impose the fine of US$ 2000.

It is also noted that the level of compliance to these regulations and the fines imposed by the Immigration officials may vary between differing immigration Officers

Source of information:

Loss Prevention Department

UK P&I Club

Lossprevention.ukclub@thomasmiller.com