Schengen Short-Stay (Type C) — SeafarersVerified 2026-04-30Greece Seafarers Visa (Schengen Short-Stay, Type C)
A Greece Seafarers Visa is a Schengen Short-Stay (Type C) visa for Indian merchant navy crew joining vessels in Greek ports. Greece has major shipping ports — Piraeus is among Europe's largest. Seafarer applications can be lodged up to 9 months in advance (vs 6 months for other Type C). Apply via GVCW.
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Greece — Apply via GVCW (NOT VFS Global)
Greece uses Global Visa Centre World — a different operator from VFS. Embassy of Greece, New Delhi processes every application.
One Greece Schengen visa unlocks all 29 Schengen countries during validity. As a full Schengen member, the visa standards mirror EU rules — but the application route is unique to Greece in India: only GVCW handles submissions, and only the Embassy in New Delhi decides outcomes.
GVCW (not VFS)
Greece partners with Global Visa Centre World — separate from the VFS network most Indians know.
Embassy New Delhi only
All decisions made at Embassy of Greece, Consular Section, New Delhi. Non-Delhi GVCW centres add ~5 days transit.
Approved insurance only
Travel insurance MUST be from a Greek-Embassy-approved Indian insurer (rule since 01/10/2013).
Photo size note: Greece needs 3.5 × 4 cm (35×40mm) — slightly different from the typical Schengen 35×45mm. Use a Greek-spec photo to avoid rejection.
Processing
Up to 15 working days at the Embassy of Greece, New Delhi (Consular Section)
Stay Duration
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period (Schengen area-wide)
Starting Fee
₹9,760
Apply At
11 VFS centres
Special Instructions — Read Before Applying
These requirements apply to ALL Greece visa types. Violations mean your application will be rejected — read each one carefully.
- 1Greece does NOT use VFS Global. Applications go through GVCW (Global Visa Centre World) — a separate operator. All applications are then assessed by the Embassy of Greece, New Delhi.
- 2Apply at least 15 working days before travel — earliest 6 months before travel (9 months for seafarers).
- 3If you submit at a GVCW centre OTHER than New Delhi, add approximately 5 extra calendar days to your processing timeline.
- 4Travel insurance must be from a Greek-Embassy-approved Indian insurer (rule effective since 01/10/2013) — see the GVCW approved insurers list.
- 5Photo size: 3.5 x 4 cm (35 x 40mm), color, white background, facing forward — slightly different from the typical 35x45mm Schengen photo.
- 6Holders of diplomatic / service / public-affairs passports submit directly at the Embassy / Consular Office in New Delhi, not via GVCW.
- 7All financial documents (bank statements, ITRs) must be ORIGINALS, duly stamped and signed by the issuing bank.
- 8Sri Lanka and Nepal nationals without a valid India residence permit MUST apply at GVCW Colombo or GVCW Kathmandu — not at India centres.
- 9Seafarers can apply up to 9 months before travel (vs 6 months for other Type C).
Who Can Apply
- Indian merchant navy crew, ratings, officers joining vessels in Greek ports (Piraeus, Thessaloniki etc.)
- Crew with confirmed contract + invitation from Greek shipping company / maritime agency
Not eligible under this visa:
- Crew without Seaman's book (CDC) or employment contract
- Seafarers without invitation from a Greek shipping/maritime entity
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Fees (in INR)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Schengen Short-Stay visa fee — adult (Type C, 1–90 days) | ₹9,760 |
| Schengen visa fee — child (6–12 years) | ₹4,880 |
| GVCW service fee | Confirm at submission |
Visa fees in INR follow the current exchange rate set by the Greek Embassy and may change without notice. Visa and service fees are non-refundable if the application is refused. Diplomatic passport holders are exempt from the visa fee. Insurance, courier, and other GVCW value-added services are charged separately at submission.
Documents Required
Personal Documents
- !Schengen Visa Application Form
Fully completed and signed by the applicant.
- !Valid passport
Validity exceeding by 3 months the end date of the visa. At least 2 blank pages. Issued within the previous 10 years.
- !Clear photocopy of 1st (bio data) and last page of passport + all visa stamps
- ○Previous passport (if applicable)
- !1 recent passport-size photograph (3.5 x 4 cm)
Color, white background, facing forward, ICAO specifications. Note: 35x40mm — slightly different from typical Schengen 35x45mm.
- !Cover letter explaining details of visit
Travel & Accommodation
- !Proof of means of transport
Flight reservation of return / round ticket. If multi-Schengen trip: intra-Schengen flight, train, or car-rental proof.
- !Proof of lodging
Hotel reservations, holiday-home rental, or campus residence. Sponsorship/accommodation form from host if staying privately. If multi-state Schengen: lodging in EACH state.
- !Travel medical insurance — €30,000 minimum coverage
From Greek-Embassy-approved Indian insurer (post-01/10/2013). Covers repatriation + medical attention + emergency hospital. Diplomatic passport holders exempt.
Financial Documents
- !Original private bank statement — last 3 months
Duly stamped and signed by the bank.
- !Indian ITR for last 2 assessment years
Acknowledgement receipts.
- ○If employed — Last 3 months payslips + employment contract + employer's leave-approval letter
- ○If self-employed — Certificate of company registration
- ○If sponsored — Sponsor's national-form proof of accommodation/sponsorship + sponsor's bank/work/ITR
- ○If retired — Pension statements last 3 months + property/business income proof
Seafarers-Specific Documents
- !Employment contract / appointment letter
Showing duration of employment. Original + copy.
