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Seafarers Visa – Greece

Hassle-free visa processing for your travel needs.

Overview

A Short-Stay Type C Schengen Visa for Seafarers is for individuals traveling to Greece to join a vessel as part of its crew or disembark from a ship. This visa is essential for seafarers who need to transit through Greece for professional purposes.

Who needs a Seafarers Visa:

  • Seafarers joining a vessel in a Greek port.
  • Seafarers disembarking from a vessel in Greece to return to their home country.

Application Timeline:

  • Visa applications should be submitted no later than 15 calendar days before departure.
  • Applications may be submitted as early as 9 months before the departure date.

Application Submission:

  • Submit applications at Visa Application Centres (VACs) for Greece in London, Edinburgh, or Manchester.
  • Appointments must be booked online, and all applicants are required to appear in person for biometric data submission (fingerprints and photo).

Processing Time:

  • Standard Processing: 15 calendar days.
  • For certain nationalities: Minimum 3 weeks due to Schengen consultations.
  • Complex cases: Up to 45 days.
  • Manchester or Edinburgh submissions: Allow an extra 5 days for document transfers to London.

Your Visa, Our Priority – With our express appointment scheduling and expert guidance, your visa process is handled with ease.

Documents Required

Basic Requirements:

  • Visa Application Form: Fully completed and signed by the applicant.
  • Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photos (3.5 x 4 cm) with a white background.
  • Passport:
    • Valid for at least 3 months beyond the end of the stay.
    • Issued within the last 10 years.
    • Contains at least two blank pages.
    • Include copies of identification and previous Schengen visas (if any).
  • UK Residency: A UK eVisa printout from UKVI with a valid share code.
    • C-type visitor visas are not accepted.

Travel-Related Documentation:

  • Proof of Travel (Flight Tickets):
    • Confirmed round-trip air tickets showing:
      • Applicant’s name
      • Flight numbers and dates
      • Entry and exit points in the Schengen area.
    • Tickets should demonstrate travel from the UK to Greece for vessel embarkation or from Greece to the applicant’s home country after disembarkation.
  • Proof of Final Destination (if applicable):
    • Valid visa or residency permit for the next port of call or home country.

Travel Insurance (Mandatory):

  • Travel insurance policy copy showing:
    • Applicant’s full name.
    • Coverage for all Schengen states.
    • Minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 for:
      • Medical emergencies
      • Hospitalization costs
      • Repatriation (including death)
  • Insurance must be valid for the entire period of stay in the Schengen Area.
  • If insured through a bank, a bank letter confirming coverage must be provided.

Proof of Current Occupation (for Employment Verification):

  • For Employed Applicants (e.g., Seafarers on contract):
  • Employment Letter (issued within 30 days):
    • Stamped and signed by the company’s HR department.
    • Must specify:
      • Date of recruitment
      • Position and role (e.g., Deck Officer, Engineer)
    • Addressed to the Embassy of Greece or the Visa Section of the Consulate.
  • Last 3 months’ payslips.

For Self-Employed Applicants (if applicable):

  • Self-employment Letter (issued within 30 days):
    • Original document, signed and addressed to the Greek Mission.
    • Issued by:
      • Accountant (mentioning registration number), OR
      • Solicitor (with company registration proof), OR
      • Bank Manager (for business bank accounts), OR
      • Companies House (Certificate of Incorporation).
  • Most recent tax return form.

Documentation Related to the Purpose of Travel (Seafarer-Specific):

  • Seaman’s Book: Copy of pages showing personal details and records.
  • Letter from Recruiting Company: Official, signed, and dated letter from the maritime recruitment agency or shipping company, including:
    • Name and rank of the seafarer.
    • Vessel’s name.
    • Vessel’s arrival date in the Greek port.
    • Date the seafarer will join the vessel.
  • Proof of Vessel Itinerary:
    • Ship’s schedule showing arrival in and departure from Greek ports.

Proof of Finance (Proof of Sufficient Funds):

  • Personal UK Bank Statement:
    • Covering the last 3 months (showing at least 90 days of transactions).
    • Must state the applicant’s name and reflect their main salary account.
    • Must show a minimum balance of GBP 40.00 per day of stay in the Schengen Area.
    • Statements must be dated within 30 days of the visa application.
  • If Sponsored by Employer:
    • Sponsorship Letter from the maritime employer confirming:
      • Sponsorship of travel expenses and stay.
      • Full name and position of the seafarer.
    • Sponsor’s Bank Statement (last 3 months) and proof of occupation.

Additional Requirements for Minors (if applicable):

  • Birth Certificate: Full unabridged version showing both parents’ names (translated if required).
  • Parental Consent: A notarized consent letter from both parents if the minor is traveling alone or with one parent.
  • Parents’ Identification: Copies of both parents’ passports (bio and signature pages).
  • Proof of Guardianship: If applicable, legal documents confirming custody or guardianship.

Photo Specifications


Applicants must submit two recent passport-sized photographs that meet the following specifications:

  • Size: 3.5 x 4 cm (approximately 1.2 x 1.6 inches).
  • Background: Light, plain background (white or off-white) to ensure clear facial visibility.
  • Colour and Quality: High-resolution, in colour, and printed on normal photographic paper (camera print), preferably non-glossy.
  • Pose: Full face, facing forward with forehead and ears visible.
  • Expression: Neutral, with a closed mouth (no smile).
  • Accessories: No sunglasses, hats, or head coverings, unless worn for religious or cultural reasons.
  • Age of Photo: Taken within the last 6 months from the date of application.

Need Help? Contact Us!

+44 7700172138

sales@greecevisa.co.uk

+44 2038832945

Visa Charges

Below is the fee structure for our visa services.

Appointment-Only Service

For applicants who need an appointment and guidance but will manage their own documents and submission.

Service Processing Time Fee Includes
Standard Appointments within 6 weeks £99.00 Appointment, guidance, & document pack (Visa charges not included)
Premium Appointments within 4 weeks £199.00 Appointment, guidance, document pre-check & official visa form filling (Visa charges not included)

(Mandatory visa centre charge of £25 payable for booking the appointment)

All-Inclusive Visa Service Packages

Comprehensive support, including documentation assistance and a smoother visa centre experience.

Service Processing Time Fee Includes
Standard Appointments within 2 weeks £395.00 Appointment, guidance, document pre-check, official visa form filling, complimentary meet & greet
Premium Lounge Appointments within 7 days (Priority submission, no waiting time) £450.00 Appointment, guidance, document pre-check, official visa form filling, complimentary meet & greet

Optional Services

Additional support for travel arrangements.

Service Fee Includes
Travel Arrangements £100.00 Flight, hotel, and travel insurance tailored specifically for visa purposes

Need Help? Contact Us!

+44 7700172138

sales@greecevisa.co.uk

+44 2038832945

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