You may know the concept of a border run, that quick hop across an international border to reset a visa, but what happens when you overstay your tourist visa? The answer is that it depends on several key factors, the passport you’re carrying, the country in question, and how long you’ve overstayed your visa. For most travelers with a US, Canadian, or European Union (EU) passport, it can be easy to overstay a tourist visa without realizing it, since most countries don’t require a visa application from you prior to entry. In fact, if you’re on an RTW, it’s easy to lose track, and here’s some information on what happens and what you can do.
Poof! Nothing Happens Right Away
It’s not that storm troopers are going to bust down your hotel door the second you’re visa expires or stop you in parking lot. In fact, in most cases nothing will happen for a long time. Technically speaking, overstaying a tourist visa for more that 180 days in the US is grounds for deportation and inside the Schengen area is not permitted. While it is never good to overstay a visa, generally you won’t run into problems until you leave and try to reenter that particular country.
- It’s at passport control where your overstay is most likely to be a problem
- If you’re headed to Europe you’ll want to read up on the Schengen Agreement.
- Each country has different penalties for those that overstay their tourist visas.
Cultures of Border Control: Schengen and the Evolution of European Frontiers
Once you’ve overstayed a tourist visa you lose your credibility at the border and can be denied entry based on the fact you’ve overstayed a previous tourist visa.
Your Nationality Is Important
Many US citizens frequently overstay their European visas (since they don’t realize you can only be in the Schengen area for 90 days out of each 180) and are allowed reentry. US passports aren’t carefully scrutinized in Europe and in the US your results may vary. With a return ticket and valid reason for entry (for those who’ve overstayed a previous visa) generally most EU citizens won’t have trouble reentering the US. Australians, New Zealanders, Canadians, and a few other nationals also likely won’t face difficulties reentering assuming the initial overstay wasn’t too long.
- If you had to apply for a visa prior to your visit, you’re more likely to encounter problems when reapplying.
Generally speaking, countries aren’t worried about an influx of tourists, they’re more worried about people coming on a tourist visa and never leaving. Typically this type of overstay isn’t associated with EU, US, Canadian, Australian, or New Zealand nationals.
How Long Did You Overstay?
That’s an important factor the person checking your passport upon reentry will be looking for. Did you overstay your tourist visa for a few days or months? They may ask you the reason for your overstay or why you want to reenter the country. The shorter the overstay the better but not overstaying at all is best.
Reentry Is The Issue
Even if you overstay a visa and are admitted on your next trip to the same country, on your third time there you may still be denied entry based on the fact you did overstay one of your visas. That’s up to the passport control officer (or embassy issuing visas) to determine. It all depends on how closely your passport stamps are inspected. That can vary based on the time of day you enter (late at night officers tend to be less diligent), the person in front of you (what passport did they have and if it took a long time), along with your passport and what you look like.
You’re best bet is to never overstay a tourist visa and find out the requirements that apply to you by checking out the specific country’s embassy website. That’s the only way to guarantee you won’t be denied entry with another valid tourist visa or encounter problems based on your previous negligence at the border.
[photos by: jaaron (passport stamps), t0msk (baby holding passport)]
Thanks for the excellent advice about what to do when you over-stay your visa. I haven’t had this problem yet but now I’ll know what to do.
Thanks Donna, hopefully it’s a situation you won’t get into 🙂
Just an update on my situation. I’m an American living in France and I’ve overstayed my visa waiver/tourist’s visa for 9 months. I exited without any problems, and I’m on my way to re-enter now.
Some background: I’m married to a French citizen and we’re in the process of getting me a long stay visa for a spouse. But our Livret de famille is taking longer than expected, so I’ll be returning to France today to wait for that.
So, I came back today after two weeks in the US. I was stamped in without a problem.
So that’s a 9 month overstay in France, left, and then re-entry two weeks later. No penalty.
Thanks very much for following up and letting us know!
Something I’ve always been careful of but the 90 within 180 schengen rule makes it tougher with the schengen area always getting bigger.
Yes, it’s a large area and it makes it tougher to plan long term travels inside of it. Guess it gives you the good and the bad.
I just found this related post,
What happens when you overstay your Thai tourist visa on DreamALittleDream.ca
http://su.pr/2Ep01O
Thanks John, just read and gave it a stumble too.
As you say, the bottom line is, it depends on the country.
I overstayed my Thai visa last winter by one day. There was no penalty at immigration, although they did take me to another desk to check out my passport. Had I been over more than a day I would have been fined 500baht a day (approx. 15.00us).
The important thing to remember though is that once your Visa expires you are in the country illegally. If you should have an accident, or be stopped by the police, you could find yourself in jail. I know that in Thailand you are incarcerated and it is up to you to make the arrangements to get yourself out of jail, pay the imposed fines, and get yourself a plane ticket out of the country. Doesn’t sound like much fun to me.
Nope, not at all. It puts you in a situation where you don’t have much right to argue since most visas are a long enough duration where you don’t have to cut it close.
I know in Ghana if you are to overstay they charge you a penalty (fine) otherwise you are not allowed to leave. The reason I know this is because I was asked to be a travel companion of a young girl (17 years old)- and at the airport immigration they noted she had overstayed by about 4 months- I was left paying the fee for her 🙁 …apparently she was unaware and her father never bothered to let her know!
4 months! That must have been expensive but was really nice of you. I’m not sure everyone would have done that.
Hi, I’m planning a trip to Bangladesh for the extent of the month of July. I will be arriving in the country on June 30 and due to prearranged plans can leave no earlier than July 31. That, however, will put me just over my 30 day Tourist Visa, which I soon will be applying for. My questions is, how will my two day overstay effect my return to the US? If I run into problems, will they occur in Dhaka or Chicago? Will I even run into problems? And if so, what kind? I’d appreciate the help!
Lucas, are you a US citizen? In that case they won’t care you overstayed your visa most likely. They only care about your legitimacy to be in the US unless there is something highly unusual about your travels.
Now, based on the State Department’s website you will likely have to pay a fine for your overstay on the way out of Bangladesh, depending on how closely your visa is inspected at passport control on the way out.
Eek – travelling a lot in Europe I rarely think about visas these days – but it must be more of an issue on thos round the world trips. When I travel outside the EU however, it does make me aware of the advantages of a UK passport – the whole world opens its door to us but the citizens of the countries we visit will have a pretty hard time getting a visa to visit us.
A UK, US, or EU passport makes traveling so much easier in terms of visas. At the same time it makes it harder to overstay since there’s usually no paperwork up front.
The only reason “the whole world opens its doors to us” is that they think a UK (or Irish) passport means “made of money” and “will not take a job away from a local.” That’s a royal pain in the arse when you are in need of, say, an English teaching job to survive. And your only other choice is to live on Jobseekers back in the UK or Ireland. I find it a pain in the arse being treated by “the world” like “a walking ATM machine.”
Only after I booked and loosely planned out my 4 months in Europe did I discover the Schengen agreement! Thank goodness I caught it in time though, because I’ve already found a house-sitting gig in the UK that will address my required month-long absence so I can stay under the 90 day rule.
But interestingly, it was like pulling teeth to find out more about the Schengen zone rules once I discovered they existed. I’m usually pretty good about researching these things, but this one was not well-known. No wonder people overstay all the time!
Even on individual visas (like the Irish one for example) it says you’ve got 90 days in the country, but makes no mention of the Schengen. Also, the don’t seem to scrutinize the visas too much depending on the passport you’re carrying.
im a US citizen currently in paraguay on an overstayed visa.. my Visa expired in January
i will be leaving in June… any suggestions.. estimated cost of fines?
ps have a current Paraguayan passport, but Paraguay does not recognize dual citenship… my idea was to leave on my Paraguayan passport and enter the US with my US passport…….
The best place to contact would be the Paraguayan embassy (in the US) – I couldn’t find any official information about Paraguayan overstays.
Did you enter Paraguay on the US passport? I’m guessing if you show the Paraguayan passport on the way out they won’t say anything but the embassy can give you the official word. To find the contact info easily:
http://www.embassyworld.com/
If you don’t forget or mind it would be great if you could come back and leave a comment as to what happened.
How strict is Italy about this sort of thing with US citizens? Lets say if someone over stays a tourist visa for 2 or 3 months.. but is returning to go to school on a study visa at the end of those 3 extra months.
Thank you!
So you’re going to overstay, then go back to the US to apply for the student visa?
Honestly it depends on the officer you get when entering but still, an overstay may cause you problems down the line and should be avoided at all costs. I’d recommend calling the Italian embassy (or their website) and look into getting an extension for your tourist visa. It might cost a bit but will keep you in the clear down the line.
Hope this helps, good luck.
-Anil
Hi. I have a question Anil. I am from Africa and have previously traveled several times to Italy on a tourist visa. But the last time I overstayed a 30 days visa by 10 days. In all honesty, I didnt know how strict the rules were, and also confused validity with duration of stay. I overstayed for a good reason but I don’t have proof for it. I took a flight from Milan to Paris and then out of Europe but the passport control officers didnt stop me. The officer at the gate stopped me briefly but I think it was because I had not flown in from Turin as per my ticket. The crew was on strike so i had to go to Milan to take my flight from there.
Anyway, I am planning to go back to Italy for 80 days on a tourist visa but I am worried that even if I dont have problems getting another visa at the embassy, I might have problems on re-entry. Any suggestions or thoughts on this given that i am from a third world country?
Hi Essie,
I’m not a legal expert and don’t know the details of your situation, but based on my experience I would say that since you have to apply for a visa, any problems that pop up will happen at that point. They will look at your passport at the Italian embassy and determine if you will be admitted. While you could theoretically get turned back upon arrival, it would be very unlikely with a valid visa in your hand.
Having said all of that – I’d recommend going to the Italian embassy website and looking through the exact details, based on your country of citizenship. You can also call and ask the embassy generically what problems you may encounter.
I hope this helped some and that you’ll check and be able to arrive in Italy without problems. If possible, I’d appreciate it if you could let me know what actions you took and how it turned out with a comment reply here.
my girlfriend citizen of Slovenia was denied entry because of overstay one overstay for 9 days, another for 45! Because its under the 180 day rule is it easier to gain permission to re-enter? does she apply for a new visa? please help!
I’m confused about the situation – but Slovenia is a member of the EU and allows free movement with member states. Visa shouldn’t be an issue, but best to call the embassy to confirm.
thanks for your reply. she was visting the states with a visa waiver and overstayed 9 days on one trip 45 on another. this trip/ attempt to visit immigration deported her 🙁 Please any any advice would be helpfull
2 overstays?? It’s going to be very tough to get another visa and she might very well be blacklisted for up to 10 years or more. Best to apply at the US embassy beforehand so she doesn’t risk being denied entry at the port again.
you think marrying in the/her foreign country then pursing the paper work would be the fastest way to get my gf to the sates. i know we could purse the finance visa (k-1) but im thinking getting married first then pursing entry may be the fastest way to get her to the states. we were engaged to marry this August in the states anyways!
That’s over my head and a completely different situation. Best talk to a lawyer to get the proper advice.
Hi,
Can you help?
I’m teaching in Bulgaria (arrived 31 May) until 2 Sept (end of my contract. This already takes me over 90 days by 3 days and I also want to spend 3 weeks at the end travelling. Do you think I need to get a visa? If so, how? I don’t speak bulgarian! Or, is it OK to do a ‘border run’ sometime in July? Will this renew my visa?
Thanks for your advice!
L
forgot to say i have a UK passport.
You need to extend your “short-term (C)” visa at the embassy or nearest consulate. Not sure how much it costs or how long it takes but shouldn’t be difficult with English.
Also, Bulgaria is a member of the EU / Schnegen nations and a tourist visa is only valid for 90 days out of every 180. A border run wouldn’t work – unless it was for a minimum of 90 days.
Hope this helps, good luck!
Thanks Anil. Will it be easy to extend the visa? DO I need to have a particular reason for staying?
Lucy
You’re welcome Lucy. I don’t know how easy it would be to extend the visa but my guess is that being a UK national it won’t be too difficult – especially if you’re staying for tourism (perfect reason to give when applying) which means more money for the country 🙂
I know a few people who’ve gotten extended visas to travel there (US/EU nationals) so hopefully you will too. Let me know how it goes.
