Caribbean and New England Canada From Miami and NYC

For both security and immigration purposes, each guest is responsible for identifying, securing, and presenting all required travel documents. The necessary valid travel documents, such as passports, visas, legal family documents, etc., must be presented prior to boarding the ship and available when re-entering the United States or entering any other country.

• USA & Canadian Citizens
United States and Canadian Citizens must have either a valid passport or valid documents as defined by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). Visit U.S. Customers and Border Protecion (CBP) website for additional information on WHTI compliant documents. 

United States citizens on a roundtrip cruise departing from one United States port, sailing within the Western Hemisphere and ending in the same United States port can use a government issued picture ID along with proof of citizenship in the form of an original or notarized government issued birth certificate or original Naturalization certificate in lieu of a passport. 

Please note that Government of Puerto Rico has determined that all Birth Certificates issued by Puerto Rico prior to July 1, 2010 are no longer valid; therefore another WHTI complaint document is required.

• International Travelers
International travelers who are seeking to travel to the United States are now subject to enhanced security requirements, therefore missing information or inability to show any requested document required, might cause boarding to be denied. All eligible travelers who wish to travel to the U.S.A. by air or sea have to fulfill all required documents with appropriate Visas or ESTA. Travelers eligible to travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must obtain an electronic travel authorization prior to boarding a carrier (ESTA). Residual validity of ESTA must be checked carefully (valid for 2 years from issuance). In case of passport renewal or duplication, a new ESTA is required.

In all cases, a printed copy of the approved ESTA application or valid US Visa must be presented upon check-in prior to boarding the vessel to enable personnel faster processing and avoid requests of proof. To check which countries participate in the VWP and for any further information, please visit this website. All other passengers are kindly required to check with relevant Embassy or Consulate.

Beginning January 21st, 2016, the U.S. Government enforced restrictions for ESTA and Visa applicants, who have visited Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria after March 2011. Travelers are kindly reminded to check any update and the release of any official notes on the following website.

Southern Caribbean West Indies and Antilles

• Concerning embarkation/disembarkation in Martinique OR Guadeloupe:
Passengers arriving by flights other than French or Schengen area (e.g.: USA, Dominican Republic, etc.), can enter Martinique with passport only, plus a Schengen Visa for those to whom it is requested.

Passengers arriving by direct flights from France or any other Schengen area airport, will follow same regulations as per French territory. A valid passport or any other allowed replacing document has to be shown at local Immigration upon arrival together with a Schengen Visa for those to whom it is requested; for some nationalities it is required to have the specification of visiting the Overseas French territories. Non-European passengers with French or any other Schengen country “Residence Permit” are allowed to enter Martinique with passport only. Local Visas might be required for the other countries called during the cruise.

Minors can travel with own passport only and are not accepted if present on their parents’ passport.

• Concerning embarkation/disembarkation from French Territories:
European Community passengers can Travel with valid ID card (automatically extended French ID card not accepted); We strongly recommend to use a passport with 3 months residual validity in case of voyage interruption in any of the in-transit islands whose only accepted document is a passport.

Non-European Passengers subject to Schengen Visa have to require the extension of same valid also for the French Overseas Territories.
USA Visa in some cases accepted for embarkation; please refer to Contact Center for further information.

Embarkation/Disembarkation from other territories: passport required. Visa rules applying according to the local Immigration Authorities.

• Transiting in Martinique and Guadeloupe information:
Non-European Community passengers and subject to Schengen Visa, embarking in other ports than Martinique/Guadeloupe , may transit with passport + Schengen Visa. Alternatively a special two day Visa can also be requested upon arrival at Martinique and is valid for both ports (not valid for Dominican Republic residents who must be provided of Schengen Visa or USA Visa in advance and prior to embarkation). Payment of such Visa will be performed directly by the passengers on the spot. MSC will not be responsible in case of non-granting of such a Special Visa.

European Community passengers, embarking in other ports than Martinique/Guadeloupe, can transit with passport only.

• Concerning embarkation/disembarkation in the Dominican Republic (Santo Domingo/La Romana):
Passport needed for all nationalities in order to embark . Dominican passport holders have to be provided of Schengen or USA Visa, prior to cruise embarkation, for the transit in Martinique/Guadeloupe and other ports where required. Same applying for all other nationalities whom required to.

Minors can travel with own passport only and are not accepted if present on their parents’ passport.

