Crew Change in Bangladesh Seaports

Crew Change in Bangladesh Seaports | Guidelines for 2025

As a renowned and old shipping and crewing agency in Bangladesh, Sea King Marine Services Limited's expert teams are well-versed in how to handle and what to do for foreign and local seafarers. The crew change process at Chittagong, Matarbari, Payra, and Mongla ports involves specific immigration formalities and COVID-19 protocols.

Bangladesh Immigration and Airport Authority require crew members to present a valid COVID-19 PCR test report or Vaccination certificate upon arrival at Dhaka or Chittagong airports. For off-signer crew, we arrange PCR tests onboard the vessel if necessary. Presently, the PCR test is not mandatory for Crew members departing.

Bangladesh Port Authority has permitted crew changes at those sea ports under strict guidelines during the pandemic, ensuring the safety of all personnel involved.

At Green shipping services, we handle crew change operations regularly, ensuring the interests of ship owners, operators, and crewing companies are safeguarded.

Why Choose Green shipping services for Crew Change in Bangladesh?

On average, we manage 100–120 crew sign-on and sign-off operations each month, ensuring adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols. Our services include:

• Bangladesh Ministry of Shipping Authorized Port & Crewing Agency.
• PCR tests for the crew (both onboard and onshore)
• Sign-on/off formalities at Bangladesh seaports
• Accommodation arrangements with corporate discounts
• Assistance with visa processing (on-arrival and extensions)
• A 24/7 Support team is available for immediate assistance.
• More than 2000 local seafarers are in the pool.


Comprehensive Crew Change Services at Bangladesh Seaports

Sea King Marine Services Ltd. offers the following services to ensure smooth crew sign-on/off at Chittagong, Mongla, Matarbari, and Payra ports:

• Issuance of OK TO BOARD
• On-arrival visa arrangements
• Meet & Greet services at airport/seaport in Bangladesh
• Landing permission for foreign seafarers and visa extension services
• Flight ticket arrangements (commercial and charter flights)
• Safe transportation by Own boat & car
• Corporate discounted accommodation in hotels


Eligible categories for Visa on Arrival (VOA) or Landing Permit (LP)

People from the following categories in European countries may obtain a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka:

• Business, trade officials & Shipowner
• DPA, Marine or Technical Superintend
• Seaman


Citizens of the above-mentioned European countries and United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Russian Federation, China, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Egypt, Turkey, Brunei, Philippines are eligible for Visa on Arrival if they travel to Bangladesh from a country without a resident Bangladesh Embassy or Consulate. For more details, send an email to operation@greenshippingservice.com or visit the Bangladesh Immigration Website.

Requirements for Visa on Arrival (VOA):

VOA applicants / On-signers must confirm the following before departing for Bangladesh:

• Fees to be paid at the point of entry in cash (USD/Euro/Pound Sterling)
• Minimum USD 500 in cash or a credit card (except for those on government duty)
• Return ticket for a short-term stay / No need for crewmembers
• Valid passports (Continuous Discharge Certificates (CDC) / Seaman books when travelling on duty are exempt from this requirement.)
• Letter from Local Shipping agency or OPA.
• If you are looking for the most affordable DA for crew changes in Bangladesh, please don’t hesitate to contact our team. We are ready to provide you with the best services, 24/7.