Recently, five Air India cabin crew members were stranded at Zurich Airport due to missing a crucial document, the Crew Member Certificate (CMC), which grants visa-free entry to flight crews. While Zurich Airport previously allowed crews to obtain a CMC on arrival for a small fee, new regulations now require it to be carried in advance. This sudden rule change led to confusion, leaving the crew unable to leave the airport premises.
Such incidents highlight the importance of proper documentation for professionals who travel internationally. Beyond a visa, many professions, from airline crew and seafarers to diplomats and truck drivers, must carry specific permits, accreditations, or identifications to ensure smooth entry across borders. To avoid these confusions, here are some basic things that these professions need to carry to ensure seamless travel for those constantly on the move.
Airline crew
Airline crew members, including pilots and flight attendants, must carry specific documentation beyond their visas for smooth international travel. The Crew Member Certificate (CMC) allows visa-free short stays and verifies crew identity, ensuring compliance with border control regulations. Additionally, the General Declaration (GENDEC) form, required for each international flight, lists crew and flight details while addressing health and customs requirements. These documents sought entry procedures and validated international aviation standards.
Crew members must also carry a Crew ID Badge issued by their airline, which serves as official identification. This badge has to be worn at all times for security verification. These documents collectively ensure that airline professionals can perform their duties efficiently across borders while complying with global aviation policies.
Cruise ship crew and seafarers
Cruise ship crew members and seafarers have to carry specific documents to ensure smooth entry into foreign ports and compliance with maritime regulations. The Seafarer’s Identity Document (SID) allows visa-free shore leave in certain countries, serving as official identification under the International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions.
Additionally, the Seaman’s Book, also known as the Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC), acts as proof of employment at sea and records work history, ensuring legal recognition of their profession. In some ports, crew members may also need port entry passes issued by local authorities for access beyond restricted areas. These documents facilitate seamless movement, safeguard maritime security, and uphold international seafaring regulations.
Diplomats and government officials
Indian diplomats and government officials traveling abroad use a diplomatic or official passport instead of a regular one, granting them special privileges and smoother immigration processing. A letter of accreditation often accompanies their travel, confirming their official status and purpose of visit. While some countries allow visa-free entry for diplomatic passport holders, others require a diplomatic visa or entry permit, ensuring compliance with international protocols. These documents not only facilitate hassle-free movement but also support the principles of diplomatic immunity and official representation. For country-specific requirements, one can refer to the Ministry of External Affairs website to know the respective embassy rules and regulations.
Journalist and media personnels
Journalists and media personnel traveling internationally often require more than just a passport and visa. Many countries, like India, the US, and Peru, require a special journalist visa, ensuring transparency about their purpose of visit. Apart from this, a press accreditation, issued by the host country’s government or media authority, grants access to official events, restricted areas, and press briefings. Without these, reporting on sensitive topics or covering major events can become challenging for them.
Military personnels
Military personnel traveling abroad have to carry official military orders, which authorize their deployment and provide their assignment details. These documents ensure smooth entry into host nations and coordination with allied forces.
Apart from this, a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) governs the legal status of foreign military personnel in allied countries. SOFAs outline entry procedures, legal jurisdiction, tax obligations, and other operational aspects, ensuring clarity between nations. SOFA is not routinely required for the Indian military when deployed in foreign countries, as India generally does not station large military forces abroad on a permanent basis. However, if India were to deploy significant troops to a foreign country for a prolonged period, a SOFA would likely be negotiated to clearly define the legal status and rights of Indian military personnel within that nation.
Truck drivers and commercial transport workers
Indian truck drivers and commercial transport workers venturing across international borders must equip themselves with specific documentation to ensure smooth transit. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is essential, as it translates the holder’s Indian driving license into multiple languages, facilitating recognition in foreign countries. Additionally, the Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD), issued by the Western India Automobile Association (WIAA), allows temporary vehicle entry without duties. These transport permits are also essential for cargo movement, ensuring smooth customs clearance. Proper documentation helps Indian transport workers navigate international routes efficiently.
