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Seafarers Visa

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Seafarers Visa

Applicants seeking a visa are requested to carefully read the available information. The guidelines provided on this website will help you prepare your documents completely and accurately. These instructions are based on the list of required documents for Schengen short-term visa applicants in Iran and following them reduces the likelihood of incomplete documentation or delays in processing.

The Schengen short-term visa (Type C) is issued for individuals traveling to Greece and allows a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day (six-month) period. Travel purposes may include tourism, business trips, visiting family and friends, attending cultural and educational events, sports competitions, medical treatment, study, airport transit, maritime activities, and more.
Visa application submission timeline: You may submit your application up to six months in advance and no later than 15 days before your planned travel date.

Application submission process: Each applicant, including children and infants, must submit their application in person and only by prior appointment. Appointments must be booked online. Please click here to schedule an appointment.

Residency conditions in Iran for visa applications: Applicants must hold a temporary or permanent residence permit in Iran that remains valid for at least one month after their return date. Otherwise, their application cannot be processed.

Visa application centers in Iran: Visa applications can be submitted through visa application centers in Tehran. All applications are reviewed and processed by the Consular Section of the Embassy of Greece in Tehran.

Application review process: In some cases, applicants may be required to attend an in-person or online (video) interview by the Greek Consular Section. This may result in longer processing times, for which the applicant will be responsible.

Visa processing time:

  • Minimum processing time: 15 working days after submission of the application.
  • For certain nationalities: Visa processing requires consultation with other Schengen countries and may take a minimum of 3 weeks.
  • In special cases: Some applications may require additional review and could take up to 45 days to process.

Important note: Due to the increasing demand for travel to Greece, processing times for some applications may exceed 15 working days. It is advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid delays. If you submit your visa application less than 15 working days before your planned travel, timely processing cannot be guaranteed, and your visa may not be issued for the requested period. In such cases, the applicant will be responsible for any delays.

Visa and service fee payment: When submitting an application at the visa application centers, applicants must pay the visa fee and service fee, which is only payable in Euros.

Required documents list:

1 Visa application form Must be filled out and signed by the applicant with attention to detail.
2 Two recent passport-sized photos Full-face with white background
Colored, 3.5 × 4 cm in size
3 Passport • Must be valid for at least three months after the return date to Iran.
• Must have at least two blank pages for the visa.
• Must have been issued within the last ten years.
• A copy of the personal information page and all visa pages must be provided.
4 Travel health insurance
(Diplomatic passport holders are exempt from this requirement) 		You can purchase insurance from any insurance company you choose. However, to expedite and facilitate your application, we would like to inform you that VAC works with INSURTE, a European company operating under European Union regulations, collaborating with top European insurance companies.

The official visa application centers for Greece in Iran, approved by the Greek diplomatic and consular authorities, are responsible for accepting and submitting visa applications. These centers are solely responsible for collecting applicants' documents and do not play a role in the final decision-making.
Individuals with regular passports who wish to apply for a visa should carefully read the information provided on this website. These guides will assist you in preparing your required documents thoroughly and accurately, helping avoid any deficiencies or delays in the processing of your application.
Holders of diplomatic, special, or service passports can submit their applications directly through the embassy or consular office in Tehran.
It is important to note that Greek consular authorities may request additional documents or invite the applicant for an interview.

Required Documents

Please download, print, and complete the document checklist to ensure that your documents are complete. This will help you prepare your application correctly and manage your time when visiting the Greek Visa Application Center (VAC) in Iran. The checklist will specify which documents must be provided along with your passport.

Before submitting your visa application: Ensure that you have gathered all the required documents. This will streamline the review process, prevent unnecessary delays, and reduce the likelihood of rejection due to incomplete documents.

Conditions for traveling to multiple Schengen countries: If your destination is multiple Schengen countries, your stay in Greece must be the longest compared to the other countries. Otherwise, Greece must be the first country you enter.

Family and child applications: A separate application form along with the required documents must be submitted for each family member or group applicant. Children must also submit an independent application, even if traveling with their parents. Furthermore, both parents must be present when submitting a child's visa application, unless legal custody has been granted to one parent.

Visa type selection: Applicants should review the conditions of their desired visa type before applying and ensure they qualify for that category.

How to submit the application: Applicants must submit the application form along with the passport and relevant documents to one of the Greek Visa Application Centers (VAC) in Iran. These centers only accept applications by prior appointment.

Biometric data submission: All Schengen visa applicants must appear in person to have their biometric data (fingerprints and digital photo) recorded. This requirement applies to all applicants, regardless of age.

Processing time for applications: According to Schengen regulations, visa processing usually takes 15 calendar days. For certain nationalities, this may take at least three weeks. In some special cases, processing may take up to 45 days.