Hi everyone, I want to expose my situation. I am now in Turkey and I don’t need visa to be enter this country and many others in the EU. I’ve been for a while here and already made some border runs to Bulgaria, however for so many reasons, I couldn’t go out on time and now it’s been more than a month that I overstayed here and for so many other reasons, I wouldn’t be able to leave until the first week of July… As I said I don’t need visa to enter Turkey or some EU countries and I am holding a “third world country” passport, what can happen to me when I try to go out of Turkey and try to enter again, as I don’t want to have a ban to enter again and will this affect my intention to make the border run to Greece for example or Cyprus?? Any comment please, I will appreciate.
A lot depends on your home country and specific circumstances. Turkish single entry tourist visas are good for 3 months out of every 12, so border runs don’t work. You need to be out of the country for 9 months in most cases to ‘reset’ the visa.
Go to the Turkish embassy and apply for a visa that will allow you stay over 3 months – otherwise you risk a fine, ban, and potentially other penalties.
hi Anil,
I am glad that I found this website, but I don’t know if you have any idea of re-entering Schengen Zone within a month after reaching the 90 days of visa free?
I hold a Malaysian passport (Chinese born Malaysian), and I understand how the world treating oneself according to the nationality/passport you are carrying, anyway, my story is, I have been in France for almost 90 days now, arrived on the 24th March 2010 and I am leaving on the 20th June 2010, ovbiously not overstaying but clearly I might be questioned when I re-enter France on the 16th July 2010 due to the Schengen agreement.
Did not realise it until recently which only after I have booked my flight to back France, as far as I concerned, I have a couple of days left which I am allowed to enter, I am well aware of the exceeding yet I can’t cancel my flight as I really wanted to come back for someone precious’s birthday. A return ticket is still pending as I don’t know if I should book the ticket dated in Oct or earlier?
According to many comments that I have read, the passport control ain’t as tight as in The States, even friends told me to just try re-enter France, as I am holding Malaysian passport, I don’t know how easy it is for me that they would wave me through?
I was thinking to apply for a long stay visa, but my reason isn’t good enough that I doubt it they would obtain my visa, plus, it takes about 8 to 12 weeks or so while applying for it, which I can’t afford to wait, as I have to travel to Thailand for 4 days during the mid of July, I could apply for it after the trip unfortunately, the birthday of his is only a month away, that’s the conflict I have that struggling me of what should I do?
What would you recommend me?
Thanks a lot! No matter what.
Hey! Great article. I’ve looked all over for this specific information.
One quick question, I’m leaving France (I’ve overstayed for about 5 months) to go to the US and apply for a proper visa. I’m the spouse of an EU citizen.
Who should I contact before leaving? The US embassy in France or the French embassy in the US?
What nationality are you?
I’m American
It depends on what kind of visa you’re applying for. If it’s an extension (based on special circumstances) you might want to try from France since you’re already there. If it’s for a longer tourist or permanent visa it’s probably best to go back to the US and contact the embassy there.
I hope this helps or if you want to continue offline with specific details you can feel free to email me as well:
http://foxnomad.com/contact
Hi Anil-
Great website! I have a question for you – I am Canadian and have been living in Spain with my UK citizen boyfriend. I have been in Spain for 79 days. I left Spain on the 79th day and am now in the UK for one week. My plan is to go back to Spain in a few weeks and stay for at least 16 days – which would be about 5 days over my 90 Schengen days. I am flying back to Canada at the end of Augsut so I am planning on coming back to UK for about 2 weeks. My question is this: when would I get caught with overstaying my visa- leaving Spain or re-entering the UK? I was told by a friend that I can get caught trying to enter the UK.
Thanks Anil,
Ashley
I’m not sure about the when entering the UK (not Schengen but is EU) although you could potentially get fined when leaving Spain. The chances are small, especially with such a short overstay but it’s still not a good idea nonetheless.
i have friend in usa and stay more than 6 months with visa b1/b2 he is 5 years ellegal but he want to come back in europe because family helth problems how many years is the penalty if he want one day to go back to usa.thank you.
Only an immigration lawyer could really help you out on that one – sorry, I wouldn’t be able to help.
Hi-
This is a great website. I am American and have been teaching English for two years in Spain, through a program that gave me a student visa each time (realizing that the teaching I was doing was more like a practicum). This next year I can’t renew the program, as you can only do it for two years. However, I want to go and live in the Spanish city for another year (about 10 months). I have a UK boyfriend who lives in Spain as well. I have quite a few stamps and expired visas in my passport, making it, I’m sure, hard to figure out all of the math. However, I do want to be able to come and go into the UK and potentially live in the EU.
I am willing to make the risk of the visa overstay of 90 days, but I was wondering:
-is there is site online that tells the exact fines that are given if you overstay?
-is there a way, one you are in Spain, to extend your short term visa, without having them realize that you are over your 90 day limit? (I have checked the consulate website and can’t seem to find much info…)
-Would a US citizen get deported from Europe? Would I never be able to come back?
Thanks for answering my questions. I am in love with Spain and want to live there……who knew being American could cause so many problems….
-Erin
Hi Erin,
I’ll do my best to answer your questions:
-the fines will be on the embassy website. If that doesn’t work, check the US State Department file on their site for Spain.
– You can extend a short term visa while in Spain, but they could notice since your entry was recorded in the passport which you’d have to show them and likely recorded into a computer file. Whether they care or not or have it hamper your visa application really depends on the particular circumstances. Being an American is a big advantage though.
– It is possible anytime you overstay although for US citizens unlikely for short overstays. You’ll have to pay a fine possibly and might be denied entry back in depending on who checks your passport coming in.
I would *strongly* recommend not overstaying, especially if you want to permanently live in Spain. Why risk it? You’ll probably be fine to be honest but it can hamper your efforts – any reason not to leave and have everything on the up and up?
Jamaica…I travelled 2 weeks in january and 15 weeks in march (returned mid july and overstayed my visa by 3 weeks) Will I be allowed back in?? And how long am i allowed?? Is it 6 months per visit or 6 months per year?? also is there anyway of extending if only 6 months per year? I’m planning on a 3 month trip end August
Thanks
Your questions depend heavily on your nationality – the embassy would be the best place to get the answers.
my 90 days here in canada already finished and now im overstayed 3 day.how will i know that immigration will catch and deport me.
and im still working in my company even we dont have already valid working permit.and im waiting for a letter coming from immigration so that i show to my company and go back home in my country.
That is way beyond tourist visa! If you’re working on a tourist visa, it’s an issue best to take up with an immigration lawyer.
Hi
Actulay my studies are finished and i m returning back to my home country pakistan ,my visa will finish 25th of september 2010 ,
my question is that i want to overstay for 5- 7 days due to some personel reason and i m not planing to return in an year or so , can u plz tell me that what will happen if i do so , i have read most of the question know about re-entry problems but specialy i wanna know about fines if any, i m student here in uk.
The UK embassy site can let you know about any fines or penalties you might face. Also, you can apply for a tourist visa extension so you wouldn’t have to overstay.
Hi Anil! Great site… you seem to be more helpful than any consulate i have talked to thus far. So here’s my predicament. I am a U.S> Citizen and I want to go to Spain as an Au Pair in a few months. The Spanish Embassy tells me that the family I want to work for has to apply for a work visa for me in Spain, but every family I talk to thinks this is a ridiculous idea, and think that I should be able to get one here. I am not a student, so I can’t get a student visa. I plan on staying for hopefully a full year. Every source I talk to seems to have a different idea of what I am supposed to do. Would it be a terrible idea to go without a visa and work on it after I get there? I feel like I may bave better luck there, or at least find a job that will sponsor me getting one. What advice do you have? Thanks!
Which Au Pair agency are you going through?
Well… its not really an agency, but through a website– Au Pair World. I don’t think they have anything to do with my employment or my visa situation though.
I know that the big agencies will walk you through the process of obtaining the proper (long-term) visa. They’ll also give you the flexibility of changing families if you don’t gel with the first one you work for. As far as I know the family is also responsible for paying for your flight.
You should be able to find out the appropriate agency to call in Spain through this site:
http://www.aupairinamerica.com/
Hope this helps, let me know how it goes. Good luck!
Do you know anything about overstaying on other kinds of visa? Student visas for example?
oops sorry I’m talking about a UK citizen overstaying a student visa in the US, but this because the person was at the time planning to marry a US citizen. Soon as the relationship ended the person left.
I’m not sure and it depends on many specifics. Best to check with an immigration lawyer.
Hey – I have been in Europe for about 90 days now, in various countries all within Schengen. I dont have any stamp on my passport except the initial one I received in Iceland… I am a Canadian citizen. If I stay in Europe, say 140 days… what happens? Say I fly out of Rome or something and they see all i have is a 150 day old stamp from Iceland… can i get on my flight? Face a fine or what? Thanks for the help,
It depends on a number of factors and a fine is possible. Don’t risk it if you don’t have to and apply for a longer tourist visa.
Hey – Thanks for your help. My main concern is that if I apply for an extension and am denied, maybe because i already went over, they will just send me home right away since I have already gone (slightly) over the 90 days. If I make my return flight from a non-shengen country. Is there any problem? Would a non-shengen country care that i overstayed the 90 days? I was oblivious, due to carelessness i guess, of this 90 days rule… i dont care about having this overstay on my visa if i want to go to EU in the future since Canadian passport is renewed every 5 years and I will have a new clean one anyways…
Stephen
A non-Schengen country won’t care – as for the extended visas the rules vary based on each specific country. I don’t know the particulars of that process but just know that you’ll be taking a risk. Also, they usually type in your passport details upon entry so the new passport doesn’t matter much — but in all likelihood it won’t cause you any problems.
Hi there! Thanks for providing a space where these questions can be answered, it is much appreciated! I am an american, and I have been in Italy for just over 3 months. I planned to go to France for the weekend and come back to Italy for another 3 weeks or so. If I understand what you have written previously, I may have a problem when I try to re-enter Italy next week? In addition, what about entering other EU countries as I travel around? Will I have a problem visiting another EU country in the future, because I overstayed my visa in Italy this year? Any info you can provide would help! Thank you so much!
If you’re flying you could potentially encounter problems when entering/exiting France or returning to Italy. The same goes for any of the Schengen nations which also includes some non-EU members:
http://www.axa-schengen.com/en/schengen-countries
To avoid being denied entry down the line (since you’ve already overstayed) leave as soon as possible. The longer the overstay the more likely you are to face re-entry problems.
Bottom line, don’t overstay if you don’t have to and apply for the proper long term visa. As a US citizen you aren’t likely to face problems but if you are denied entry you’ll pay a hefty fine and for an expensive immediate flight back home.
Hey Anil, love the site, very informative. i am a US citizen on a business trip to italy. i am here on a tourist visa, and my 90 days is up in about 3 weeks. it looks like i am going to need to be here about 21 days or so longer than the 90 days limit and am contemplating overstaying. I am not likely to come back to europe any time soon after getting back to the states, and was wondering if i would encounter any issues when trying to get back to the US. i dont think my flight out is going to be able to be non stop, so would a stopping point in the UK and not another schengen country make things easier? thanks in advance!
Hi Elvis – you didn’t get a business visa? That might have been a bit easier to extend. Either way there is a chance (albeit small) that you may face a fine on your way out of Italy for the overstay. Aside from that a stop in the UK wouldn’t affect anything – and you shouldn’t have any problems entering the US.
My son will be going in 3 short weeks to study in Italy for a year. The school is slow about sending an official letter of acceptance, which we need for his visa. Is it possible for him to finish the application here in the US, go in as a tourist, then receive his student visa after his arrival in Italy?
Hmmm, I’m not sure although the visa application (or embassy) should have that information handy. Also I’d advise calling the school to have them send over the forms you need (priority or overnight) mail if needed.
Hi Anil,
I have a question. I’ve overstayed my schengen visa about 7 days now and about to apply for a uk tier 5 visa. Will the overstay affect my chances of entering? I’ve heard uk border are very tight. I’ve overstayed due to waiting for this guy to report back to me of organising an appt for embassy so I feel I’ve tried my best to do this before the time was up. i dont want to be illegal and so this is why I’m looking to go to uk. If all goes well, when I enter I will have a job, accommodation, return flight, visa, and all supporting documents. Will this help my case? Have you gone through there yourself? This is my last option before I head back to Australia.
