Checklist: Applying for a Schengen visa as a seafarer
Find out what documents you need in order to apply for a Schengen visa as a seafarer.
Important to know
- Arrive at your appointment well prepared. Choose your country of residence to find out how to apply for a Schengen visa.
- In most cases you must submit your application in person.
- If you have had your fingerprints taken for a Schengen visa in the past 5 years (59 months), someone else may submit your application for you. However, if your fingerprints were taken but not saved, you will need to appear in person to have them retaken.
- The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs may request an interview or additional documents.
- You must sign this checklist at the appointment, declaring the following:
- you understand that you must submit all documents in order for your application to be processed
- you are aware that an incomplete application may be rejected and that your visa application fee will not be refunded
Personal documents
Bring: original document
You will need a completed and signed Schengen visa application form. Print the form and submit it with your other documents.
Bring: original document
You will need a valid travel document, such as a passport. Your travel document must meet the following requirements:
- it is no more than 10 years old
- it must have at least 2 empty visa pages
- it must be valid for at least 3 months after you leave the Schengen area
- it must bear your signature
Bring: original document
You will need to submit a photo that meets Dutch requirements:
- colour photo
- no more than 6 months old
- 3.5cm by 4.5cm
- white or light-coloured background
Find out where you can have a photo that meets Dutch requirements taken outside the Netherlands
If you are applying for a visa through an external service provider, you do not need to submit a photo. A digital photo will be taken at your appointment.
Bring: original document and colour copy
You will need valid proof of legal residence in the country where you are applying for a visa. You can show that you are legally residing in the country where you submit your visa application using, for instance:
- a passport or other travel document
- a residence permit, valid for at least 3 months after you leave the Schengen area
- a visa
- a work permit
If you are not a resident of the country where you are submitting your application, you must show why you cannot apply in your country of residence.
Bring: colour copy of the document
You will need a recent and signed statement from your employer on company letterhead paper stating:
- your job title
- your contract duration
- your salary
Bring: original document and colour copy
Your seafarer’s record book, if you have one.
Documents relating to your travel and stay in the Schengen area
Bring: colour copy of the document
You will need a signed invitation on company letterhead paper from a shipping company in the Netherlands stating:
- that the company is sponsoring you
- that you have travel medical insurance
- your personal details
- the purpose of the trip
- your passport details
- your seafarer’s record book number, if you have one
- your job title or rank as seafarer on the ship
- the name of the ship
- the place where you will board the ship
- the dates of your entry into and exit from the Schengen area
Bring: colour copy of the document
You will need a reservation in your name for your travel to and from the Schengen area, or another document showing your travel plans. You do not need a paid travel ticket.