UnivEase

    VISA GUIDE · 🇫🇮 Finland

    Finland Seamen Transit Visa from Bangladesh

    Schengen short-stay visa for seafarers joining, leaving, or transiting to a vessel through Finland.

    Last Updated: 30 August 2026

    The Finland Seamen Transit Visa is a Schengen short-stay visa category for Bangladeshi seafarers travelling to or through Finland for crew change, joining a vessel, signing off from a vessel, or maritime transit connected to assigned sea duty. It generally allows a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

    You should apply under Finland when Finland is the port of joining or sign-off, the main Schengen destination for the crew movement, or the responsible destination under the travel plan. In Bangladesh, Finland short-stay visa applications are submitted through the Sweden Visa Application Centre in Dhaka, as Sweden represents Finland for Schengen visa matters. 

    Document Checklist

    1. Passport (Original): Original passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended return/departure date, with at least 2 blank pages. 
    2. Previous Passport(s) & Visa Copies: Copies of previous passport(s), recent passport bio page, and previously issued visas/stamps to support travel history, where available. 
    3. Photograph (ICAO Format): Provide 2-4 recent colour passport photographs with a plain white background, 60%-70% face coverage, no eyeglasses, no head/ear coverings unless worn for religious reasons, and no borders. Photos must be ICAO-compliant. 
    4. Seaman’s Book / CDC: Copy of the valid seaman’s book, Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC), or equivalent seafarer record document. The original may be checked during submission where required. 
    5. Schengen Visa Application Form (Offline): Printed Schengen visa application form completed for each applicant; signed and dated. For minors, the form must be signed by parent/legal guardian. 
    6. Cover Letter: Applicant’s signed letter addressed to the Visa Officer/Visa Office explaining the seafarer profile, purpose of transit, intended travel dates, joining/sign-off plan, sponsor or agency support, and key supporting documents. 
    7. Employment Contract: Copy of the current or relevant seafarer employment contract showing the applicant’s position, employer or manning agency, vessel assignment, joining instruction, and service period where applicable. 
    8. Manning / Crew Management Agency Letter: Letter from the Bangladeshi manning agency, crew management company, or employer confirming the applicant’s employment or engagement, rank or role, travel purpose, route, vessel details, and who will bear the travel or related costs. 
    9. Invitation from Maritime / Shipping Agency: Invitation or joining letter from the maritime agency, shipping agent, vessel operator, or relevant agency in Finland/Schengen Member State where the seafarer will join or leave the vessel. It should include agency contact details, port, vessel name/IMO number, joining or sign-off date, and travel arrangement details. 
    10. Vessel / Crew Change Supporting Documents: Supporting evidence such as crew list, vessel particulars, IMO details, port call or berthing schedule, joining/leaving instruction, employer correspondence, or agency communication confirming the maritime purpose of travel. 
    11. Flight Reservation / Travel Itinerary (Temporary): Provisional flight or travel itinerary showing the planned route, travel dates, arrival point, and onward movement to the port or vessel where applicable. Payment is not necessarily required at this stage. 
    12. Accommodation / Transit Arrangement: Hotel booking, crew accommodation confirmation, or agency letter confirming accommodation or transit arrangements if the seafarer will stay overnight before joining or after leaving the vessel. 
    13. Proof of Occupation / Maritime Qualification: Documents supporting the applicant’s professional seafarer status, such as employer records, STCW certificates, certificate of competency, training records, or other maritime qualification documents. 
    14. Personal Bank Statements & Solvency Certificate: Original bank statements (personal and/or salary account) for the last 6 months, issued by the bank and showing the bank name and contact details. Statements must be stamped and signed by an authorized bank officer (e-statements not accepted), and accompanied by a bank solvency/financial standing certificate where required. 
    15. Financial / Sponsorship Evidence: Personal financial documents and/or written confirmation from the employer, manning agency, shipping agent, or sponsor showing who will cover travel, accommodation, insurance, or other costs during the transit period. 
    16. Personal TIN & ITR: Copy of the personal TIN certificate and Income Tax Return (ITR) for the last 3 tax years, along with the acknowledgement receipts. 
    17. Travel Health Insurance: Travel medical insurance covering the full duration of stay, valid across the Schengen area, with minimum medical coverage of EUR 30,000. The policy must show insured person, coverage area, dates, and coverage limit. 