Thanks
S
Hi Steph, I’m not sure I can help you on this one. It’s a big “depends” since it’s out of the regular tourist visa scope. My guess is that the UK won’t be overly concerned about the short Schengen overstay but that’s only a guess. Sorry I can’t be of more help, I haven’t been in that exact spot myself. Good luck and do let me know how it goes.
-Anil
Also, I have a work permit in CZ and I have work lined up.
Hi Anil
I was wondering if you could give me some advise? I am a UK citizen and have been in the USA for almost 90 days now under the Visa Waiver program (as I am sure you know being a UK citizen/National I do not require a visa to travel to the USA for 90 days or less). My question is – if I travel to canada and back to the USA does this renew my 90 days? As I only have 9 days left of my 90 days in the USA but need to stay longer and don’t want to overstay which may cause problems later on down the road.
Hope you can help
Thanks
No, Canada will not work. Mexico and Canada will not meet the requirements – you’ll need to leave North America.
http://london.usembassy.gov/vwp3.html
Hope this helps!
thank you for your help !!
You’re very welcome!
Great site. I am a US citizen staying in Belgium. I have seen some posts from others with similar situations. I am here on a travel visa but am here for work (paid by my US company)and my 90 days is up in 4 weeks. I will need to stay about 140 days in Belgium. If I leave Belgium to the UK for a week of vacation and come back in at about day 82 do you think the authorities in Belgium will give me any trouble for approaching the schengen 90 days?
I have a return ticket to the US booked around day 140 and am interested to know what I can anticipate when I leave Belgium having overstayed my schengen 90 days by almost 50 days? Will they give me trouble coming back to Belgium or just the whole schengen area the next time I come back within 10 years?
A thought I had was to try to extend my travel visa before it expires, but not really being here for travel I am wondering if that may be difficult.
Tips? Help? Suggestions?
Thanks for your help!
Your company should have gotten a business visa for you. I’d suggest going back to them and having them do the required work (along with any necessary payments). Why spend your own money to leave and come back if you’re there for business? Extending a business visa within a month should be a fairly straightforward process. They usually grant them up to 6 months without issue.
As for leaving and coming back from the UK, that wouldn’t achieve anything. Belgium immigration probably wouldn’t say anything on your return but they might ask for to see your ticket back or you’ll end up having to lie and say you’re leaving before the remaining 8 days are up. On the way out you may also face a fine – although generally for US citizens that’s a rare occurrence.
You’ve got time so work on getting the business extension. Good luck!
Thanks for your help. I went ahead and had my company do the necessary work to get a business visa, but they came across a bump in the road and realized that I had to be in the US to get a business visa. I only have a week and half left of the 90 days, and could go back to the US if needed. Do you know of what I could do from Belgium to get a business visa? Or who I could talk to?
I am flying out of Belgium to Germany and from Germany into the US. My guess is that I’ll be interrogated as to why I overstayed my visit. Would you agree? If so, considering that I am flying from Belgium to Germany, will they question our passports in Germany or Belgium? Based on all of your experience, what is the worst that you’ve heard of happening to someone overstaying a tourist visa? I don’t want to overstay, but the project I am working on may demand it. Does it make it worse if my wife is with me?
Thanks again.
Assuming you’re just in Germany for a layover on to the US, you won’t be questioned at that point. Then go for the business visa from the States. As a US citizen they won’t care that you overstayed – when overstaying a tourist visa you should assume the worst. I believe in the case of Belgium it’s a fine and possible denial of future entry (check their embassy website for full details). Typically those things are overlooked for US citizens but best to never overstay a tourist visa.
Thank you so much for your advice. I took it and left the EU. Unfortunately I left by train, and upon my arrival in Switzerland, they did not stamp my passport. I even asked, and I was told they only stamp passports in the airport. It is now well past my 3 months to stay in the EU, and I am not sure what will happen if I try to re-enter Italy in the next couple of weeks. Can I just keep my train ticket to Switzerland as proof I was there? Any advice you can give would be helpful! Thanks so much!
Are you still in Switzerland?
Yes I am still in Switzerland.
Since Switzerland is part of the Schengen area this won’t solve your visa situation. I don’t see out previous conversation on this post, if you can point it out to me I might be able to help further.
Sorry my other post was under Delphine. I am still in Switzerland and not quite sure what to do next. I need to go back to Italy at some point to wrap up some business I have there. Would you suggest a side-trip to Croatia to help with the passport issue?
As long as you remain more than 3 months outside of the Schengen you should be ok, although there is still some slight risk.
My parents came to US in 1996. We filed I-539 form for their extension of stay and they got approval from USCIS. They stayed 3 more months with approval.
My parents didn’t get the visa in 2007 because the US consulate said, 3 months over stayed.
Unfortunately my parents lost all their approval notices from USCIS.
When I contacted here to get the copies of the extent ion of their Stay, I was told this: neither USCIS nor CBP has any digital or physical records of my parents ever filing an I-539 extension of stay.
My parents need the approval of the extension to get the visa. I need your advice. Thanks.
Unfortunately that is outside of the scope of this post (on general tourist visas). Your best bet is to talk to an immigration lawyer. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help.
Hey Anil!
I have had quite the run around with consulates, foreigner’s offices, etc. I have an interesting situation that I had no idea I was getting myself into….
I studied abroad in Spain on a 180-day student visa, expiring in June. I went to the “oficina de extranheros” and asked for an extension for thirty days. They said I did not need one because I had 90 days as a tourist with my U.S. passport. I stayed the extra thirty days and went back to the United States with no problems.
I am planning to return to visit on Thursday. I have been out of the country for 90 days. I contacted the spanish consulate to ask about the 90 days rule and they had informed me that the foreigner’s office should not have told me that I had 90 days as a tourist and I had technically been illegal! This was outrageous to me because I had tried to go all the necessary routes to stay legal. I e-mailed the consulate back asking what I should do because I had no idea, and their response was “you need to be out of spain for 90 days, enter at your own discretion”.
Now I am very nervous because I want to re-enter Spain on Thursday. I had no idea that what I was doing was wrong as I went to the governmental agency myself to ask — and was apparently misinformed. I have been out of the country for 90 days but the consulate did not answer any of my questions (i’m assuming to cover their backs if there is an issue).
Will they really deny me entry even though I went through all the necessary precautions and the overworked government employee gave me the wrong information? My trip is only for 6 days and I have a return flight already purchased. Also, I have read that most issues come up at passport control, should I pay the obscene fees to get an expedited new passport so my visa and date of exit are not in my passport? I know about the SIS system, but I am confused as to why they did nothing when I was leaving, shouldn’t I have been flagged?
Also, I have heard a different story from everyone about this 90 day rule. I also have a flight purchased for two weeks in December. Will this trip ruin my 90 day rule? I am so confused.
Hi Lauren,
If you’ve already been out of the country for 90 days you shouldn’t have any problems although technically they can deny you entry. For a 6-day trip and as a US citizen you aren’t likely to face any problems – it’s not worth getting a new passport. If any questions do come up you can explain your situation which should go a long way toward helping things go smoothly at passport control.
As for being flagged, I’m not sure what criteria they use to rank risk. (My guess it has mostly to do with the chance of you overstaying on purpose to get a job or seek asylum.) As for December, this 6 days won’t affect it – the Schengen rule is that you have 90 days out of every 180. You can confirm this with the Spanish embassy but unless something changes that’s the rule.
I hope this helps and clears up the confusion, if not let me know and I’ll do my best to point you in the right direction.
HI Lauren, I am in a similar situation- I think I may have overstayed in Germany but was not told ANYTHING when I left through Munich. Literally, not a word from the immigration officer and no weird stamps/red stamps in my passport. I am re-entering Germany (now married to my German spouse) after staying out 90 days. Just curious what happened with you? Thanks:)
Hello! I’m a U.S. citizen. My boyfriend is from Canada. He came to visit (and to take me with him) me in late May. It is now October and we will be leaving for Canada in late December. We married just a week ago. Will we have much trouble getting into Canada? I will be getting a passport and later on will work on permanent residency. But I’m just worried that they won’t let us in at all. Anything you know would be a great help!
I don’t see why you’d have trouble getting in? He’s a citizen and you’re going on a fresh tourist visa – but since your case is a bit beyond the typical tourist visa situation covered by this post I’d run it by both embassy websites. You can find them here:
http://www.foxnomad.com/2008/03/10/find-contact-information-for-every-embassy-in-the-world-embassy-world/
Anil, Hey how u doing?
I have a question… Im a UK citizen my partner is a US citizen. I went to the US last June on a Visa waiver, i missed my flight home and stayed til July this year.
I noticed that the border had not written a departure date on my visa so didnt think there to be a problem. Since i have been back people have said that i would now be barred from re-entry for 3 years. Is this true, even though there was no departure date.
I really need to be able to visit partner as she cant get over here due to work ties.
Any help or advice will be greatly appreciated. Many thanks
Char, it would be best to contact an immigration lawyer since this is somewhat beyond the scope of this post topic and outside of my expertise. Your previous overstay could complicate your next visit to the US so best to be safe by running it by a professional.
Hi,
Thanks for your information on this site. Very valuable. Here’s my situation. I am a teacher and came to the Czech Republic to work. I already had a job lined up at a university and am currently working. I am a U.S. citizen, but have lived and worked in S. Korea for the past ten years. I came to the Czech on a tourist visa with the intention of applying for the work visa during this time. Here is the problem: while I can sign a waiver for the mandatory criminal check from America (Czech/American agreement) I can’t do so with the criminal check from S. Korea. I sent away for the S. Korean criminal check, but it still hasn’t arrived. I have about a month before my 90 day tourist visa expires. What are my options if this document doesn’t arrive in time? Do I contact the embassy and explain the situation? Or can I file for an extention on the tourist visa until my criminal check arrives in which case I can get my proper work visa? (I have all other documents required minus the Korean criminal check). If I have to leave for 90 days due to the Schengen Agreement, I won’t bother coming back as I will have had broken the university contract mid-semester.
Any insight or advice you can offer will be well appreciated.
I’d contact the embassy and look into getting an extension for the tourist visa. Generally for stays up to 6 months it’s not a problem for US citizens.
Hi Anil,
I have been in Spain, for almost a year. I’ve heard so many things about entering and re-entering I’m not sure what is true. My plan was to go back to the US, I am an American citizen, and then about 3 weeks later come back to Spain.
Not knowing the rules, I admit, but now I’ve created a bit of a life here, so would like to return for awhile longer.
What issues could I face upon trying to re-enter? Would it be smarter to stop in another country first, then re-enter spain?
If I knew a way to get a visa, for an extended say, I would. But, haven’t found a solution for that yet. Any help would be great.
So, been here for almost a year, would like to go back to the states for 3 weeks and then return.
THANKS, in advance.
PS,
I assumed leaving Spain would be the issue and if I left with no worries, arriving back would be like me just arriving for another trip. I guess I’m assuming incorrectly?
You might have problems exiting but especially on re-entry for an overstay of that length. Your best bet is to contact your local Spanish embassy and find out about a long-term (e.g. work, residency, etc.) visa appropriate for your situation. Hope that helps!
Thanks. So, there is a chance the Embassy might work with you, and not order you to leave the country immediately? Thanks for the suggestion
I’m sure there is a process in place for your situation. You can either go it on your own but typically an immigration lawyer will save you time and money in the long run.
Hi there. I have a question. What about overstay 30days free entry period in Taiwan with 3 days /EU passport/? What will be the result? Thanks in advance
I don’t quite get your situation – you want to overstay on an EU passport??
I want to stay 33 days instead of 30 and I just wonder if I can do something before the 30 days free period is over /no visa in my passport, just a stamp for ‘arrived’/ or at least pay the fee before going to the airport. Thanks
You’ll have to check the Taiwanese embassy website to see if they allow extensions or if you can leave for a short border run somehow.
I have no time to do it. In the official site they have no information what really happens if you stay 3 days longer anyway. I just would like to know what will be the result when i arrive at the airport…
According to their embassy website you’ll face a fine. Give your local one a call and they’ll give you details. You could also pay for a 90 day tourist visa.
