Aircrew: CRM02
Updated 19 April 2021
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CRM2.1 Legislation and aircrew
Section 33(1) of the immigration act 1971 defines crew members as all persons actually employed in the working or service of an aircraft, including the captain. Staff such as security guards are not crew members within this definition.
CRM2.2 Identity documents and aircrew
Aircrew must hold a valid passport and a pilot’s licence or a crew member certificate. All documents must contain a description of the holder, including nationality and photograph.
CRM2.3 Aircrew arriving as a crew member of an aircraft
Under section 8(1) of the immigration act 1971 a person who arrives as a crew member of an aircraft does not need leave if he is under engagement to leave within 7 days on that or another aircraft (or until the aircraft departs) unless:
- there is a deportation order in force against them;
- they have at any time been refused leave to enter and have not since been given leave to enter or remain; or
- an immigration officer requires them to submit to examination under paragraph 13(1) to schedule 2 of the 1971 act.
CRM2.4 When do aircrew need entry clearance?
Airline crew members do not need prior entry clearance if they:
- are operating crew (including stewards and stewardesses);
- are holding their licences or valid crew members’ certificates and passports; and
- are departing, as a member of the crew, on the same aircraft from the airport at which they arrived or within seven days on another aircraft (crew intending to stay longer than seven days must have entry clearance. Those who wish to extend their stay after entry must apply in the UK for leave to remain).
But aircraft security guards, crew on training, loadmasters, engineers and others are not accepted as operating crew; they will need their passport and, where applicable, visas.
Airport based operational ground staff (station managers, security managers and technical managers only) of overseas owned airlines do need prior entry clearance. All other staff of overseas and UK airlines who will be based in the UK will need entry clearance and a work permit and applications need to be considered under the Immigration rules.
CRM2.5 Visa endorsement for crew joining a ship / plane
D: Joining aircraft/ship (name) at (name of port). This endorsement is not for those in transit.