Required Documents for Seaman Visa to Germany

Two Recent Biometric Passport Photographs:

• Size: 3.5 x 4.5 cm, full face, on a white background.
• Photographs should be recent (not older than 6 months).
• One photograph must be attached to the application.

Visa Fee:

• The application fee is 90 EUR (paid in LKR).
• Children under 6 years are exempt from fees.
• Children between 6 and 12 years will pay 45 EUR.

Current and Previous Passports:

• The passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended stay.
• Full names (no initials) should be listed.
• Attach a copy of the bio page and amendment page to the application form.
• The passport should have at least two blank pages.

Travel Health Insurance:

• Insurance must cover the length of stay in Germany and all Schengen states.
• Must include medical repatriation, emergency medical care, and hospital care.
• Minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR is required.
• Credit card insurance is not accepted.

Travel Itinerary:

• Submit details of arrival and departure flight information.
• If applicable, provide surface travel dates to other Schengen countries.
• Do not submit paid flight tickets as the embassy is not liable for financial loss if the visa is rejected.

Work Contract with the German Employer:

• Submit the work contract with the employer in Germany.

Seaman’s Book:

• Submit the original Seaman’s book and a copy.

Proof of Employment in Sri Lanka:

1. A letter from the employer, including the IMO/ISR number of the ship.
2. A letter from The Ministry of Ports and Highways.

Visa Questionnaire: Complete the Schengen visa questionnaire.

Medical Report for Cooks:

• Only applicable if working as a cook on the vessel.
• Submit a medical report from one of the trusted doctors authorized by the German Embassy (Dr. A.M. Sebastiampillai or Dr. N.H. Uduwela).

Important Notes for Seaman Visa Applicants:

Early Application:

• It is recommended to apply as early as possible. Applications can be submitted up to 6 months before the planned trip.

Processing Time:

• The standard processing time is 15 calendar days.
• If an extended review is required, processing may take up to 45 working days.
• Ensure that the application is submitted at least 15 calendar days before the intended trip.

Document Submission:

• Sort the documents according to the provided list.
• Attach copies of all documents.
• Submit the original documents, which will be returned with the passport.

Translation Requirements:

• Documents in Sinhala or Tamil must be submitted with an official English or German translation.

Additional Documents:

• The embassy may request further documentation depending on the individual case.

Complete Application:

• Applicants are advised to submit only complete applications. Incomplete applications may result in a visa refusal.
• False statements during the visa process may also lead to a rejection.

VAC Official Instructions:

• If the intended departure date is less than 15 working days from the application date, the applicant must be informed that the processing time may extend beyond the departure date.
• The applicant confirms they have no additional documents beyond those listed.
• If any documentation is missing or incomplete, the applicant has been informed and has chosen to proceed with the application.