• Transiting in the Dominican Republic information (Santo Domingo/La Romana):
All transiting passengers may visit the country with cruise card only.

• Transiting in Philipsburgh (St. Maarten) information:
All transiting passengers are allowed to disembark without restrictions. For those to whom Visa is requested, possible interview from local Immigration may occur. MSC will not be responsible in case of non granting of authorization to go ashore.

• Transiting in St John’s (Antigua) information:
Transit passengers are allowed to disembark without restrictions.

• Transiting in Road Town (Tortola) information:
All transit passengers without any special requirements for Visa, are allowed to disembark without restrictions.

(Note for nationals of Dominican Republic and Haiti and other nationalities with same applying rules): Visa prior to embarkation required to go ashore to the British Virgin Islands; please apply to any British Embassy/Consulate. Passport holders are kindly requested to acknowledge this information.

United Kingdom and Ireland

• UNITED KINGDOM:
European Community passengers can use own passport or valid equivalent document. French ID cards with automatic extension are considered valid only inside the EU, in case of cruise calling other than EU ports, passport or new ID card required. Please consult our contact center should you require further information.
 
Passengers from other countries are kindly required to verify with UKBA (United Kingdom Border Agency) if eligible to travel in transit under the Visa Waiver Program or if need to be provided of UK Visa prior to embarkation. In absence of visa prior to embarkation, visit in transit or stay onboard ship during a UK port of call without going ashore is not authorized and guests have to disembark the previous port.

The concession of Visa upon arrival for the selected nationalities is valid only in case of transit within 24 hours. In case of two or more consecutive UK ports, Visa prior to embarkation is mandatorily required.
 
• IRELAND:
European Community passengers can use own passport or valid equivalent document. Please consult our contact center should you require further information.
 
Passengers from other countries are required to check their eligibility about  Irish Short Stay Transit Visa Waiver Program: please refer to website www.inis.gov.ie
In absence of visa prior to embarkation, visit in transit or stay onboard ship during an Irish port of call without going ashore is not authorized and guests have to disembark the previous port.
 
• TURKEY:
-  If Passport (or I.D. Card) validity date is less than 65 days, holders will NOT be allowed to enter Turkey.
-  It is also highly recommended to have minimum 180 day residual validity of Passport (or any other allowed document) for all Country Citizens, even when applying e-visa only through www.evisa.gov.tr. This to allow the system to grant the Visa.
-  In case of non-compliance of the above, a penalty fee of TL 353,10 (appx. USD 160,00 / € 140,00) will be applied directly to the document holder.
This rule is valid also for all passengers in transit in any Turkish port; even though not subject to any Visa procedure.
  

United Arab Emirates

ALL INFORMATION LISTED MIGHT BE SUBJECT TO CHANGES AND IS UPDATED ON DECEMBER 1, 2018. FOR THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT THE RELATED EMBASSIES / CONSULATES

Reference is made to cruises within the UAE, origin/destination and transiting to Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar. All passports must be valid at least 6 months on the date of departure from the UAE and for stays up to three months. (Please refer to the own country procedures for more info)

For UAE only:
Passengers holding passports of following countries do not need visa prior to the arrival in to the UAE:
>>Europe: France, Italy, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Finland, Spain, Monaco, Vatican City, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, United Kingdom, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Estonia, Cyprus, Romania, Poland, Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia, Malta, Croatia, Bulgaria, Russia, Ukraine, Liechtenstein
>>North America/Central America: USA, Canada, Bahamas Island, Mexico
>>South America: Brazil, Argentina, Chile
>>Pacific Rim/Asia/Indian Ocean: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia , South Korea, China (Rep of China), Mauritius, Seychelles, Solomon Island

Kindly note that passengers holding passports of other nationalities than the above mentioned ones, need pre-issued Visa for the UAE. By considering that there are different itineraries, please note as follows:

VISA PROCEDURE - MSC cruises Passengers, embarking/disembarking in any airport or seaport in UAE:

We are using this opportunity to reiterate that all nationalities subject to pre-issued Visa (those non listed) , even in case of Visa for the UAE offered free of charge from airlines, have to deny this one and ask for cancellation of automatic request as this is a One Entry only. In fact, the itineraries (except only the GV) of the cyclic canvas require a MV (Multi Entry Visa). This can be done only by our appointed agent (other T.O. are not eligible for this MV towards the relevant UAE Ministry) and request cannot be submitted if another Visa for the UAE is already under process of issue or has been issued but not yet used. Furthermore, our supplier is not in the position or has power to require cancellation of something not directly and previously managed.