Hi Anil
I lived in China for over 6 and half yrs,i got my residency in 2003 and since all went smoothly ,i registered a representative office doing and advising on business matters for my mother company based in Africa NIgeria to precise in Guangzhou china..a terrible thing happen i lost my passport in a cab and couldnt trace the cab cos i didnt pick a ticket after alighting form the cab..well i made a police report and i got ,thus i went to my country embassy in Beijing to apply for new passport unfortunately the passport machines was bad so i was refered to our Hong kong consulate with same problem but was able to fix their own machine ,anyway it took my consulate a year after my application to get a new passport.on the long run i got my passport back went to Guangzhou immigration applying for new visa ,all my office had been renew at this moment because without that i couldnt apply for new visa.
On getting to the immigration office my application was recieved and i was aksed to come pick my new residence permit in a week.eventually it turned out to be 2 months before i was called back to recieve my passport …on getting to the immigration office i was arrested and incacerated for a week and 3days then deported to Nigeria on march 5th 2008.
wmy question is this,why would someone with a resident permit over 5yrs lost his passport and made police report and i was to come pick up my ne residency be deported?The officer in charge claimed i have overstayed but i was resident and i believe i shud have my name in the sysytem to show for that…i was expecting a warning .secondly i now live in eurpe with 5yrs resident permit .in the summer of this 2010 i went to pally for chinese visa i coyldnt belive my name poped on the Chinese embassy system that i cant go into china for 5yrs?i really need to be back there i understand the gray matter of the system there,business i do there fetches more income than here in europe,i speak the language fluently , understand the culture though one needs to wriggle his way around.can you advice!i need to be back in china its the place for business now
Your situation is way beyond my expertise and this post covers basic advice about overstays on tourist visas. You are in a much different scenario, sorry I can’t be of more help.
Hi Anil!
I have contracted with a family in Italy to be their au pair/nanny from January to June of 2011. I am an American citizen and have read over the internet that Italy doesn’t allow Americans to be an au pair so many girls go to Italy on just a tourist visa and just stay in Italy the enitre time without traveling to avoid passport checkpoints. I was wondering if it’s a better idea to enroll in a language course so I can try to get a student visa instead? Also, if my application for a student visa is denied, what would happen if I decided to stay the entire 6 months on a tourist visa?
You should check the Italian embassy website for that information or go through an au pair agency; they’ll take care of your visa requirements. It’s better to work with the proper papers than not and you’ll be able to switch hosts if you’re not happy with who you end up with.
Hi Anil!
I’m a US citizen and will be getting EU citizenship (via Greece) in the next 1- 1.5 years (my promised wait time from the embassy). I want to stay in the UK for 6 months without applying for a visa and finding volunteer work in my field of study. Then I would like to stay in another EU country for 3 months as to not overstay the UK rules and then return to the US for another 3. Then return to the UK and hopefully receive my EU passport in this time. Is this possible or am I dreaming?
The time frames you suggest are completely doable in my opinion. Is that what you were asking?
Hi,
I’ve overstayed my Mexican Tourist Visa by about 3 weeks.
I entered by land the last time, but am flying this time.
One friend (Swedish) tried to leave to go to LA for work on Friday, but they wouldn’t leave bc of her FM3 not being renewed. (Though applied for, it was at the immigration office.)
I am American. Another American friend said she used to play cute, but now when they tell her her tourist visa has been stolen they need a police report…which she gets and brings and they let her through.
Any suggestions?
I’m super scared as I plan to return in January…already have my return ticket.
Best bet would be to contact the US consulate for specific advice and if possible try to arrange for a flight back sooner (the shorter the overstay the better).
Hi, im currently in Kuala lumpur, Malaysia and my visa expired last week. I have no way back home anytime soon and i dont know what to do. If i go to the authorities will they renew my visa or send me back to my country (im canadian btw). any suggestions?
Since you’ve already overstayed, talk to your local Canadian embassy for further assistance. Good luck!
I’m Malaysian, My suggestion is fly out to Malaysia to the border ( Thai, Indonesia or Singapore) then fly back as Tourist. I think this will not be a problem. Enjoy your stay.
hi,
i overstay my visa for 4 month, i am from germany married to an american soldier,i need to get back to the us but i am afraid to get send back once i am in the united states airport,we have a son and he has an us passport,of course i will have to do my immigrant papers once i am there.But i do not want to get send back at the airport…so what can i do ?
HELLLLPPPPPPP
Talk to an immigration lawyer. Your situation is well beyond simple tourist visas!
hi,i m from pakistan.i got a student visa for uk.i didnt study there last 5 months.now i m in pakistan and want to apply for new student visa.what are the chances
That has nothing to do with tourist visas, sorry I can’t help.
Hi Anil, I’m an Au Pair in Italy. I was here September-November and returned to the US for the month of December. I came back to Italy in January and my 90 day tourist period expires in April. Is it possible for me to exit the European Union (for example via Morocco) and re-enter the EU without incurring any penalties?
Hi Meredith,
You’d have to be gone for at least 90 days. The EU Schengen visa is valid for 90 days out of every 180. Did you go through an au pair agency? If so, they should have taken care of the visa paperwork for you.
Hi Meredith, I too am an American Au Pair In Italy..my 90days expired this month as well. I went to Craotia..Was stopped at the Slovenian boarder and charged 200Euro for not leaving the EU prior to the 90days. I have yet to receive a clear answer on what is the correct way to handle the situation if one wants to stay more than 90 days…If it is sufficient to leave the Schengan are for a few days and then return into the EU.
hi…..im janita
my brothers visa was expired on 14/02/2011 and hes passport was lost so the passport is in process and he has overstayed for 1 day and he had an accident on 15/02/2011 and he is in hospital so what can we do. we dont have anyone back in our country all of our family is here so plz help me thank you
Talk to your embassy, they should be able to help you out if it was a tourist overstay and your passport stolen. It’s the best place to start, good luck!
hey, i overstayed my tourist visa by 16 months and came back to uk for a family emergency and i’m married to a usa citizen i need to get back to us has my father in law passed away and need to get back to look after my wife is there anyway around getting back? without getting stopped at the airport? thanks
That’s a very long overstay and I’m not sure what would happen at the airport because of it. Technically from what I’ve gleaned, you are subject to an entry ban (assuming you’re a UK citizen). This page has more information:
http://www.visaplace.com/blog-immigration-law/us-visa-news/i-overstayed-by-visa-in-the-usa-how-can-i-now-return-to-the-us/
Good luck,
-Anil
Thanks very much for the reply and the info, I’ll let you know how it goes
Cheers,
Kirk
I overstayed my Schengen visa by 2 days in Italy. I’m an Indian citizen. By the time I leave in 2 days, it will be 4 days total. I’m already ticketed to leave. What will happen? Any help would be appreciated.
– J
Honestly probably nothing; although you may be subject to a fine. Do you have a good reason for the overstay? I’d definitely mention why you did if they ask.
I just couldn’t get any other ticket. 🙁
Thanks for your prompt response!!
Just wanted to update you (and anyone else interested) – nothing happened. The passport control officer just glanced at the visa page, stamped it, and didn’t even say anything. 🙂 Thanks again for your help.
Thanks for following up JJ and glad you got through without any problems!
I am a canadian in France, and I have overstayed my tourist visa by 9 months. I am about to leave in 2 weeks through Paris. What are the consequences? will I never be allowed to return forever? I have been advised by someone to report my passport stolen, as they do not computerise entries and exits in schengen europe, is this a bad idea?I have heard that in the future I can come in through eastern europe without a problem, is that true? My partner is french, and now I am desperately scared that I can never return with him. Please Help
I really can’t say; with a Canadian passport it’s likely you might not face any problems – though a fine or ban from entry is still (legally) possible. (A ban is unlikely though in my opinion.) I wouldn’t recommend reporting your passport as stolen or lying for that matter. Just be honest if they ask you why you overstayed that long.
Next time try to get a longer term visa 😉
If you are really worried, contact your local embassy for further assistance.
Have you left france yet? I am a canadian in a very similar situation. Would like to know what the outcome was.
I am Canadian citizen with a multiple entry visa (5 yrs) in India which expired over 2 years ago. Is there any way I can renew my visa for another 5 yrs?Any lawyers I can talk to? Please help.
Call the Indian embassy to find out, they’ll be able to tell you.
I have recently been approved for my USA Fiancee Visa. My fiance has been here for 6 mos and his passport was not stamped when he entered Canada. What will happen crossing the border, when he returns home with me. I will have all my legal papers.
I cant seem to get an answer any where !!
Best to talk to an immigration lawyer; your question is beyond tourist visas! Sorry I couldn’t be more help…
I know of a Moroccan that his visa expired 5 years ago. It was a tourist visa. His passport has also expired July 2010. He is still in Canada and wants to get married or have a child. A phone call to Canadian Immigration Center has been filed against him for his overstay. What are the chances of him staying in Canada if he gets married or has a child with a Canadian? Will he be deported.
I really cannot say, that’s a very long overstay. It’s best to talk to an immigration lawyer in your case. Sorry I couldn’t be more help.
Do you know if they have exit tracking capabilities in the US yet for tourists on an i-94 visa vaiver?…and does this new finger printing they are doing on entry affect this ?
I’m not sure, though I’d suspect so since they will check entry and upon exit.
I have overstayed in Australia on my students visa (around a month)9 years ago and since then i have never step in to Australia. I have been travelling within Asia (incl Japan) for both leisure and businesses. Now, i plan to visit UK for a vacation, would i have any problem of entering to UK as a tourist (i am from a non-visa required country and never been to UK).
…because of the overstay in Australia? I wouldn’t think so, especially after this much time.
My partner and I are both kiwis and have been offered a 4 month job in Italy by a UK firm. They are telling us not to worry about the Shengen visa restrictions but are not doing anything about them for us or for other employees from the UK.
We are worried that after the 4 months we leave we will be slapped with a fine, banned or deported. We will probably be entering the Shengen through Greece and exiting though a different country too, maybe France or Germany which have separate agreements with NZ.
Or course we understand there is a risk, but is it likely that they would have records that we spent over 90 days in Italy and not spread out over Italy, Germany and France.
Any info would be great.
Any legitimate company would pay for the proper visa. It’s on them, not you; so unless they’re will to take care of it, I wouldn’t put yourself in the position of knowingly overstaying.
Man you are amazingly fast.
That is kinda what we were thinking, but were unsure if we could get away with it by going between countries.
On a side note after reading what you wrote about the Alfa long range wifi I am going to buy the AWUS036NEH 802.11n, they would have come in so handy over the last year of travel.
Cheers
My pleasure and enjoy the Alfa, it will definitely come in handy on your travels 🙂
Hi !!! I had previously overstayed in the netherlands based on my student visa, i havent been notified if i am banned. but for my new job i need to attend business meetings throughout europe but not for longer than a week or two. i left for a trip to indonesia(2months almost) and have to return to amsterdam based on my ticket. i am wondering if i can re enter the country with document/contract from my company for easter weekend before departing to istanbul?? Any positive or negative feedback is welcomed!!!
So you’re working on a student visa? Talk to your company if they know the situation, they’ll best be able to help you get things sorted.
Hia. So I have a bit of a messy situation. I was granted entry to the us from canada. 6 months was the time limit that the patrol officer gave me. I did not apply for any visa. The last month i was in the states i lost my wallet with drivers license, insurance etc for my motorcycle. I returned to canada and came back into the states by train before my “6 months” was up. The officer that came onto the train said that i had 7 days to go get my bike and leave the country. This is an unreasonable amount of time if i had all my paperwork, I am still waiting for the license in the mail. Do you have any suggestions for me……it does not give me much time for any kind of figuring.
I’m confused by your situation; try calling the Canadian embassy in the US.
Hello,
My mother-in-law arrived yesterday 04/26/11 and was only given a month to stay meaning that she has to retunr on 05/26/11. Unfortunately her son my brother-in-law is getting married on 05/28/11… Should she apply for a extended stay for one more week or just leave right after the wedding?
From where to where are you talking about…but yes, apply for an extension. Overstaying knowingly unless in extreme circumstance is not a good idea anywhere.
