What’s the immigration situation for non-EU crew in Spain?

A number of Schengen Area countries have recently introduced changes for non-EU visitors who are entitled to limited stays within the Schengen zone (with or without visas). It is therefore advisable that you now check with your local yacht agent for a full picture of the requirements in your destination Schengen port. 

These changes may affect the duration of stay for non-European passport holders, notably there will no longer be the possibility to stamp non-EU crew OUT of Europe upon embarkation (therefore stopping their days from running while on board) unless the vessel is imminently leaving the Schengen zone. Consequently, their time in the territory will be limited to 90 days every 6 months (not valid for non-EU passport holders who hold valid residency cards for an EU country and therefore are entitled to stay for the duration of their residency visa).
 
This situation has serious implications for non-EU crew spending long periods on yachts in the Mediterranean.
 
However, we have received confirmation from the Central Immigration office in Madrid that Spain will not be following this guideline and will continue to stamp non-EU crew holding valid seaman´s discharge books and contracts on vessels in Spanish waters. 

All non-EU crew passport holders may request an appointment to be stamped OUT upon embarkation in a Spanish port, regardless of how much longer the vessel will be in Schengen territory. 



Note the crew member may be refused a stamp OUT if the stamps in their passport show a stay of more than 89 days within the Schengen zone within the previous 180 days.
 
However, as Spain is made up of autonomous communities and interpretations of EU regulations vary within national and local boundaries, not only countries, please continue to request the latest updates and guidance from your yacht agent well in advance of arrival at any given port to confirm that the local immigration office is acting in accordance with Madrid’s recommendations.
 
We remain at your complete disposal for any further assistance you might need involving Spanish waters. Do not hesitate to contact the Evolution team for any further information needed.

Evolution Yacht Agents is the leading-edge team of professionals dedicated to providing assured and quality support and services to yachts in Spanish waters.

A full range of superyacht specialized services includes: charter license & legal advice, TPA (Vat exemption), customs & logistics operations, provisions & interior supplies, deck & engineering supplies and crew & VIP services.