Cruise ship crew visiting U.S. ports will no longer need to carry a paper I-95 permit. Beginning July 1, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has officially transitioned to an electronic Crewman's Landing Permit (e-I-95), replacing the paper document that has long been required for eligible seafarers going ashore.

Under the new system, eligible crew members will receive a new electronic I-95 every time they enter the United States. The permit is no longer issued on paper and can instead be accessed through approved CBP digital platforms.

Crew members should note that each electronic I-95 is valid only for the current U.S. port call. Once the vessel departs for a foreign port, the permit automatically becomes invalid, and a new electronic I-95 will be issued upon the ship's next arrival in the United States.

To access the electronic permit, crew members can use the CBP Link mobile application, available for both iOS and Android devices, or retrieve it through the CBP I-94/I-95 online portal using their passport number and date of birth. The electronic permit may be shown directly from a mobile device or presented as a printed copy.

CBP advises crew members to ensure they always have access to their current electronic I-95 before leaving the vessel. Failure to present a valid permit when requested could result in denial of shore leave.

When going ashore in a U.S. port, crew members should carry:

• Their company-issued crew identification card.
• Their current electronic I-95, either digitally or as a printed copy.

Because internet connectivity may be unreliable in some ports, crew members are encouraged to save a screenshot of their electronic I-95 before leaving the ship. Having an offline copy can help avoid delays if the permit needs to be presented to authorities.

Cruise lines are also updating onboard procedures to reflect the new process, with crew offices providing guidance and assistance for those experiencing difficulties accessing their electronic permits.

The move to a fully digital I-95 system is part of CBP's broader effort to modernize border processing and reduce reliance on paper documentation while maintaining secure and efficient entry procedures for international crew members visiting U.S. ports.

I-95 is issued by CBP to eligible foreign crew members arriving aboard commercial ships and aircraft. It authorizes temporary entry into the United States while a vessel is in port, allowing crew members to take shore leave or join and depart their assigned vessel.