Hello,
This is a great forum BTW, very informative…
I have a couple of questions…I am a US citizen in the Czech Republic on a tourist Visa, it expires in early May…I met a girl when I was studying here last semester, and I am now back on my TV, working for the program I studied for…the program was unable to get me a visa as they do not have the status to do so in CZ, they are only allowed to help their enrolled students get student visas…anyway, my first question is what will happen if I overstay for just a few days? the reason being I would like to be apart of the final days of the program, helping the students etc. My second question is can I get married on an expired tourist visa? I have been thinking of overstaying as I really love this girl I met and I don’t want to leave her, sappy I know, but i’ve been thinking about it…My third question is if I do overstay, will I have a problem in the future actually gaining legal status? For example, if I have to go to the US for something and I decide to go back to CZ, will I have difficulties going back or actually going through the visa process for legal status? Also, will I have to go back to the US after getting married here, before I can return to CZ, or can I change my status while still here…I really appreciate your advice thank you
On the overstay, you can be subject to a fine on the way out. As for the second question, you’d have to talk to an immigration lawyer to get the facts. As for the third question, I would say it won’t help and may hurt your situation, why overstay when you don’t have to and jeopardize your longer term plans?
Hi Anil,
I have a problem with my Indian visa, it’s expired already (since 12-4-2011) and I’m
still here in Delhi, but I’ve tried to convert my T-visa to X-Visa a month before my
T-visa expired, now my application has been rejected on April 19th, the earliest for me
to get a flight back to Europe is on May 25th.. I got married here 18 months back and me
and my wife have a 9 months old son. I will be granted an exit stamp to leave India
before May 25th from the MHA and FRRO. My question now is; will I be refused another Indian Visa in like 3 months or other countries? Because I need to come back to India in September 2011. Please suggest something as I’m very confused and stressed out now.
Hi Raymond, I really wish I could help but that’s far beyond tourist visa territory. Honestly, the best thing to do would be to talk to an immigration lawyer in India; might be the more expensive path but you’ll get the definite answers you’re looking for.
Hi Anil,
Thank you for your quick responding. I took an agent who tried to extend for me, but after T-visa expiration, they told me it was rejected. They’re telling me that there shouldn’t be no problem, returning to India with X-visa, but I highly doubt this, as others say, that I abused the T-visa restrictions. I will have to come up with something, but thanks a lot for your help!
My pleasure, sorry I couldn’t do more. Best of luck!
Hi Anil,
I just wanted to let you know that I’ve received an extension and permission to leave India on May 25th! I had to pay a fine of R 1395,- and R 1860,- for the extension. There they told me that I wouldn’t encounter any problems coming back to India. I wish you all the best with your website and keep advicing people!
KR,
Raymond
Hi Raymond, glad to hear it and appreciate you following up!
I am an american with a student visa that expires july 30th, i’ll be returning to the us before that and applying for a tourist visa for starting september 1st, is that ok? Also, my tourist visa would expire the end of february, can i stay in france for another 90 days as a tourist, should i leave the shengen zone in february to get restamped?
As an American you can stay (with a standard travel visa) for 90 days out of every 180 in the Schengen. For a longer stay, you need to apply for either an extended tourist visa or some other form that lets you stay longer (in France specifically).
I am going to Germany for around 8 months with all of my expenses paid except for food and gas. I want my girlfriend to come over for about six of those eight months and I know the tourist VISA only allows for a 90 day stay. What is the possibility of of her being able to get a temporary residence VISA once she gets over to Germany that lets her stay longer than 90 days?
She can try applying for a longer term tourist visa at the embassy before heading over there. As for the odds of approval, I can’t really say, but I’m guessing the chances are good.
So I should just call any German embassy here in the states and apply for one? Thanks for your help!
Check their website first so you’ve got a rough idea of what type of visa you’re looking for specifically and then call the nearest one. They should be able to point you in the right direction from there. Good luck!
Hi,
I was studying in Canada and overstayed my visa by 2 and a half months… I am flying home to Australia from the US (LAX) soon and I just wanted to know if my overstay would be grounds for the US border control to deny me access to the states? I have my flight booked and proof of my enrolment in the next semester of uni at home… Would that be enough to prove I do not have any intention of overstaying in the states? Will they even check my visa stamps?
Any advice would be hugely appreciated. I feel like a criminal 🙁 Thanks!!!
An overstay in Canada shouldn’t cause you problems in the US under most circumstances. Although they’ll likely go through the stamps in your passport, they’re generally just concerned about your US travel permissions.
I am a U.S. citizen who had been in Spain for a little over two months and my visa expires at the end of May. I live with my girlfriend and we are currently in the process of getting married. The extension visa wich i would get the day of my appointment with the registry civil is only valid for Spain. My girlfriend has to be in Italy, where she is from, for the month of June. Is there any way that I could go to Italy for June? Can I apply for a visa extension in Italy as well? What would happen if I went over to Italy while I had my spanish visa extension?
I’d consult the Spanish immigration department for more specifics. I’m afraid that’s beyond basic travel visas and I couldn’t provide you a good answer.
Here’s my issue:
I’m an au pair with a signed contract and (I’ve been told) my paperwork is in progress and I have the necessary permissions to stay in Italy. I’m concerned because I have seen no evidence of that, even though my employer (the host family) told me it was taken care of.
I came on good faith. But, we submitted my paperwork in OCTOBER, 3 months before I left the US. It has now been 7 months and still I’ve had no updates on the validity of my permissions to be in Italy for the agreed upon year.
By the time I fly home to visit family I will have overstayed my tourist visa by approximately 2 months.
I’ve called and emailed the consulate in Naples (where I’m located), with no response.
What do I do from here? Will my returning to the US for a week and re-entering Italy be a problem if i don’t have my necessary documentation?
Thanks a million.
It could be a problem, your hosts should have provided you the necessary documents. If you went through an au pair agency, you should definitely contact them.
Hi,I am an italian citizen I was in us from the 23rd of august til the 21st of november,did I overstay my visa? and if so what do i have to do to get back
I plan to go back to us in sep til dec,when i left from the us i came down to mexico to work,i have a regular work permit,do I need to get out of the continent before i can get back or as i live here now it is ok
Off the top of my head, Italians get 90 days in the US. Pop open a calendar and count to find out the answer to your first question; as for the second, is it a US work permit? What specific kind is it?
Hi, I’m a US citizen currently living in Spain. I teach English here and arrived in August, but am under a Short Stay Visa (90 days). My visa expired in November, but I have since applied for and received a Residency card that extends my stay legally until May 31st, 2011. I was wondering if I would be able to travel around the EU for a month or so (no more than 6weeks) past May 31st. I have traveled to Istanbul and Morocco in the past month (non EU countries), and went back to the US in decemeber/January for 3 weeks, and am wondering if these stamps outside of the EU will give me a 90day tourist visa, allowing me to stay and travel. Just wondering if I will reach any issues when I am trying to fly back the US, or along the way while I am traveling within the EU. Any help would be SO appreciated, all the other sites have such conflicting information.
US citizens have 90 days out of every 180 in the Schengen Zone (which includes the EU and a few non-members). I am not sure how the residency card changes your travel situation; you’d need to call the Spanish embassy for your exact situation.
As for flying into the US, you shouldn’t have any problems either way. Hope this helps or at least gets you off to a good start.
Hi Anil,
I am going travelling in south america this summer and have already booked flights. The connection flight is from New York. I overstayed my US 90 day visa by 4 months 6 years ago. Will I have difficulties at US immigration?
Any advice is greatly appreciated!
Hi David,
Is it only a connection? Than you won’t be going through US immigration; there is extremely little chance you’ll have any problems.
The new rules says I do to and I have already purchased my $14 waver visa online which you now have to do before entering the US. It was approved anyway so I am hoping that it will be fine. I know it’s a only a connection flight but you do have to go though immigration and even though I have my connection flight leaving in a few hours and accommodation booked in another country, in theory I suppose I could not get on it and stay in the states, which obviously I am not going to do. If they do refuse me entry then I can wave goodbye to 2 grand and I will totally gutted after planning the trip of a lifetime!
I sincerely doubt you’ll have any problems for the connection. Good luck and have a great trip 🙂
Hey Anil,
Great information on this topic; I’m looking for answers about overstaying in Brazil.
I’m from the U.S., staying in Salvador, Brazil. I planned on renewing my tourist visa but let it go for a week before going to the Federal Police. I thought there would be no problem with doing so as long as I payed the fine for each day I overstayed.
What happened is that I had to pay the fine and received a stamp on my passport that says I have to leave within eight days or I’ll be deported. They also told me that once I leave I won’t be able to come back for six months and that if I stay longer than the eight days I might never be able to come back.
I’m looking for any way around this as I really want to stay longer. I’ve been told off the record by someone who works at the FP that this isn’t as big of a problem as it seems, I can overstay and won’t have trouble coming back as long as I pay the fine.
So my question is, if I stay longer than the eight days I was given, will I ever be able to come back to Brazil? Also, will I have problems with entering other countries because of these stamps on my passport? I can’t get through to the embassy here and the consulate said they don’t deal with these issues.
Any advice would be much appreciated!
Thanks,
Elizabeth
Hi Elizabeth,
I don’t recommend overstaying, especially based on what you’ve been told. The most accurate advice you could get would be through an immigration lawyer and keep trying the embassy. As for the Brazil stamps, they shouldn’t give you trouble anywhere else.
When you knowingly overstay, you put yourself in the position of being at the whim of whomever you meet when reentering the country. You won’t have a valid position to argue and could damage your long term chances of reentry.
ok so I am an italian citizen and i did overstay my us waiver visa of one day,last year ,due to miscalculation,I left the us for mexico, where i actually live and work;
in september ,as it is law season,I’d like to go and stay with friends in the us for 3 months,what do i have to do?
You will need to apply for a visa at the US embassy there since technically you are no longer eligible for the waiver program. That said, for an overstay of 1 day and with a return ticket you might have no problems. It’s then the luck of whoever you get at immigration.
i’ve read somewhere that i need to apply for the visa at the us embassy in my country of origin,but i live in mexico and i can’t go to italy just to apply for a visa,i hope they have some exception..and can i do that with the us consulate instead of the embassy?
Call the local Italian embassy first, they’ll be able to tell you where to go from there or check their website; it may also have the information. Don’t go on hearsay, you might be able to get your visa done from there.
hi Anil,
i have indian passport and i m presently working in dubai for 3 years work permit and i planned to travel poland by 2nd september 2011 and return by 14th september 2011, but the problem is that my workl permit expires on 16th september, can i get schengen visa? or how many days or months before i can travel only?
please help.
Hi Suhail,
I’m a bit confused by your situation; do you need a visa to travel to Poland? If so, I’m not sure how the two would conflict but best bet is to ask the appropriate (Polish or UAE) embassy or immigration department.
Hey i was jus wondering if you overstay your visa in India do they stamp your visa?
I overstayed by 3 days in 2008 due to illness. I have a 5 year visa n am planning on going back for 2 months in June 2011. Will I be oki 2 enter? It’s been 2 and a half years. =)
What do you mean if they stamp your visa? If you’ve already gotten approved for another visa you should be good to go.
My girlfriend and I have been in Australia on a working visa but due to some issues we have only seen Sydney and haven’t been able to get our travelling done. We are from the UK and the Australian Immigration isn’t being much help. Our visa runs out in about 5/6 weeks and we are determined to do our travelling as it’s a once in a lifetime oppertunity for us. What are our options? What would be the punishments if we did overstay our visa? We don’t want to but feel we have little option.
I’d just like to clarify that when I say Immigration isn’t being any help what I mean is that they give us a different story every time we call. It seems like even they don’t know what’s going on.
Overstaying a working visa has different ramifications than doing so on a tourist visa. Their website should have information on extending the visa; have you also tried going to the office in person? That might help you track down the right person easier and get a final option. If all else fails, an hour with an immigration lawyer will be able to get you the answers and forms you need.
When you say “different ramifications” what do you mean? A ban/fine?
We’re only looking for an extra 6 weeks but we are being told that it’s impossible to add a holiday visa onto a working visa and we should have done our travelling in the year we were originally granted. Whilst we accept this surely it shouldn’t be overly complicated for 2 honest people to simply put the money they have earned in this country back into the country by doing the touristy part now.
Another thing is that we are being told it will cost us around 250 dollars each just to apply for the visa and of course that could still be turned down. Is that normal?
It varies from country to country, but it could be a fine, ban, or both. I wonder what would happen if you leave to New Zealand for a few days and come back. You can try asking that; it’s better than knowingly overstaying. Rather put that money in more travel than a fine on the way out of Australia.