- !Seaman's book (CDC) — original
Continuous Discharge Certificate.
- !Invitation from Greek shipping company / maritime agency
Signed and stamped. Includes: seafarer name, place + date of birth, passport number, seafarer's book number, validity dates, position on vessel, vessel name + flag, port + date of boarding/disembarking, itinerary to Greece, name + address of Indian agency. Greek agency confirms responsibility for repatriation.
- ○Flight reservation
If applicable.
- ○Covering letter from Indian shipping agency / company
If application is presented by an Indian agency on behalf of multiple crew.
Relationship Proof (if applicable)
- ○Spouse-name endorsement on passports OR original Marriage Certificate (apostilled by MEA)
Required when spouse travels together. If spouse name not endorsed in BOTH passports, apostilled marriage certificate is mandatory.
! = mandatory · ○ = optional / if applicable
🗺️ Step-by-Step Application Process
Confirm Greece is your main Schengen destination
If your itinerary spends most time (or has its main purpose) in Greece, apply with Greece. If splitting time equally between Schengen states, apply through the country of first entry.
Fill the Schengen visa application form
Download from https://greece.gvcworld.eu/en/apply, complete fully, and sign.
Gather all required documents
Use the document checklist for your specific category. All financial documents must be ORIGINALS, stamped and signed by the issuing bank. Insurance must be from an approved Indian insurer.
Book your GVCW appointment (NOT VFS)
Visit https://greece.gvcworld.eu/en/ — Greece uses GVCW (Global Visa Centre World), not VFS Global. Choose your nearest centre.
Submit at GVCW + pay fees
Attend in person with all documents. Pay visa fee + GVCW service charge in INR (cash). Diplomatic passport holders submit at the Embassy directly, not GVCW.
GVCW forwards to Embassy of Greece, New Delhi
GVCW Delhi forwards directly to the Embassy. Non-Delhi GVCW centres first transit through GVCW Delhi (~5 extra calendar days), then to the Embassy the following day.
Wait for the decision (15–45 working days)
The Consular Authorities of Greece may call you for a personal interview. Track via GVCW website.
Collect your passport from GVCW
Once notified, collect from GVCW (or use GVCW courier-back service). Verify visa validity dates and entry type before leaving the counter.
Download Official Forms
Official forms are hosted by VFS Global — we don't host third-party forms ourselves, so you always get the latest version.
📋 How to download from VFS:
- Click the form name below — opens VFS Switzerland page
- Select the visa category you're applying for (e.g. Tourist, Business, Student)
- Scroll down to the "Download Form" section at the bottom
- Click the PDF icon next to the form name → saves to your device
VFS Application Centres
💡 Pro Tips
- Apply 6–9 months in advance — seafarers have the longest lead time.
- Greek agency invitation is the most-scrutinised document — every field must be present (vessel, port, dates, repatriation clause).
- If applying as a crew through an Indian agency, a single master invitation + crew list works.
- Carry Seaman's book in original — GVCW may verify CDC entries.
Common Rejection Reasons
- 1.Greek agency invitation incomplete (missing vessel flag, port, repatriation clause)
- 2.Seaman's book not in original
- 3.Employment contract dates inconsistent with vessel itinerary
Frequently Asked Questions
How early can I apply for a Greece Seafarers visa?+
What's special about the Greek agency invitation?+
Can multiple crew apply together?+
Can SureshotVisa help with Greece Seafarers visa?+
Let us prepare your Greece Seafarers Visa — (Schengen Short-Stay, Type C) application
Free consultation. Our experts handle the entire file — cover letter, documents, VFS booking, embassy follow-up.
Other Greece Visa Types
Greece Tourist Visa (Schengen Short-Stay, Type C)
Apply for a Greece Tourist Visa (Schengen Type C) from India through GVCW (NOT VFS). Complete fees, document checklist, and processing guide for Indian travellers.
Greece Business Visa (Schengen Short-Stay, Type C)
Apply for a Greece Business Visa (Schengen Type C) from India through GVCW. For meetings, conferences, training, and business-related events. Apply via GVCW (not VFS).
Greece Visiting Family & Friends Visa (Schengen Short-Stay, Type C)
Greece Schengen visa for Indians visiting family or friends in Greece. Apply via GVCW (NOT VFS). Requires relationship proof and host invitation.
Greece Cultural Visa (Schengen Short-Stay, Type C)
Greece Schengen visa for Indians attending cultural events — performances, exhibitions, religious events, film crews. Apply via GVCW (not VFS).
Greece Sports Visa (Schengen Short-Stay, Type C)
Greece Schengen visa for Indians participating in sporting events in Greece. Apply via GVCW (not VFS). Requires event invitation + entry tickets / programmes.
Greece Official Delegation Visa (Schengen Short-Stay, Type C) — Informational
Greece Schengen visa for members of official delegations. Initiated via the sending authority's note verbale. Submitted directly at the Embassy, not GVCW.
Greece Medical Treatment Visa (Schengen Short-Stay, Type C)
Greece Schengen visa for Indians travelling for medical treatment. Apply via GVCW. Requires Greek institution acceptance + pre-payment proof.
Greece Short-Term Study Visa (Schengen Short-Stay, Type C)
Greece Schengen visa for Indians attending short courses, research, or internships in Greece (≤90 days). Apply via GVCW (not VFS).
Source & Disclaimer
Data on this page is sourced from the official VFS Global Greece website and Embassy of Greece. Last verified 2026-04-30. Always verify with the official embassy before applying — fees and requirements change without notice.