Seaman or Transit Visa
Transit Visa:
Due to its strategic location, Portugal is a vital hub for travellers and maritime professionals. If you’re transiting through Portugal or a seafarer joining or leaving a vessel, you may need a Transit Visa or Seaman Visa.
At Crown Portugal, we provide comprehensive guidance, application support and assistance for visa applications, guaranteeing a smooth procedure.
Portugal seaman Visa
A Portugal transit visa is required for non-European travellers travelling through Portugal on their way to another nation if:
- You intend to stay in the international transit area of a Portuguese airport.
- This visa does not permit entry into Portugal or other Schengen countries.
Under Regulation (EU) 2016/399, the Schengen Borders Code governs the issuance and use of Transit Visas. Compliance with Articles 6 and 14 ensures applicants meet entry conditions and provide necessary documents. - You travel to a non-Schengen country and have a layover in Portugal.
Transit Visa:
You need a Transit Visa if:
- You are from a country that requires a visa to transit through the Schengen Area.
- You have a layover in Portugal but do not plan to leave the airport’s international transit area.
Exemptions: - Holders of valid Schengen Visas, residence permits, or visas from EU/EEA countries, Japan, Canada, or the U.S.
- Travelers with no intention to leave the airport’s transit area.
Seaman Visa:
You need a Seaman Visa if: - You are a crew member joining or disembarking from a ship at a Portuguese port.
- You require entry into Portugal for maritime work.
Exemptions: - Crew members with special agreements between their country and Portugal may be exempt.
Disclaimer
Nature of Consulting
Services Crown Consulting specialises in providing consulting services to assist clients in various administrative and procedural matters. Our services include but are not limited to Consulting on Administrative Procedures. We provide guidance on the procedural steps necessary to obtain multiple documents and manage requests for entry, stay and residence of foreign citizens in Portugal. This includes helping to understand the requirements, accessing education and eligibility for the necessary documentation, providing guidance on essential documents, collecting documents, and directing them to the correct path. Our role is to enable accurate decisions to be made during administrative processing. Assistance with Information and Documentation: We offer information on obtaining the necessary permits, visas, and other educational, skills, and knowledge documents. Our role is to assist clients in collecting and organising the required materials, ensuring they meet all administrative criteria.
Distinction of Legal
Services It is crucial to emphasise that Crown Consulting does not offer legal services. Our activities are purely advisory and do not cover the following: Legal Advice: We do not provide legal opinions, interpret laws, or advise clients of their legal rights or obligations. Instead, we provide general guidance on procedural matters based on publicly available information. Legal Representation: We do not represent clients in legal proceedings or communicate with legal authorities in a capacity that requires a licensed attorney. Preparation of Legal Documents: We do not draft or prepare documents such as contracts, petitions or any other formal legal instrument requiring legal expertise
Seaman Visa
A Seaman Visa is designed for crew members of ships or vessels docking at Portuguese ports. It allows:
- Entry into Portugal to join or leave a Ship.
- Temporary stay for maritime duties.
This visa ensures compliance with international maritime, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO) guidelines and Portuguese immigration laws under Decree-Law No. 244/2012.
Types of Visas
Seafarer Visa:
For maritime crew members to facilitate their work-related entry or exit.
Airport Transit Visa (ATV):
For layovers in Portugal’s international airport transit areas.
Prepare Your all-required Documents
- Prepare Your all-required Documents
- Complete the Visa Application
- Schedule an Appointment
- Submit your visa Application
- Pay the Visa Fee
- Wait for Processing
- Collect your Visa
Key Points for Seafarers Visa Applicant
- Multiple Entries: Seafarers frequently joining and leaving ships can apply for a multiple-entry visa.
- Port Notifications: Ensure your Employer informs the port authority before your arrival.
- Validity: Seaman Visas are usually valid for the duration of your maritime contract.
- Compliance with the Maritime Labor Convention (MLC): always adhere to labour rights and protections.
Tips for a Smooth Visa Application
- Seek Expert Help: At Crown Portugal, we are always ready to handle complexities.
- Apply Early: Begin your visa application process at least four to eight weeks before the trip date you plan to take.
- Double-check documents: ensure all details are consistent across forms and supporting documents.
FAQ ON Transit and Seaman Visas:
- Can I leave the airport during my layover at the airport?
- No, unless you have a valid Schengen Visa.
- What happens if my layover exceeds the visa validity?
- Inform authorities and seek airline assistance.
- Do I need a Transit Visa if I change terminals?
- Yes, if you must clear immigration.
- Can family members accompany me on a Seaman Visa?
- No, they need separate Schengen visas.
- What if my ship's schedule changes?
- Inform authorities and provide updated documents.
- Is a Seaman's Book mandatory?
- Yes, it is mandatory for Seaman Visa applications.