As for just about any visa you apply for, payments for rejected visas are rarely refunded. But as is the case with any country, they can put any kind of rules or restrictions they like, no matter how much or little they make sense.
Thanks for your help.
Yeah it seems that Immigration have us by the short and curlys and can pretty much do as they please eh?!
What we have decided to do is go to Bali as we want to go there anyway and reapply for a visitors Visa when we are there and pray that they’ll have us back so we can see more of the country.
It surprises me how difficult it seemed to be for such a simple and honest thing as a small visa extension to be granted though. Surely there must be a way of being a little more flexible?
Thanks again.
im holding phillipines passport and when i went to brasil they stamped me in for just 15days instead of 90days that i normally get,but now i have over stayed up to 10days,can i pay for it at the airport and how much pay day for the fine?thanks pat
Call you embassy there to find out what the implications might be.
i have over stay of 15days in brasil do you if i can pay the fine at airport when departing?
Your embassy in Brazil will be able to tell you with certainty. That’s your best bet at getting the most accurate information.
My husband overstayed his tourist visa here in US.Im wondering if he will be able to fly domestic in US? And will his passport be checked for his overstay?thanks
Maybe and yes.
When my girlfriend leaves Germany for good, she will be past the allotted 90 days. I understand that from this she can face a fine or even a ban. What if she has applied for an extended VISA and has the paperwork to show the immigration officers. Does that help her get out of the country without any problems?
Just having evidence you applied won’t help. She would need an *approved* extended visa.
Anil,
My daughter has the opportunity to stay with her cousins in italy for a year while they are stationed there (US Air Force). However, she has not been able to obtain any extended stay visa from the consulate here in the states. They really don’t seem to be very helpful. Is it possible to apply for an extension from the Italian officials once she is in Italy?
It is possible – though chances are better if you get the visa taken care of ahead of time. Did her Italy visa get denied – what was the problem?
Her visa application wasn’t officially denied, but I don’t believe that they were going to issue it and we ran out of time (she leaves 6/7/11) so we asked the to return her passport. We were trying to get her a temporary residence visa. We beefed up her bank acct to show she had sufficient resources to sustain herself for a year without working and provided a letter and rental agreement from her cousins to show that she had a place to live. They fixated on the fact that she was visiting her cousins who are US military and they wanted her to get a “Mission” visa and from what we understood about it that simply didn’t fit her situation.
I would certainly give it a try in Italy, though it her chances might not be as good. It might even be worth it to apply for an extended 12 month travel visa. Less questions, easier application, and good odds of getting approved.
hi sir
i lost my shengen visa stiker which is expire in 2008.i m already travel italy 3 time.i m give my pasport travel agent when thay give me my pasport one visa stiker is missing.stamps are ok i come pak in time.when i will apply new visa can embassy ask me where is u r expire visa stiker.can i problem with future visa problem..can some one use my expire visa stiker…plz repy me as soon as possible.thax
I don’t think anyone can use an expired visa; at least one torn out of a passport is not something I’ve heard of before. As for your upcoming application, if the lack of a previous visa to show becomes and issue, contact your local Italian embassy.
I´m an american citizen and I came to honduras in 2007 and had a 90 day visa and my visa is now expired since it has been 4 years ago and now I want to leave honduras and go to greece,so my question is what is the penalty or fine imposed on me to leave honduras?
Check their embassy website to find out.
Hello, I am a Canadian citizen, I initially came over to the United States as a tourist on vacation when I was 16, came over July 22nd 2010, they asked me if I wanted to stay in the U.S. and go to high school here I said okay, so they let me in high school all I had to show them was my passport and I resided at a relatives house, now I am 17 about to graduate, and turning 18 in just over a month or two. Thing is when I came over here to the US they just let me through, the person just gave my passport a stamp on one of the pages and wrote in pen “B-2, 6 weeks” is that considered a B-2 visa or no? So now I have to go back to Canada my home country and apply for a F-1 Visa with the US embassy in Canada with my I-20 form correct? What else do I need? Or someone else told me I can go back to Canada airport and reenter just by showing my I-20 form and they will help me there or no that is untrue?
Thanks!
What are you trying to achieve – permanent residence? It seems you’ve certainly overstayed the original 6 week visa which could complicate things.
I am trying to achieve a F-1 Status (visa) so I can attend college in the United States so I can then apply for a SSN once I am able to work on campus.
Sorry, that’s beyond travel visas, I can’t be much help. The US embassy website or a phone call to the one in Canada should give you all the information you need.
Hi all, first thing that I need to make clear, working for the airlines that you will have problems. (API) Advanced passanger info system just went online. What it does is check aganst SIS and other systems in the EU at check in. We have seen first hand accounts, passangers denied boarding passes in the US,on the outbound flights we have seen Immigration officials waiting at passport control with a nice bright color copy of that persons face. If you guys want to stay in Europe longer I suggest go to Germany rent a flat find a school program or job and apply there, its one of the few countries that US,Australian,South Korean,Japan can apply direct have a look at the German embassy site. Below is the rule for API. Cheers guys also one tip for the “overstayed” fly out of Rome!! (still lax) Tip of the day….
Article 104 of the Federal Aliens Law confers authority to the Federal Office for Migration to require commercial airline operators to submit advance passenger information (API data: personal data, information regarding travel documents and the flight) for all Schengen flights. Such data must be provided before departure.
The migration office is currently developing an IT project appropriate for running API data against various databases and making data available to border authorities. The API system introduction is scheduled for 2011. The purpose of this system is to contribute improving border control and help enhance the combat against illegal immigration.
Thanks Alex for this info, is there a good official site you know of to reference for more information?
Hey I am a US who has been on exchange since january in Denmark on a Student Visa. The Visa expires July 15th but I was planning on traveling around Europe until August 15th in a Van with some friends. I have left Denmark to go on another trip at the end of April and got stamps ect showing I was in other EU countries. I was wondering if my 90 in 180 days start after the Visa expires? Also I can plan on being in Morocco July 15th and 16th if that would reset the count or start it over as i would be meeting my original visa requirements. Finally, if I cannot extend my stay legally, what would be the consequences of traveling from spain thru southern france to Italy for a few weeks (probably 2-3) after my visa expires? If i were to book a flight to copenhagen and fly back to the states from there that same day would I be allowed into Denmark and allowed to catch my flight back to the US? Do they check passports at the borders for vans in these countries and would I be allowed entrance or just be stranded in the country I am in when the Visa expires?
Hi JP, unfortunately I don’t know the answer though you should be able to find out by checking the Danish immigration site or giving them a call.
Traveling on an expired Schengen visa can lead to fines or you being denied entry into other countries. The EU is getting more strict about this and even talking about closing some of the open borders between member states. Borders are more lax when entering by land though your passport may still be subject to inspection (hit or miss in my experience).
If i were to be denied to any of the countries would I be deported from the one I am in or just left there stranded to fine my own way home somehow. The US embassy here gave me false information I believe because when I asked about my situation a few months ago they said that my tourist visa 90 in 180 didn’t start until I entered a different schengen area, which would end at the beginning of August. I’m freaking out cause all my flights have been booked and I really don’t have money to change them and I also don’t want to be stranded in Europe when my studies resume in the states late august
You’d likely be left to find your way back out though I’m not sure what the specific process would be across the various countries. Why do you think the US embassy gave you false information? Try confirming it with Danish immigration.
I am currently staying in Italy. I am a US citizen. I have overstayed my tourist visa, but wasn’t stamped when I came into the country. Is it possible for me to have problems when exiting or when I want to come back? Or since there is no stamp is there really no proof that I have overstayed? I am a bit nervous.
They likely scanned your passport upon entry and have a record of your arrival. A fine is still a possibility – how long was the overstay?
Passport scans don’t keep track of flight history. They scan your passport for the no-fly watch list. Anyway, they looked at the passport without scanning it and handed it back to me.
I’m guessing then you won’t have any trouble upon leaving, though if you remember I’d be curious to hear what happens.
My Canada PR Card expire on 27th June. I am not eligible for renewal. I have a ticket out of Canada on 2nd. What shall I do to extend it till 2nd July.
Call your embassy for more information.
It happened due to my oversight that I overstayed my I94 validity date by 5 days in the United States. I immediately returned back to India after I became aware of this.
Kindly let me know if I can travel to the US again using the same visa.
It’s a possibility that you might be denied entry again, though it’s a short overstay.
Well, i hope you are right. Btw your site is cool. I read some of your stuff. What’s your favorite place so far?
I hope so too Erica that it goes smoothly for you.
…my favorite place is really tough to narrow down. I’ll say Boracay in the Philippines in my favorite beach and Istanbul my favorite city, but there are so many more in there!
Hello,
I would like to propose you a situation where I need your help.
My brother who lived in Finland for 2.5yr has moved to Greece for his internship. Now when he was extending his visa in Finland he was advised that Finnish visa will be more than enough to enter and work in Greece. However now he noticed that his visa is expiring in due course and he is in middle of his intensive internship in Greece. Is there an exceptional way for him to get Greece visa from embassy based in Finland via post.
Well beyond travel visas so I can’t offer any good advice. Contact the closest appropriate embassy for more information.
Hi,
I am a Chinese citizen, I have got a 15 days ‘duration of stay’ visa. However when I booked the flights, I found out I couldn’t get any earlier flights, but had to overstay 2 days. There’s no other flights available. What should I do?
P.S. That’s a Schengen visa to Greece.
I would look into getting a visa extension just to be on the safe side.
Hi,i have been living in thailand(Koh Samui & Bangkok) for 2 an half years,i only had a 3 month tourist visa to start with,when that run out i was doing border bounces or visa runs to the malysian border paying small overstays but that only entitled me to 15 days extra each time,so overtime i had built up 6 monthes overstay with whitch i had to pay 20,000 bht,but still only given me 15 days.
This time i have overstay of 7 months.my question is is there another way i can get an extention to my visa or change my visa,and not have to pay as much as the 20,000 bht.wha t options are there.Im from the U.K.?
Why don’t you try to get a resident or long term travel visa?
Hi,tyhanks for your reply.that would be ideal,can i aply for them type’s of visa from within Thailand or do i still have to go back to the U.K,AND HOW MUCH DO YOU THINK IT WILL COST?.WIL I STILL HAVE TO PAY THE OVERSTAY.??
Many thanks
Scott
Call the UK embassy there, they’ll be a good source to start for the initial info.
Yes hi i’m an american and was wondering what would happen if i overstayed in the uk indefinitely? i’m caucasian and i look european. would there be any problems?
You’d be staying illegally in a foreign country; it could easily cause problems, no matter what you look like.
would they come hunt me down like the gestapo? i’m a bit ignorant.
No, that won’t happen. Your biggest problems will be if you try to leave or re-enter; and some other points where you’d cross paths with government bureaucracy.
thanks alot for the help!!
Hi,
I am an Indian citizen living in New zealand. I came here for study in 2008. Now I am overstaying here for nearly 6 weeks.I applied for work visa which got declined on 16 May 2011. And i came to know about it on 18 May when i received my passport. On the same day i went to an Immigration adviser, explained him evrything and told him apply for tourist visa asap. He misguided me, wasted my time and wrote a letter to immigration on 31st May 2011 to reconsider my work visa application for which i was not eligible at all. Then I spoke to another lawyer about my case and she told me to apply for student or tourist visa asap. Then i reapplied for Student Visa on 17 June 2011. Now its been 6 weeks,m waiting for reply. will there be any problem if i apply for canadian visa ? Thanks
I’m very confused by your situation – where did Canada come from? Either way, it’s well beyond travel visas. Sorry I can’t be of any help.
Hi Anil, I am an American and came to France with my fiance (also an American) on a one-year tourist visa that expires on July 7. My now husband came here on a work visa. We got married in the U.S. in December but I did not apply for a change of staus as I was told that I wold have to return to the U.S. to do so (I have received conflicting opinions on that). We are scheduled to move out our apartment in France on July 29 and then need to go to the Netherlands for an event. Do you think I will have trouble 1)getting into the Netherlands and 2)reentering France before returning to the U.S.? I am going to try to get an extension to my visitor visa but the process is daunting, confusing, and not guaranteed to give me an extension. TIA for you help!
