Business Visa

Documents Required – Netherlands Seafarer Visa – Blue Carpet Programme

Passport & Travel Documents

• Valid passport (original + copy), ensuring:
  • At least 2 blank pages.
  • Valid for 3 months beyond departure from the Schengen area.
  • Issued within the last 10 years.

Visa Application Form

• Completed and signed Schengen visa application form.

Photograph Requirements

• Must meet Dutch visa photo requirements:
  • Taken in the last 3-6 months.
  • 35mm x 45mm, neutral expression, clear facial features.
  • No head coverings unless for religious reasons.
  • High-quality colour photo with a white or light grey background.

Proof of Employment as a Seafarer

• Letter from the shipping company confirming:
  • The purpose of travel, route, and duration.
  • The seafarer’s role and position on the ship.
• Employment contract from the shipping company.
• Crew list confirming embarkation in the Netherlands.
• Seafarer’s identification document (Seaman’s Book).

Proof of Finance & Accommodation

• Recent UK bank statements (last 3 months) showing sufficient funds.
• Proof of employer-funded accommodation or hotel reservation.

Proof of Health Insurance

• Must cover at least €30,000, including:
  • Emergency medical care.
  • Hospitalisation.
  • Repatriation (including in case of death).

Additional Information

• Applications must be submitted in person (unless exempt under the Blue Carpet Programme).
• Documents must be translated into Dutch, English, French, or Spanish if applicable.
• If travelling with minors, additional documentation such as birth certificates and parental consent is required.
• If the visa is refused, the fee is non-refundable.

Photo Specifications

To ensure your application is processed without delays, your passport photo must meet the following criteria:

Dimensions:

• Size: 35 mm x 45 mm (width x height).
• Face Width: Between 16 mm and 20 mm (excluding ears).
• Face Length: For applicants aged 11 and over, between 26 mm and 30 mm (from chin to crown).

Quality:

• Colour: The photo must be in colour and a true likeness.
• Recency: Taken within the last 3-6 months.
• Clarity: Sharp, with sufficient contrast and detail.
• Condition: Undamaged and unaltered by computer software.
• Paper: Printed on high-quality, smooth photo paper with a minimum resolution of 400 dpi.

Lighting:

• Evenness: Lighting must be even, without over- or underexposure.
• Shadows: No shadows on the face or background.
• Reflections: No reflections on the face or from accessories.

Position:

• Head Orientation: Head facing forward, not tilted.
• Eye Alignment: Eyes horizontally aligned.
• Shoulders: Shoulders straight.

Background:

• Colour: Light grey, light blue, or white.
• Uniformity: Plain, all one colour and shade.
• Contrast: Must contrast sufficiently with the head.

Glasses:

• Visibility: Eyes fully visible through fully transparent lenses.
• No Distortion: No distortion or shadows caused by glasses.

Facial Appearance:

• Head Coverings: Head uncovered unless worn for religious reasons.
• Visibility: Face fully visible; eyes not obscured by hair or accessories.

Expression:

• Neutrality: Neutral expression with mouth closed.
• Gaze: Looking straight at the camera.

Exceptions:

• Religious Head Coverings: Permitted if the head covering is plain, in one color, and contrasts with the background.
• Children Under 6: Some requirements are relaxed, such as strict positioning and expression rules.

For detailed guidelines, refer to the Government of the Netherlands’ photo requirements.

Apply early! Book your visa appointment as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.

Need Assistance?

• +44 7700172150
•  sales@netherlandvisa.co.uk
• +44 2038832957

Visa Charges – Netherlands Seafarer Visa – Blue Carpet Programme

Below is the fee structure for our visa services.

Appointment-Only Service

For applicants who need an appointment and guidance but will manage their own documents and submission.

All-Inclusive Visa Service Packages

Comprehensive support, including documentation assistance and a smoother visa centre experience.

Optional Services

Additional support for travel arrangements.

Apply early! Book your visa appointment as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.

Need Assistance?

• +44 7700172150
•  sales@netherlandvisa.co.uk
• +44 2038832957