Required documents and additional requirements

  • Submitted documents must be recent (no more than one month old from the date of issuance).
  • Original documents along with a copy must be provided.
  • Travel insurance must cover the entire Schengen area.
  • A confirmation of round-trip ticket payment to Greece is mandatory.
  • It is recommended to provide copies of previous Schengen visas.
  • The employment certificate must be current and up-to-date.
  • Applicants for long-term visas (Type D) must be aware of the specific visa type they are applying for, as visa center staff are not authorized to provide advice.
  • Family members of EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens must travel with their spouse or parents.

Please note that the list of documents may vary depending on the applicant's circumstances, and in some cases, additional documents may be requested.

Visa application fees

The application fees for a Schengen visa type C are as follows, as determined by the consulate. Please note that these rates may change at any time:

Visa Type Fee (Euros)
Short Stay Schengen Visa (Type C) 90
Children under twelve (12) years Free
Holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports Free
Spouses and children of EU citizens traveling with them may benefit from special facilitation for Schengen visa (Type C) applications. These individuals must provide valid documents with their application, including: booked tickets, a copy of the valid EU citizen's passport, and if necessary, a marriage certificate or full birth certificate to prove the family relationship. Free
Organized groups of students, pupils, and post-graduate students traveling for educational or academic trips to Greece, may apply for a Schengen visa (Type C) only if they have received an official invitation from a recognized educational institution in Greece. Free
Researchers from third countries traveling to member states for scientific research (according to Recommendation No. 2005/761/EC of the European Parliament and Council of September 28, 2005, to facilitate the issuance of a uniform visa by member states for researchers from third countries traveling for scientific research purposes). Free
Representatives and participants of non-profit organizations under 25 years old attending seminars, conferences, or educational, cultural, or sports events organized by non-profit organizations Free

Service Fee: An additional €30 for each application, on top of the visa fees.
Please note: All listed fees can be paid in cash.

  • Biometric

    As of November 20, 2015, all Schengen visa applicants must provide their biometric data, including ten fingerprints and a digital photograph. These data are stored in the Visa Information System (VIS), a central database that shares information on short-stay visas (for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period) among Schengen countries. The primary purpose of VIS is to facilitate the visa application process, border checks, and enhance security.

    Therefore, from the mentioned date, all visa applicants must appear in person at the Visa Application Center for Greece in Tehran and provide their fingerprints when submitting their application.
    Under the VIS system, fingerprint collection is mandatory for all passport categories. Thus, all visa applicants, regardless of nationality, must visit the Visa Application Center for Greece to provide their biometric data.

    Certain groups are exempt from this requirement:

    • Children under 12 years old
    • Individuals for whom fingerprinting is physically impossible
    • Heads of state, members of government, and their official delegations when formally invited by governments of Schengen member states or international organizations
    • Kings and senior members of royal families when invited on an official visit

    Biometric data is collected quickly, courteously, and with minimal inconvenience. The process includes a digital facial photograph and scanning of ten fingerprints using a digital scanner. The applicant’s face must be clearly visible in the photograph, and coverings that obscure the face, hair, or neck are not permitted. Only religious head coverings that fully reveal the face are acceptable.

    If you have temporary issues such as injuries or cuts on your fingers, you must schedule a new appointment to provide biometric data after recovery.
    If you refuse to provide biometric data, your visa application cannot be processed and will be referred to the Greek Embassy.

  • Photo specifications

    Before applying for a visa, ensure that your photo meets the requirements. You must provide two recent photos (taken within the last six months) in passport size. The photo specifications are as follows:

    • Dimensions: 3.5 × 4 cm
    • Background: Light and plain (white or off-white) to ensure facial features are clearly visible.
    • View: The photo must be in color and facing forward. The forehead and ears should be fully visible, without heavy jewelry.
    • Facial Expression: The face must be clearly visible, and you should not smile. No head coverings (such as hats or other coverings) should be worn, unless there are religious or cultural reasons for doing so.
    • Photo Quality: The photo must be of high quality and printed on standard photo paper (camera print). Glossy prints should be avoided.

    If the photos do not meet these requirements, your application will be incomplete and will not be accepted.

  • Travel medical insurance

    Travel medical insurance is one of the most essential requirements for any traveler, especially as it can be highly beneficial in medical emergencies abroad. This insurance must include the following:

    • Coverage of hospital expenses: Includes hospitalization, necessary surgeries, and urgent treatments if needed.
    • Coverage of repatriation costs: If you require an emergency return to your home country due to medical reasons, the insurance must cover the expenses.
    • Coverage of essential treatments: Includes outpatient treatments, medications, and medical examinations in case of illness or an accident.
    • Coverage of medical expenses in non-EU countries: For travel to countries outside the European Union, where medical costs may be higher.

    Cost of Travel Medical Insurance:

    Depending on the duration of the trip and the destination, the cost of medical insurance may vary. Generally, for a short trip to Schengen countries (for stays up to 90 days), the average cost of medical insurance ranges from €30 to €100. This cost depends on factors such as the traveler’s age, type of insurance coverage, and the length of stay.