It’s possible on the way out of France you could be subject to a fine or not allowed entry into the Netherlands; the likelihood though either or both happening though is anybody’s guess. Getting an extension is the only guarantee.
Thanks for your quick reply. I will let you know if I am able to get the extension.
HI, A friend has to leave the country the 1 of July, that´s the day that his visa expires but he only was able to find a ticket for the 2 of July at 9 am, he´s going back to his country to extend the UK student visa, it will be a problem if he overstay just a few hours ??? He has to pay a fine? when you leave there is not a Migraciones office at the airport, how they are going to know when he leave the country?
Thanks for your help
All of the above is possible.
Anil
I need to know what would happen if I crossed into USA from Canada with my Visa pending at the American Consulate in Montreal.Its going to be about 3 months before my interview can be set. Will this affect my Visa ?I own a home in the states and need to be there for financial reasons.
I hope you can help me out
Julia
You’re applying for permanent residency? It should say on the paperwork whether or not you can enter the US prior; though I’m guessing not.
Yes , for the K1 Visa I believe..where on the paper work would that be found ? Our lawyer has all the info.
One lawyer has said its ok to cross,and our lawyer is saying no, not to try cause it will affect my case if I get red flagged. The other lawyer said that as long as I had proof of reason to come back to Cnanda , then it should not be a problem.
Im scared to try, but I really cant handle waiting anymore . It has been almost a year now.
You lawyer should be able to tell you absolutely whether or not you can leave the country in your present situation. That’s why you pay them that much money; sounds a bit like you’re looking for the answer you want to hear. Get the definite regulations and rules – from there it’s all your decision. Good luck.
I will be visiting a friend in the uk as a first time flyer. from the usa. my visit will be 2 weeks. they? are allowing me to stay with them for free for the two weeks that i’m there. and will provide me with food. and i will have 100 pounds in cash 1000 usd on my debit card and a round trip ticket back. do u see any problems with this? because i’ve heard some people have been sent back for no reason at all. any help would be much appreciated. i’m just very nervous about all this its FEW WEEKS away. thanks again. btw i will have a resent bank statement proving i have 1000$$ stamped by my bank. thank u again!
2 weeks on a tourist visa you won’t almost definitely won’t face any problems upon entry. As a US citizen they’re very unlikely to ask you for bank statements or anything other than the standard, ‘where are you staying’ ‘why are you here’ type questions.
Thank u so much! just one more thing will Travel Insurance better my chances of getting in or will it make no difference?
Nope, it won’t make a difference.
Hey Anil i’m still worried of being refused into the uk for my 2 week visit to my friends. i don’t have any real ties to the US. except family and my dogs my grandmother is watching for me. someone said this was 38, married but separated, 5 children (4 under 18), owned property in the US, bred dogs, essentially I had a LOT of ties to the US. I also had a return ticket. I entered the UK, to visit a friend (who is now my husband). I ended up being detained, questioned (interrogated is more like it) for over 5 hours. I was officially refused entry, they kept my passport but allowed me to enter the UK for 3 days.
Now, with my strong ties, I was denied. I was middle aged, with kids, and could not stay in the UK to get married if I had wanted to because I was legally married although separated. Do you think YOU have stronger ties? See what I mean. I am not saying you will be stopped, or pulled to the side or even refused entry. What I am saying is be prepared for it, it is a very real possibility. The UK refuses entry to thousands of Americans every year, and sends them straight home. Happens every day. i would like to no the odds of me being denied. i’m 22 i have everything i need to enter the uk like return ticket bank statements a place where i’ll be staying. what are the odds. and if they do deny me what can i do to refuse to take a plane back? any advise will be truly helpful. i’m truly nervous i don’t want the money i’ve been saving for 8 months to go to waste. i’m sorry to pester you.
I honestly don’t know what the odds are; typically on a US passport, no criminal record, etc. entry should be fairly routine. Also, where are you getting your statistics for the, “UK refuses entry to thousands of Americans every year, and sends them straight home. Happens every day.”?
That said, if you are *this* concerned you won’t be allowed entry, call the nearest UK embassy in the US for more information.
Thank u anil. sorry to pester u. this will be the last time i bother u. !!
It’s not a bother, I hope it all works out for you. Good luck!
Thanks! good luck to u as well!
Hello i’m wondering what immigration will ask me when i arrive for my 2 week holiday in the uk. i’m from the usa.
Hi Steph, I believe they mention it on their US embassy site but it’s usually the basics – why are you visiting, how long are you here, what do you do for a living type questions.
Will being unemployed and not going to school be a problem?
Typically coming from the US and only for a 2 week stay it won’t.
Would booking a hotel in the uk for my holiday be better then telling immigration i will be staying With a friend?. because they will think i’m going to see a lover. which i’m not. so would booking a hotel give me better chance to injoying my holiday? i got 1000 usd$$ on my debit card return ticket. 100 pounds in cash. i just dont want to be sent back because i’m 22. so having a itinerary and a booked hotel be better then saying i’m staying with friends for my 2 week holiday and going sightseeing with them?i have a bank statement as well
You should be fine assuming you have a visa (if you need one), just have your friend’s address handy.
I’m working legally in the UK. My problem is a relative pitched up at my place several weeks back and has overstayed her tourist visa by at least 6 months. As far as I know she’s not indulged in any illegal activities(minus the overstaying). Because of family ties back home(Malaysia) I’ve agreed to fund the cost of her plane ticket back to Malaysia. She’ll be leaving very soon. I presume that she’ll be flagged up at Heathrow on the way out. The ticket can easily be traced back to me(credit card). Am I going to get into serious trouble for all this? I can’t turn her out of my house because she’s a relative. I am getting ulcers thinking about the possible repercussions.
Honestly I’m not sure what the implications are; and don’t want to take a poor guess. Check the UK immigration office’s website, they might have good information for you to start with.
Here’s a doozie,
I work for an American company that also has a compnay in France. I was sent over to France to run our French office. Before I left, I went to the French consulate in Miami and presented my documents along with those of my son who would be travelling with me.
They were denied and I was told that I was applying for the wrong visa. Unfortunately, the man that I saw didn’t speak much English so I was unable to get a full description of what I actually needed.
Upon returning to my office, I was told by my boss that she had just found out that our French Accountants would be able to handle the visa process for us.
Of course, that didn’t work out. The paperwork was returned not once, but twice as imconplete. Now, not only am I overstayed and working illegally in the country. So is my nanny and my son (all American).
We now have a French lawyer working for us but now, I’m wondering if I’m going to be able to re-enter the EU in the future. I’m trying to figure out what kind of CYA measures that I need to take to make sure that I’m allowed back.
One thing I’m considering is telling my boss is that I will no longer be available to work in the office. The problem is, is that I’m afraid that if I don’t work, that I won’t get paid and I’m a single mom so there’s no food on the table if I’m not earning a paycheck.
While it sounds like I have a great high paying job because I’ve been sent to a foreign county to work, I assure you, I absolutely can not afford to not work.
There’s loads more to my conundrum but these are the very basics.
Any info would be very much appreciated.
Thx
Hi Marie,
I wish I could be of some help, but unfortunately your situation is way beyond simple travel visas. You lawyer should be able to answer all of these questions for you and is the best resource to ask. You should also push you company to help you sort things out logistically since they are the ones responsible for sending you in the first place.
Sorry I couldn’t be more help but I wish you the best of luck.
-Anil
Hi Anil.. I am currently in Australia on a holiday working visa that expires the 31st of this month. I cant afford a plane ticket back to Canada until around the 3rd.. What I am wondering is I now have an Australian boyfriend that he and I will be applying for a defacto relationship in December.. Will those 3 days cause a hassle with my reenty or application in the future? Also I tried to get a tourist visa in the country and also outside (I just got back from Auckland) Stupidly I told the one in country I wanted to stay to be with my boyfriend and then switch over to the defacto.. Even though it wasnt processed, the old dragon sold me upstream.. What is your opinion?
Thanks so much
Sage
Hi Sage, the Australian immigration site will likely have information about what happens if you overstay. I’d avoid doing so it at all possible.
hi,i had 6 months visa to UK and I stayed there for 2 years overdue.im now a US citizen leaving in America but I wish to go back to UK,do not know if it is possible and how can I do to have a stay in UK
My sister and I got a schengen visa thru pilgrimage last year. I declare her as my sister and we applied as family. She’s planning to return and and work using a tourist visa again. I am worried that it might affect my future plan if I want to go back to italy for visit again with my daughter. If ever I return it will be my third visit. Please advise. Thank you
HI
I’m mexican and I just got married to a u.s. citizen. My tourist visa expires in less than a month and we are going to apply for the green card but I don’t know if I will have trouble since my visa will expire in the middle of that process… I will get a I-94 this week which will let me stay legally in the States for six months but still, my visa expires soon, am I going to get in trouble?
thanks
The I-94 should have details on whether you can continue the process from inside the country or not. I’m not exactly sure to be honest; best bet is to check the INS website.
I will have overstayed it by about a week after next week. There is nothing I can do about it now because I must remain through next weekend. I only want to know which country is best to fly out of for less chance of penalty? I had a German residence that expired last year, but now I live in Turkey? I read that Italy and France are countries that may not penalize me. But if I DO manage to get out without a fine, should I ALWAYS fly back into the EU through those countries? I am in Hamburg now, go to Berlin this weekend, and then from there I don’t know whether to take a car to Paris and fly out, OR fly out from a city in Italy.
Where are you from?
Chances are going to another country to avoid a fine will be the equivalent of the fine in travel costs; and you don’t guarantee not being fined or potentially facing a ban. Leave as you had planned (hopefully as soon as possible) and if you’re asked about it at passport control be honest and say you screwed up. A direct answer might get you around a fine depending on the officer you happen to get.
Hi,
Thanks for answering. I am American and have (or had) lived in Germany for 7 years until last year. My residence permit is now expired, and to put it bluntly, I am black and Germans are not the most accommodating to people that look like me. I have had bad experiences with officials there before and I am leaning towards flying out of Warsaw or Italy because of that.
I understand where you’re coming from; just do a cost comparison (what the potential total fine is vs the costs of traveling to another departure point). It’s often the luck of the officer you get and how hard of a time they give they person in front of you. (Usually they speed up when someone right before you takes a longer time – good for you upon exit.)
I hope though you’ll keep in touch and let me know what you decide and how it goes.
Best of luck,
-Anil
Hola,
I am leaning towards flying out of Warsaw as of now. If I maange to get out unscathed and I want to return to EU (after a few months, of course), should I always fly into a country other than Germany or Switzerland? And if there is a fine, how much IS it? And how long would I have to pay it off? I am scared I will get a 3 year band and that would be detrimental to me!
It will help as passport control tends to look at stamps from their home country – but it’s just a tendency. Technically in the Schengen Zone it doesn’t matter; to find out the specific penalties for each country on their embassy websites. The information is usually buried in there.
Hi Anil, I’m a white american who has overstayed my travel visa by almost a year. I’m in Austria and I have a job working for a european web programmer who’s clients are american, so they are the ones who pay me. Recently my boss mentioned to me that we should look into getting me a work visa so I can stay legally. Here are my questions:
~ Do you know if I would have to go back to the States first before I get a work visa and/or residency? Or could I stay here and do all the paperwork with an overstayed u.s. passport?
~ I originally flew into Spain and thought about flying out of spain when I leave Schengen (even though I’d have to get to spain from austria), but as you said above, the travel cost might not be worth it if I get a fine. Do you think it’s worth flying out of the country I flew into (spain) so that I don’t get banned on the country I’d prefer to return to (austria) in the future?
Hi Ryan, when is your company going to pursue your long-term visa? There initial chat with the immigration lawyer will give you the specific answers to your questions. I’m not sure if the process can be done in country but generally in Europe that’s the case. Double-check to confirm of course.
I think rather soon. I’m just worried that the immigration people would have to check my current passport and then they’d see that I’ve overstayed. Perhaps they could not only deny me but also deport me…
I’m betting that you can initiate the process from within the country but be sure to get your company to do the legwork and get specific details for your case. Best of luck.
Hi Anil,
I recently accepted a position as an Au Pair with a family living in a small city in western Spain and am concerned about going without a visa. I will be staying for ten and a half month. I spoke with another American, living in Madrid illegally for a year as an Au Pair, and she told me not to bother with a visa because she was denied twice and knows plenty of Americans living without a visa. I leave in a month and will be arriving with a one way ticket. After my 90 days should I just avoid leaving Spain until I return to the US? What should be my biggest concerns and what is the worst case scenario… jail time? fines? deportation? ban from Spain? from Europe?
