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Guests embarking/disembarking What is a Schengen airport a charter transit visa? i. When the yacht is cruising within the Schengen Area, there is no need to inform port authorities. ii. When the yacht departs the Schengen Area with guests on board, all guest passports must be presented to port authorities.
When a crew member’s contract expires
i. When a crew member’s contract runs out and they are no longer contracted on board, they must attend Border Control to enter Spain. They cease to be a seafarer and are now a tourist, requiring them to complete due process. ii. In the event that they are flying home at the end of their work contract, they must present a valid passport, Seaman’s Book, if applicable, and declare their intention, presenting a flight ticket and accommodation confirmation, if needed. iii. In the event that they intend to stay in the country, they must present applicable travel visas, hotel confirmations, evidence of sufficient funds, and proof of medical insurance. iv. If they are EU citizens, they must present their passport to certify that they can legally enter the EU.
A Schengen transit visa provides a limited number of ‘transit days’, enabling seafarers to get to the yacht from their home country, or vice versa. The visa provides a grace period from the time of departure —usually three days— to get to their destination, in either direction. Requirements to apply for a transit visa depend on the flag of the ship and the nationality of the seafarer. Seafarers from outside the Schengen Area and who are not covered by a valid Schengen tourist visa, are required to have a valid Schengen transit visa whenever they intend to: Join a vessel that is (or will be) in a Schengen port; Transfer from one vessel to another vessel which is (or will be) docked in a Schengen port; Disembark for any reason, including end of contract, sickness, repatriation, urgent family matters, holiday.
NOTES i. A transit visa does not allow for holiday travel through Europe and is valid for transit only. Anyone caught doing otherwise can be detained, returned home and denied entry into the EU for up to three years.
