Blue Tourist Passport
To become a CIVMAR, you need a United States Passport, which is issued and managed by the U.S. State Department. An initial passport costs about $130 and takes 6-8 weeks to process. For an additional $60, you can expedite the process and reduce the wait time by 2-3 weeks. Given the extensive international travel CIVMARs undertake, a passport is essential.
Important Tips:
- Never travel outside the country without your passport.
- Keep your passport in your possession at all times.
- Avoid letting your passport expire while overseas.
If your passport expires while you are outside the country, obtaining a temporary passport to return to the United States can be a complicated and stressful process, especially since your ship will continue to move. Do not mail your passport away for renewal while you are on a ship. Ensure that your passport is good to go before departing on an assignment.
Link to State Department Passport Site:
Official Passport
For certain ship assignments, you may need an Official or Diplomatic Passport. This special passport is brown and issued to diplomats and government officials for official international travel. Official Passports provide privileges like expedited processing and access to diplomatic services. The process for CIVMARs to receive an Official Passport is currently being revised, but you will be informed if you need one. Notably, the USS Mount Whitney, homeported in Gaeta, Italy, requires an Official Passport. You do not need an Official Passport to apply for MSC and you are required to return the Passport at the end of your government employment.
The maritime industry can be unpredictable. Missions, ports, policies and procedures frequently changes, and not having the most up to date information is frustrating. If something we wrote needs an update, or if we missed something important that should be added or highlighted, drop us a line via the form below and we will work to get the information updated as soon as possible! Safe sailing!