Seafarers

Seafarers that need to obtain visas in order to be embarked on Italian or foreign ship – the latter heading to an Italian harbour or Italian waters, can apply for a seafarers’ visa. Depending on the length of stay and on the vessel’s flag, you may need a C-type visa (Schengen) or a D-type visa (National).

Seafarers, in the performance of their duties, may apply for a visa as early as nine months prior to the scheduled start date of their journey.

The request for a D-type visa may be forwarded if the seafarer will work on board of a vessel – regardless of its country of registration – that is supposed to stay for more than 90 days in Italy or within Italian waters.

Requested documents

1. Application form duly filled up and signed.
2. Passport-size photo compliant with international ICAO standards, full front, white background, and not older than 6 months;
3. A valid passport (and a copy) satisfying the following criteria:
   1. Its validity must extend at least three months beyond the duration of the requested visa;
   2. It must contain at least two blank pages;
   3. It must have been issued within the last 10 years.
4. Previous Schengen, USA, or UK visa copy.
5. Copy of the Seafarers Identity Document (SID).
6. Formal request of the Shipowner (“Società armatrice”) mentioning the following details:
   1. Name of the vessel;
   2. Detailed indication of the work activity to be performed by the applicant;
   3. Exact date of arrival of the vessel in the Italian harbor;
   4. Exact date of embarkation of the applicant.
7. Letter from the employer (if different from the Shipowner) mentioning:
   1. Name and designation of the applicant;
   2. Start of employment date;
   3. Applicant’s monthly salary.
8. Employment contract duly signed by both parties.
9. If the worker is not an employee of the Shipowner Company, a copy of the tender contract (Contratto d’appalto) should be provided.

• Copy of the vessel’s registration certificate in the Italian / International Register.
• Letter from the Italian Harbor Authorities (“Capitaneria di Porto”) confirming the vessel’s arrival date and exact length of stay in the harbor.
• (Only for Shengen Visa) An international medical insurance covering the entire stay with a minimum of 30.000 € coverage and full and unlimited coverage for hospitalization. Emergency repatriation flight as well as repatriation of mortal remains must be included. Detailed table of benefit must be provided.
• If the seafarer/worker is expected to enter the Schengen area before the boarding date, a confirmed hotel booking is required.
• Confirmed flight booking.
• Visa fee.

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