

PYA to launch new Visa and Crew Immigration Webinar
27 February 2024
This week, the PYA is launching a new webinar for captains, crew members, yacht managers and recruiters to discuss visa and immigration in Europe.
The webinar will bring together a panel of experts from leading companies to cover key issues affecting seafarers operating in the EU. With changing regulations for yacht crew and more stringent visa requirements in the Schengen area, we’ve brought together experts from a number of countries to go more in-depth on emerging topics:
France & Monaco: Get expert guidance from Catalano Shipping Services on the recent regulations and procedures for smooth entry and operations.
Italy (Genoa, Viareggio, Sardinia & Naples): Learn from Luise Group's specialists about navigating the latest visa requirements and processes for your crew in key Italian ports.
Spain: BWA Yachting's experts will offer valuable information on visa regulations and efficient immigration procedures for Spain.
In this webinar, you will be able to:
Stay informed on the latest visa requirements and changes in policy
Learn best practices for smooth crew immigration processes
Get expert advice from leading companies in the industry
Ask questions and address any specific concerns you may have
The Visa and Immigration webinar will be launched on Wednesday 28th of February, at 15:00 CET.
You can register your attendance now to secure your spot here: http://tinyurl.com/46ynddju
Contact us at info@pya.org for any questions you'd like us to answer in our upcoming webinar.

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