The U.S. Department of State has developed written guidance on the issuance of no-fee passports to American seamen serving on U.S.-flag vessels (and to employees of the United Seamen’s Service).According to a recent communication from the government to the SIU, in order for American mariners serving on U.S.-flag vessels to apply for no-fee passports, they must present both “acceptable documentation and citizenship documentation. Additionally, both American seamen and employees of the United Seamen’s Service must present documentation from their employers. An American seaman must submit a letter from the employer certifying that he/she is working on a ship of U.S. registry and must also provide a copy of their U.S. Merchant Mariner’s document….”
The letter from the State Department to the union continues, “The no-fee passports will be valid for a five-year period and cannot be extended…. No-fee passports are to be used only for official job-related travel. These passports are not to be used for personal travel.”
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