No Passport, No Visa? Worry Not You can Still Travel To Foreign With This Document

The Passport Seva portal has been down since August 29, causing difficulties for citizens planning international travel. Those trying to book new appointments have faced challenges while existing appointments have been rescheduled.

As per the statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, this discomfort is attributed to the regular technical maintenance the portal undergoes. The estimated time period for the maintenance is said to be five days. 

When Will the Passport Seva Portal Open?

As per the instructions issued by the MEA, the Passport Seva portal went down on August 29, owing to technical maintenance. The process will continue till September 3. 

Users will be able to make new appointments to apply for a passport or visa from tomorrow. 

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Is Passport Necessary for Foreign Travel?

The majority of travelers are aware that they require a passport and visa in order to go overseas. But another paper serves the same purpose as a passport and even gets its holder to bypass airport visa regulations. The document is commonly called the Seamen Book. This book is not available for everyone, and is issued only to employees of the Merchant Navy, workers of the Cruise Line, and fishermen working on fishing vessels.

All passengers, whether flying for tourism, business, or medical reasons, need to have a valid passport and visa when they arrive at the airport, according to a senior airport security official. However, the Seaman Book is recognized as a valid passport for anyone traveling to report for duty on merchant ships, cruise ships, or other vessels. 

In certain situations where an individual is using a Seaman Book as valid proof for travelling via air, the traveler must provide the Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC), also called the Seafarer Identity Document, during the immigration check

What is the Seaman Book?

For some professionals, a Seaman Book is an official document that allows them to travel internationally via seaports and airports. This is a restricted access document that is only available to personnel aboard fishing vessels, employees of the Merchant Navy, and employees of cruise lines. The Seaman Book is a vital identity document for people who work at sea, much like a passport is for frequent travelers.

A Seaman Book, like a passport, has all the necessary information, including the name, nationality, and date of birth of the employee. Along with these details, it also contains the employee's job title, educational background, assignment ship name, and travel duration. This document speeds up the immigration procedure at foreign ports and acts as the main form of identification for crew members on ships operating in international seas.

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