Tourism Ships Cruise Multi Visa.

Multiple-entry Visa (MV)
All passengers arriving by flight into Dubai/Abu Dhabi or any other airport in UAE to embark the ship or participate in a pre-cruise hotel program prior to joining the ship should produce a valid visa while checking-in at their home countries. Airlines will deny boarding to passengers who are not in possession of a valid UAE visa. The validity of the visa is 60 days from the date of issue so passengers should bear this in mind while requesting for visas.

The MV is valid for 30 days from the date of first entry to UAE. This MV can be used for one time entry through any airport of UAE and unlimited time to enter & exit UAE through any seaports of UAE. Please note that this MV will be issued only for MSC cruise passengers & MSC booking confirmation with itinerary should be attached with the visa request. Agent can refuse visa application in case not fulfilling above requirement.

Processing could take 7 working days and can increase depending on Nationality. Though it is mentioned 07 days for visa procession, Sharaf Tours LLC, as ground handling agent for MSC, should not be held guarantee for any delays or refusals from Immigration department of UAE.

Cost of MV is USD 95 per visa (Inclusive of 5% VAT). The standard time to require MV is up to 21 days prior to arrival to the UAE. Surcharges may apply in case of requests received less than 21 days prior to arrival

Black Listed Countries: Following countries are not allowed to obtain the Tourist Visa.
Any passengers holding Israeli passports will not be issued visa to enter UAE. Libya, Syrian, Somalia, Yemen, Palestine, Bangladesh, Equatorial Guinea (holding passports of) are subject to special approval and security clearance. No discrimination will be raised in case of Israeli Visa or stamp evident on any nationality passport for previous visits.

No refund is granted once visas are applied but rejected by the Authorities.

Please note all cruise passengers requiring pre-issued visas, either with MSC package or independently arranged, should send visa requests addressed to visa@sharaftours.com

Contact Details concerning Visa issuing:
Contact person for all the visa related matters is as follows,

Name: Mr. Abdur Rahman
Telephone No: +9714 4060186
After Office Hours: +971 55 511 5641

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR VISA

1. 1. Visa Application Form duly filled (one for each per passenger) with all requested information
2. 2. Once Color Passport Size Photo (4.3 cm x 5.5 cm)
3. 3. Color Passport Copy (Including Amendment page, if Children names are in the passports)
4. 4. Validity Extension Page of the Passport (If passports validity are extended)
5. 5. Last Page of the Passport (for Indian nationals only - last page to be attached)
6. 6. Children with separate passport need separate entry visa (visa charges apply)
7. 7. All children applying for visas below 21 years have to provide scanned copy of their birth certificates in English. In an event the document is in any other language other than English same needs to be translated by a notarized translator.
8. 8. Children travelling with anybody other than their biological parents need to obtain a no objection letter (notarized) from both father and mother in order to apply for visa.

Please note that passport and photos must be sent in JPEG file.

Fee payment should be done by Credit card or Credit Card Payment link or bank transfer (details and form will be provided by Agent upon visa request) directly to appointed Agent and before the Visa processing. Should passenger cancel, for any reason, the Cruise, Visa already applied for, will not be reimbursed.
Once Visas are granted, Agent will send them directly to requester, via e-mail. Passengers have to print a copy of same which can be considered valid both for the flight embarkation and for the UAE Immigration at Port and Airport.

Information concerning Visa to Oman:
All in-transit cruise passengers will get visa upon arrival to Oman and landing card for a period strictly linked to the stay in the same port of the ship. If any passenger who wish to debark or stay longer than 24 hours in Oman, should follow the visa obtaining procedures applicable to Oman.

Kindly note that Israel and Bangladesh passport holders are not allowed to enter or to stay aboard vessel during the Omani call. No discrimination will be raised in case of Israeli Visa or stamp evident on any nationality passport for previous visits. For your guidance, please note official Oman Government website http://www.rop.gov.om/english/dg_passport_countrylist1.asp

Information concerning Visa to Bahrain:
All in-transit cruise passengers will get visa upon arrival to Bahrain and landing card for a stay no longer than 24 hrs. Any passenger who wish to debark or stay longer than 24 hours in Bahrain should follow the visa obtaining procedures applicable to this country.
No discrimination will be raised in case of Israeli Visa or stamp evident on any nationality passport for previous visits. For your guidance, please note official Bahrain Government website.

