Beginning March 1, 2001, the U.S. Embassy will accept all seafarer (Cl/D) visa renewal applications through courier. Those Manning Agencies having seafarer renewal of C1/D visa will now be required to schedule pick of visa renewal application by calling .1-909-101-0022. The Seaman's book will be delivered once the visa has been processed. Visa applications coming from Drop Authorized Manning Agencies (DRAMA) may also use the same system. Information on Nonimmigrant visa applications may also be obtaIned at this number.

Those seafarers requiring interviews will also be scheduled through 1-90-101-0022. Appointments should be made by the manning agency, not the Individual.

When calling for an appointment, please have the seaman's book and visa application fee receipt handy. You will need to provide the operator with the time and date printed on the receipt and biographic Information from the seaman's book. Please mention your agency code when making a call.

RDS clients may still use the present procedure for the required number of cases from 10:30.11:00, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday. Otherwise, you may also call the number above to arrange for pick-up and delivery of the seaman's book.

Acceptance and release of Agency code and vessel clearance will be handled between 10:30.11:00 a.m. at window A, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday. Manning agencies are reminded to review applications to avoid delay in the processing of visa renewal. For more information, visit our web site at www.usembassy.state.gov/manila.