    Process Roadmap

    Step 1

    Confirm Maritime Transit Purpose

    Check whether the journey is for crew change, joining a vessel, signing off from a vessel, or maritime transit connected to Finland. For short stays up to 90 days, the Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) is generally used.

    Step 2

    Complete the Application Form

    Prepare the Schengen visa application form with accurate details, keeping it consistent with the passport, seaman’s book, employment contract, vessel assignment, and travel route.

    Step 3

    Arrange Maritime Documents

    Arrange the seafarer-specific documents, including the employment contract, manning agency letter, maritime invitation, seaman’s book, vessel details, and joining or sign-off confirmation.

    Step 4

    Prepare Supporting Documents

    Organize the itinerary, accommodation or crew transit proof, maritime qualification records, financial documents, and travel insurance. Translate documents where required.

    Step 5

    Book Appointment at Visa Application Centre

    Book a submission appointment at the Sweden Visa Application Centre in Dhaka, which receives Finland short-stay visa applications. Seafarers on duty may usually apply up to 9 months before intended entry.

    Step 6

    Submit Application & Provide Biometrics

    Attend the appointment in person to submit the application and passport, provide biometric information, and complete the applicable visa, VFS, and selected service payments.

    Step 7

    Track Application & Verify Visa

    Track the application through VFS using the reference number. After a decision, collect the passport or receive it by courier if selected, and check the visa details before travel.

    Common Rejection Pitfalls

    Finland’s role in the crew movement is unclear

    How UnivEase helps

    We review the port details, vessel schedule, travel route, and agency documents so the file explains why Finland is the correct Schengen destination.

    Missing or weak maritime invitation evidence

    How UnivEase helps

    We help identify the required manning agency letter, shipping agency invitation, employment contract, seaman’s book, and vessel-related proof before submission.

    Mismatch between route, vessel details, and joining date

    How UnivEase helps

    We cross-check flight reservations, port call evidence, crew instructions, accommodation or transit proof, insurance, and cover letter details to reduce inconsistency.

    Unclear cost responsibility or seafarer status

    How UnivEase helps

    We review sponsor or agency support, maritime qualification records, occupation proof, financial evidence, and Bangladesh ties so the application is presented in a structured way.

    VFS & Embassy

    Embassy

    Embassy of Sweden, Dhaka
    Address: Bay’s Edgewater, 6th Floor, Gulshan-2, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh.
    Telephone: +88 02 5566 8500
    Fax: 02222299032 (local) / +8802222299032 (international)
    Email: ambassaden.dhaka@gov.se / migration.dhaka@gov.se
    Website: Click Here
    Office Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 8.00 am to 4.00 pm.

    Visa Application Centre

    Sweden Visa Application Centre, Dhaka
    Address: Borak Mehnur, 51/B, Lavel 7, Kemal Ataturk Avenue, Banani, Dhaka-1213, Bangladesh.
    Phone: (+88) 09606 777 333 / (+88) 09666 911 382
    Email: Info.SwedenBD@vfshelpline.com
    Website: Click Here
    Submission hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9:00 am to 1.00 pm.
    Passport Collection hours: Sunday to Thursday, 2.00 pm to 3.00 pm.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Apply for your Finland Seamen Transit Visa with better preparation.

    Get clear guidance on seaman’s book, employment contract, maritime invitation, vessel details, travel route, insurance, fees, appointment process, and submission steps before you apply.

    WhatsApp a Consultant