Information concerning Visa to Qatar:
All in-transit cruise passengers will get visa upon arrival (V.O.A.) to Qatar for a stay no longer than 24 hrs. Any passenger who wish to debark or stay longer than 24 hours in Qatar, they should follow the visa obtaining procedures applicable to this country.
No discrimination will be raised in case of Israeli Visa or stamp evident on any nationality passport for previous visits. For your guidance, please note official Qatar Government website.

Information concerning Egypt (Suez Canal): The Suez Canal is just a transit, no embarkation/disembarkation authorized, no specific Visa required.

Information concerning Jordan (Aqaba):
All in-transit cruise passengers in transit will get entry stamp upon arrival to Aqaba, no specific Visa required.

Important note concerning transit countries (Jordan, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain): the local Immigration can ask for some selected ones the Face to Face control or interview upon arrival before granting the pass or, in some cases, deny to go ashore. Should this occur they can stay onboard ship waiting for departure to next port.

South Africa

• SOUTH AFRICA:
Passengers must hold a valid passport with 6 months residual validity. Please check with any South African Embassy/Consulate if Visa prior to arrival needed according to your nationality.
 
If you are traveling from/to South Africa with children under 18 years of age, please note that new regulations have recently been introduced. For details, please refer to the following website: South Africa Home Affairs
 
For each child, parents must carry an unabridged birth certificate (English/bilingual) issued by an authorized office or agency. Please contact your nearest South African Embassy or Consulate to have your certificate(s) validated for travel.

Please note that these regulations apply to travelers from all nationalities, including South African passport holders.
 
• MOZAMBIQUE:
Passenger must hold fully valid passport, whose expiry date is at least 6 months after the return date, and a specific visa, which can be easily obtained also on board our vessel at a cost of approx. USD 30.00 (subject to rate of exchange and local fees).

Cruises From Other Countries

• INDIA:

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT VISA UPON - ARRIVAL REQUEST’S CAN’T BE ANY LONGER PROCESSED

In reference to the calls in India please note that visa is required. Eligible countries/nationalities listed in the below link can apply for E-VISA and can apply for it at the same link: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html

The application must be processed reporting the date of the first Indian call until the last day in Indian port minimum 6 days in advance of the date of embarkation port with a window of 120 days.
Example: If you are applying on 1st Sept then applicant can select arrival date from 5th Sept to 2nd January.
The visa fee is country specific. Charges for the same is mentioned in the below link. The guests can pay it online via credit card. https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/eTV_revised_fee_final.pdf

For those nationalities not included in the link have to refer to nearest Indian Embassy/Consulate. Guests who doesn’t have Indian visa have to stay onboard ship and there is no possibility to go ashore in any indian port.

Kindly note the calls in India are consecutive so it will be needed only one entry and one exit from the country.
Example: As in the Schengen area for a cruise that touch Italy/Spain/France, a single entry Schengen visa will be enough.

Important notice: Regarding E-MEDICAL VISA: it is not a tourist Visa and in open contrast with the typology of the cruise; Indian Immigration will reject it and will not allow disembarkation.
 
• ISRAEL:
Passengers in transit can receive entry Visa upon arrival;  for some nationalities, Visa costs are charged; restrictions applying to some nationalities whose entry is charged. Please refer to our Contact Center should you need further information.
 
• CROATIA, MONTENEGRO:
European passengers can transit with an ID card.
 
Non-European passengers who are not subject to Schengen visa rules can transit just with own passport.

All other non-European passengers with valid Schengen visas are admitted in the concerned countries even without a specific local visa.
 
• RUSSIA:
St Petersburg, Sochi: Passengers in transit can participate to MSC organized tours and receive entry permission without applying for Russian Visa.
 
• BULGARIA, ROMANIA:
European passengers can travel with own passport. Please refer to our Contact Center in case of additional or specific information.

Non-European passengers who are not subject to Schengen visa rules can transit just with own passport.

All other non-European passengers with valid Schengen visas are admitted in the concerned countries even without a specific local visa.
 
• SCHENGEN AREA PORTS:
Please refer to your cruise itinerary:
For European Community passengers, for cruises entirely within Schengen area, valid passport or ID card required.

All other passenger’s nationalities are required passport and/or Single Entry Schengen Visa.

For cruises including one or more Non Schengen ports, passport and Multiple Entry Visa required unless differently sequenced. Please refer our Contact Center for further information.