We like to update you all, about regulations for Non-EU seafarer travelling to/from EU in order to sign on or sign off vessels working in Oil & Gas Industry as well as in Offshore Wind:
Attached is a statement from Dutch Government (in Dutch) which says the following:
As per today, these seafarer are exempted as well and so are allowed to travel (sign on/sign off) via The Netherlands. This has just been decided by involved departments of Justice & Safety.
An official statement about above will follow as soon as possible.
For your Non-EU crew travelling, we advise you to have them travelling with an accompanying letter from your company, stating that this particular seaman is to sign off/has signed off your vessel
Please complete this with contact details of the Agency and your company contact details, just in case contact is needed.
With regards to nationalities in need for a Schengen (Transit) visa for travelling:
On signers:
Must obtain for a Schengen Entry visa at the Dutch Embassy in their home countries (like usual) but please check if specific Embassy is open or not
After arrival at international airport (most likely Amsterdam) seafarer need to join vessel in port in direct line (so vessel must be in port same day of arrival of seafarer at airport)
Off signers:
Schengen transit visa can still be obtained at local Immigration office in port where seafarer is signing off. This in order travel from specific port to International airport to fly home
After signing off, seafarer to go directly to international airport (Amsterdam) and fly out of Netherlands same day as signed off. No allowance to stay overnight and fly net day.
Airlines: Please inform at your travel agency about available flights. Since various airlines have cancelled flights to specific destinations due to COVID-19.
Also attached the latest COVID-19 statement from Dutch Pilots when entering/leaving ports in Netherlands.
(Wim Schouwenaar, CEO DHSS)