PYA - Understanding Visa Requirements for Crew Training and Work
Rachel Jones
Planning to travel to France or another Schengen country for yacht training or to look for work?
The PYA can help you understand what your nationality and visa status legally allow you to do and what requirements you need to meet before travelling.
The French Border Police is currently investigating the yachting industry, particularly foreign nationals entering France to undertake training or seek employment on yachts. The key point is simple: for non-Schengen nationals, permission to enter the Schengen Area does not automatically include permission to look for or undertake work.
Schengen, EU and EEA Nationals
You can attend maritime training courses, look for work, participate in interviews, dockwalk and undertake daywork or permanent employment without requiring a visa or work permit.
Visa-Exempt Non-Schengen Nationals
This includes nationals from countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada and Brazil.
You may attend short-term training courses during a visa-free stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, visa-free entry does not allow you to legally seek employment, dockwalk or undertake paid daywork.
To work legally, you must secure a formal job offer or employment contract and obtain the appropriate authorisation before entering EU.
Non-Schengen Nationals Requiring a Visa
This includes South African nationals, who must obtain a Type C Schengen Visa before travelling.
If your maritime training lasts fewer than 90 days, you may apply for a Type C visa for professional training. The purpose must be clearly declared and supported by an official acceptance or invitation letter from the training provider.
A standard Type C visa does not permit job hunting, dockwalking or paid daywork. It also cannot be converted into a work permit while you are in France.
Your documentation must always reflect the exact purpose of your visit. Entering with the wrong visa or providing incorrect information could result in detention, fines, deportation or a Schengen-wide travel ban.
If you are unsure about your visa status or what you are legally permitted to do, the PYA can help provide guidance before you travel.
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