Home News and Resources News Loss Prevention 27 Apr, 2023 Brazil – Changes to the Immigration Requirements for Seafarers Dean Crossley Head of Loss Prevention Asia The topic of Seafarer Identity Documents (SID) and Seaman's Books has been an ongoing issue for seafarers travelling to Brazil. In January 2021, it was highlighted that the SID issued under ILO Convention No. 185 should be used for immigration purposes instead of the Seaman's Book issued under the revoked ILO Convention No. 108. Download PDF This was due to the fact that the SID was recognised as a travel document and allowed for temporary visa exemption in Brazil. The reasoning behind the change was that a SID is a more modern and secure document that includes biometric data and is designed to replace the Seaman's Book as the official travel document for seafarers. Furthermore, the SID is recognised by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and accepted by many countries as a valid travel document for seafarers. The Brazilian immigration authority issued several fines regarding the use of the Seaman's Book instead of the SID. However, due to uncertainty at the time, Circular Note No. 09/2021 was issued on 11 May 2021 by the Division of Immigration Control and Border Security, a body linked to the Federal Police, establishing that, exceptionally and until 01 May 2022, the Seafarer Identity Document under the terms of the ILO Convention No. 108 (i.e., the Seaman's book) would be accepted for the purpose of immigration control. It also established that the terms of this exception should only apply to the signatory countries of the ILO Convention No. 185. On 18 April 2022, the General Coordination of Immigration Police, also a body linked to the Federal Police, issued Circular Note No. 02/2022 extending the exception period until 30 April 2023. This meant that until 30 April 2023, the Seaman's Book could still be used as a valid travel document for seafarers visiting Brazil. However, this exception is