Marittimi – Seafarers

Seafarers that need to obtain visas in order to be embarked on Italian or foreign ship, in an Italian harbour, can apply for a seafarers’ visa. Depending on the lenght of stay and on the vessel’s flag, you may need for a C visa (Schengen) or a D visa (National). Processing times for this visa category is up to 90 days.

Requested documents

1. Application form duly completed and signed;
2. One passport size color photo, white background, maximum 6 months old (see specifications);
3. A valid passport (and a copy) satisfying the following criteria:its validity must be at least three months longer than the visa requested;
   it must contain at least two blank pages;
   it must have been issued within the previous 10 years;
4. Copy of a valid French permit of stay;
5. Previous Schengen, USA, or UK visa copy.
6. Copy of the Official Seafarers Identity Document.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Employment contract duly signed by both parties.
10. If the worker is not an employee of the Shipowner Company, a copy of the tender contract (Contratto d’appalto) should be provided.
11. Copy of the vessel’s registration certificate in the Italian / International Register.
12. Letter from the Italian Harbor Authorities (“Capitaneria di Porto”) confirming the vessel’s arrival date and exact length of stay in the harbor.
13. 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.
14. If the seafarer/worker is expected to enter the Schengen area before the boarding date, a confirmed hotel booking is required.
15. Confirmed flight booking.
16. Visa fee: 116€ for a D visa and 90€ for a C visa (only payment in cash, please bring the exact amount).

Please be aware that, at the time of your appointment, your application will not be accepted unless presented with all required documents. if all the items listed above are not presented, the applicant will have to reschedule a new appointment.

The information outlined above may be subject to change without prior notice. No liability can be accepted for the consequences of such changes.

This consular administration has full authority to evaluate and request additional documentation, if deemed necessary, in addition to what has been submitted and to ask for a personal interview. Furthermore, the applicant, is hereby informed that submitting all the required documentation, does not guarantee the issuance of any particular visa.

If the applicant choses to receive his passport by mail, the Consulate is not responsible for any loss or damage.

Detailed information on the protection of personal data concerning the release of visas pursuant to the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679) is available on the website Visto per l’Italia.