    Important Notes:

    • Ensure that your insurance provides comprehensive medical and emergency coverage.
    • Verify that your insurance policy is valid for the entire duration of your trip.
    • When applying for a visa, your insurance policy must guarantee a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical expenses and repatriation.
  • Short-term stay regulations in the Schengen area for third-country nationals

    According to Regulation (EU) No. 610/2013, effective from June 26, 2013, changes were made to the implementation of the Schengen Agreement and the Schengen Borders Code. One of the most important changes was the redefinition of the concept of "short stay" for third-country nationals in the Schengen area. These changes came into effect on October 18, 2013, and for the majority of third-country nationals intending to travel to the Schengen area for a short stay, the allowed duration of stay is now set to "90 days in any 180-day period."
    This means that from the date of your first entry into the Schengen area, your stay will be calculated, and the date of departure from the Schengen area will be considered as the last day of your stay. This 90-day limit in any 180-day period applies to all Schengen member countries, including non-EU countries such as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

    Important Notes:

    • Stay in countries that are not yet part of the Schengen Area, such as the United Kingdom, Turkey, and Albania, does not count towards the calculation of your stay in the Schengen Area.
    • If you already have a long-term visa or residence permit for a Schengen country, the duration of your stay in that country will not be counted in the short stay calculation.
    • If you are traveling to Schengen countries on a short-stay visa, your stay must be checked as 90 days within any 180-day period.
    • These changes do not apply to visa exemption agreements between the EU and certain countries such as Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Brazil, and St. Kitts and Nevis. In these cases, the old definition of stay duration remains valid.

    In accordance with these regulations, the calculation of your short stay will be carefully assessed based on the previous 180 days from each day of your presence in the Schengen area. Therefore, to comply with this law, continuous stay in the Schengen Area is not required, and you can re-enter after 90 days of stay for another 90-day period.

  • Track application

    After submitting your application, we recommend using our online services to track the status of your application so you can check whether your passport is ready for delivery. This secure process helps you manage your time better and plan accordingly. To track your application, you will need the application ID provided on the payment receipt given to you when submitting the application, as well as your passport number.

  • Delivery of passport

    After tracking the online status of your visa application, you can collect your passport in person at the end of the application process. Please bring your ID card and the payment receipt you received when submitting the application for in-person passport collection.

    If you are unable to collect your passport in person, you can authorize someone else to collect it on your behalf.

    If the authorized person is a relative, the following documents are required:

    • The original payment receipt of the applicant
    • The original ID card of the relative
    • A copy of the relative's ID card
    • Proof of family relationship (such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate)
    • A copy of the proof of family relationship document

    If the authorized person is not a relative, the following documents must be provided:

    • The original payment receipt of the applicant
    • A signed and certified letter from the applicant
    • The original government-issued ID card of the authorized person
    • A copy of the government-issued ID card of the authorized person

    For children, the authorized person must provide the following documents:

    • The original payment receipt of the applicant
    • A signed and certified letter from the child's parents
    • The original government-issued ID card of the authorized person
    • A copy of the government-issued ID card of the authorized person

    Upon passport collection, applicants are advised to immediately check the issued visa information to ensure it matches their travel plans and that all the details on the visa are correct.

    Information Sheet for Visa Holders: After receiving the visa, verify that all details, including passport number, entry and exit dates, and number of entries, are correct. In case of any errors, immediately inform the consular authorities.

    How to Read Your Visa Label:

    • Duration of Stay: The number of days you are allowed to stay in the Schengen area.
    • Entry and Exit Dates: From the date of entry to Schengen until the exit date.
    • Note that the dates provided may be flexible for your planning of entry and exit, but your stay should not exceed the duration specified on the visa.

    Border Controls: Your visa allows you to travel to Schengen countries, but you may be required to provide additional information at the border regarding your financial resources, length of stay, and purpose of your trip. Therefore, it is recommended to carry a copy of the documents you submitted when applying for the visa (such as invitation letters or travel confirmation documents) with you.

    Important Notice: You must adhere to the allowed stay duration on your visa. Overstaying may result in deportation and a ban on applying for a new visa.

  • Visa application rejection process

    If a Schengen visa application is rejected, the consulate of the member state that made the decision will notify the applicant using a standard form, detailing the reasons for the rejection. This notice includes the reasons for refusal as well as the steps and deadlines for submitting an appeal.
    Applicants whose visa has been rejected may appeal the decision. The appeal should be submitted to the member state that issued the visa, in accordance with the national laws of that country. Member states are required to provide the necessary information regarding the appeal process to the applicants.
    Applicants can reapply for a visa after their application is rejected. However, it is recommended to review the reasons for the previous rejection and make any necessary changes.
    Please note that the visa fee is non-refundable in case of rejection, as the fee covers the processing of the visa application.

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VAC Global, the official representative of Greek visa services in Iran, offers a fast, secure, and professional process, ensuring a hassle-free experience for visa applicants. Our expert team supports you at every step, from document collection to final submission, ensuring your application is processed accurately and in the shortest possible time.

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