Any information is helpful and appreciated.
Hi Jess – unless you’ve got a great reason, in general it’s not a good idea to knowingly overstay a visa no matter where you are. You end up putting yourself at the mercy of the laws and officers you come across without much to argue in your favor.
Are you going through one of the au pair agencies? If so, they should have handled the visa process for you.
Hi Anil,
I am a Singaporean, overstayed in Malaysia for 2 days, because I forgot about the 30 days tourist visa. How do I go about it? Go to Embassy first?
Hi Nick,
Do you already have a ticket out of the country? Best advice is to leave as soon as possible unless you have plans to stay for a much longer period of time (applying for a resident visa or such).
I have a girlfriend living and working in Brazil. She has overstayed her 6 mo. Visa for about one month. I have a US Corporation here and would like to sponsor her (and a few of her new friends) as a contracted employee. What would I have to do to get her a business visa that does not require her to come back and forth to the US for every extension?
What is her citizenship?
Either way, if the company is handling the visa, they should have a lawyer on hand who can give her the answers to her specific questions. I’d start there.
HI Anil,
I went to US on student visa. I overstayed there. Okie I got into hand of immigration. I requested for a voluntary departure, and I was granted. I had 180 days to fly out of US. I have left USA within few days. Now I am applying for a student visa to Canada. I have been to Canada twice when I was in USA, because I had a one year multiple entry tourist visa to Canada, and now its expiered as well. Okie Now I am applying for a visa to Canada will that matter applying for a student visa to Canada ?.. i also had a ticked for possessing less than a gram of marijuana, but I came back to Home country ( India) without paying a ticket. Please tell me if I can apply for student visa to Canada.I have a clean record in Canada ..I have been there twice on my tourist visa.
I have no idea, you situation is way beyond tourist visas.
Hi, im a colombian citizen and i just got the visa to function as a au pair in denmark. Now im in denmark(copenhaguen) i have one month here already but i dont like the way that my host family treats me, im supposed to work 5 hours per day and im actually working the whole day. i have decided to move to leave my host family and move spain since i have my aunt living there and dont come back to denmark anymore… will there be any problems if i do that? will my host family do somethings against that ? will they cancel my visa as au pair ? i really need to get an answer . take care
I have no idea how your host family will react – if you’re going through an au pair agency, contact then to see if they can place you with another family.
hi there! this is my second time in the uk as visitor (tourist) and i am from morocco, i am with my british boyfriend for about 4 years but we live 6 months in morocco and i apply for tourist visa for six months so we live six months in morocco and six months in the uk. Now we want to get married and we found a lot of problems to do it in morocco due to religion so we decided to get married in the uk but i am on tourist visa and i am attending to leave the uk on the end of my visit. is there any way to get married in the uk on visitor visa? and have anyone did it before? regards Sally.
Sally, check out the UK’s office of immigration website, they’ll have some information there and I’d strongly recommend talking to an immigration lawyer for your case. Good luck!
Hi Anil, thank you very much for your reply, cheers! Sally.
hi there, i am an au pair from the uk, working in the netherlands. i want to stay another year as an au pair however the au pair sites say if you have been an au pair for a year and stayed on a residence permit you can not. but i am from the eu so i never needed a residence permit, it doesnt say anything about this though..can you help?
Are you going through an au pair agency? If so, give them a call to find out.
Can anybody who knows about American laws and regulations tell me if a person can enter into the USA with visiting visa and then find a job,something like a caregiver and then get permanent visa in the USA ?
Technically it is not allowed but don’t take my word for it, check the US immigration website.
If the person over stays with his/her visiting visa will he/she be sent immediately back to his/her native country without any inquiry or harm ? As far as I know people who enter Europe and when caught after over staying they aren’t sent back 🙂
The two aren’t mutually exclusive, best to check specifics.
hi there i have a problem , i came to the usa on januray to be married and we split up before we got married she is an American and came on a tourist visa from the uk my return was in may and i have no money for a return flight i have $400 left and i will be homeless this friday 27th 08 2011 now i have a huge problem i have no money and no family to help me get back to the uk i have over stayed my visa by nearly 4 months and i dont know what to do is there any one out there got any idear what i can do i live in eau cliare W.I i havent sleept in weks worrying about this … i just some luck and a ticket back to the uk .. thanks for listening … i need to get back to scotland and i dont know how or what to do thanks
Tough situation and I feel for you but can’t be of much help. Best of luck…
Too late for suggestions but just wanted to say, if you are on the up and up then you could’ve contacted your embassy. I’m rather surprised you were let in on a one way ticket. Anyhoo. Your embassy might’ve arranged a loan in form of a one way ticket back home. One girl I met told me she was stuck in Singapore so she went the her embassy and they helped her out. She paid back her loan by paying in monthly installments.
Hey in March this year I went to visit London, arriving by gatwick. They (uk border agency) refused me entry and banned me for 1 year – i’m still in the process of appealing. There is a letter on file with them basically stating i abused nhs. (got sick went to the hospital was admitted and the dr. did not charge me) so i’m being labeeled as an abuser of their health system. I’m an artist and they went on my fan page and found shows i promoted and accused me of working. They said that i do not appear to be a woman of means and that they do not believe i would not over stay or try to access public funds. Things that in my many trips and stays in london i have never done. I’ve never done anything illegal or overstayed or abused anything of the sort in my life. It was a really disgusting and traumatic experience, i was detained for 16hrs and then because they didn’t have a flight for me I was held 3 days in a detention center. It was such a nightmare – i find it hard to even think about.
Anyways, my question is, in my passport there is now a dated stamp that they have crossed out, it has a t shaped cross on it. Will this cause me problems when flying to other countries? I just can’t go through anything like that again…especially on their account.
Thanks for your help.
Sincerely Leah
It should not cause any problems when traveling to other countries but it might certainly be something you’re asked about by other officials. The easiest way to get around the added scrutiny is to renew your passport so you don’t have that stamp in it.
Thank you, much appreciated.
I enter india with student visa in july 2008. My visa runs out when i finish my study in 2010. it has been almost a year since my visa expires. Now i want to leave india as soon as possible. what should i do and what is the penalty for my crime?
I’m not sure, this thread is about overstaying general travel visas. Check out the Indian immigration website for more information.
I’ve over-stayed in Singapore once (not on Visa, but passport expiration), and upon leaving Singapore for Malaysia, the SG custom officer was so nice to advise me to better don’t leave the country, but to get my passport renewed first at the Malaysian embassy in Singapore. I know this is different scenario from your post, but still I really appreciate the officer’s goodwill. I really didn’t know that my passport has expired, not that I’m on purpose… 🙂
Always great to hear stories like that, glad you didn’t have to face any fines or additional trouble.
My daughter(US citizen) went to Italy with no Visa- only on her passport. She has only been there 1 week. She wanted to see her University and the place she will be living-She mailed me her passport and I am going to mail to Italian Embassy in Miami with her student visa application. I will mail her passport back to her as soon as I get it back from Embassy. We have tried a couple of times and the Embassy has asked for more info- but finally we have all of the paperwork in order- just a matter of mailing to Miami Italian Embassy. We know they accept mailed applications but they do not accept phone calls and their email answers are short and don’t give much info, plus we do not want to red flag her- therefore- a few questions:
1) will they give her a Visa knowing she is still in Italy? or will they
make her come home to apply (seeing from her passport that she is still there)?
2) if they do, will she have to fly home to get it and leave USA with it or can she fly out of Italy and leave a non Schengen country with it?
3) will she have to wait 90 days or can she immediately return to Italy with a student visa?
4) are Visas just stamps on passports or separate documents?
Thanks for any help you can give us- we have been working on this for several months- especially need to know about number 3
I can’t say with absolute certainty so take my advice as suggestion only. On the first point, probably not. Second, on the application or Italian embassy website it will say whether or not you can apply from within Italy, I’m not sure on that one.
As for the third, once the visa is approved she can enter on the date (or after) it is valid. Finally, on the fourth, it depends, but usually anything other than a travel visa comes with some other documentation the traveler needs to carry, in addition to a passport stamp or sticker. It varies from country to country.
Hope this helps!
Hiya!
I overstayed my visa to South Africa last year and have not paid the fine yet, I am flying back to SA Monday and was just wondering if I could pay the fine I recieved upon entry to SA? I’m just worried about being denied entry even though I’ll have the money ready waiting to pay my fine.
Thanks x
Hi Charlotte, I’m not sure at all. Did they assess you a fine upon leaving? What does the documentation say?
I am having a problem I am an American citizen and I am married to a Germany Citizen and we got married in Germany.I was in america for 3 months visiting my parents and then I went back to Germany and I got there in March. Well my husband didn’t registered me in the three months that I was there and now they told me I had to leave Germany because I was there over the 90-day period and now I am back in America and I was wondering if I could go back not having a problem since I am married over there?
I’m not sure, that’s beyond tourist visas. As far as a travel visa, you only get 90 days out of every 180.
Hi.
I overstayed my American tourist visa in EU by about 20 days. I am flying from Warsaw to Riga and then to Istanbul, where I live now and have residency. What is likely to happen? If I have a fine, how much would it be? is it likely that I will be banned from the EU for three years? I am frantic over this and don’t want a ban. Or even a fine. Please advise
Check the immigration website of the EU country you’ll be leaving from, it is likely to have specifics on fines and potential bans. You’re almost certainly subject to both but I can’t say as far as the likelihood of ether happening. Good luck!
Hi Anid,
I am an American who came to Spain to open a business with a spanish partner. I came on with my passport only. I came in June and in Sept my 90 days are up!
My question are the following:
1). Can I leave Spain to go back to USA and reenter Spain? How long do I need to stay in the USA?
2). On my return to Spain will they question why i Am coming so soon?
3). Would it be better to leave and come back or ask for an extension? Have not passed the 90 days yet!
4). If having established a company in Spain help me in any way to ask for residency?
Please help, thanks!
1. Yes, but only after 90 days.
2. You’re only allowed 90 days out of every 180.
3. Depends on your intentions. You can apply for a longer travel visa.
4. I’m not sure.
Hope this helps 🙂
Hi,
Heres’ a complicated one for you. I want to move to the US permanently. I’m a UK citizen & never been to the states. Under some new ‘Freindly Partners’ rule, I can stay in the US for 3 months & have to return. I uderstand from the US Imig. Websites that I need a 6 month visa & an I-94 to work there. (I have work offered but not with a corporation). My goal is to travel to the US, work, save up & stay (Residency)…So, will they ick me out after 6 months? If they do, will they refuse me re-entry? I have heard so many stories of illegals living in the States & being granted citizenship, without being deported!! How?
Do I need to preove to the US authorities that I have any savings? If so how much?
There is more to my ‘wanting’ to go there (Girlfriend is US Citizen), but doesn’t seem relevent to my immediate needs! Thank you for your help.
I’m not completely sure but if you want to stay in the US long-term, get the proper visa. If you are deported for whatever reason, getting back in or a visa is going to be very difficult.
hi Anil, i would appreciate if u can enlighten me with this, my friend was in the USA on a visitor’s visa, but overstayed there because of health problem – she went through surgeries, then had to do follow ups. she had a 10 year visa which will expire later this year, can she return to the USA?
I’m not sure, depends on the specific type of visa. If returning to the US is essential (for work or otherwise) best to talk to an immigration lawyer for certainty.
This is Han from Taiwan. I get married to a dutch citizen this July, but I hold tourist visa and overstay a month. last month I back to my own country, but I need to have test to fell in MVV, but I didnt pass. just few days ago my wife told me her father get cancel, so there is any way I can go back again just stay a short time?
Contact the Dutch embassy to find out.
Thank you for the answer.
NTIO ( Dutch office ) in Taiwan they will just say I do not know I believe that, so do you think if we call IND in Netherlands is better? sorry for disturb and thank you.
Hi Han, it’s never a bother – I would start with the office in Taiwan before calling over to the Netherlands. Be persistent though, one of them will have the answer to your specific situation, good luck.
Hi Anil,
Do you know where I can check if I am in SIS system or not?
Hi Han, sorry I do not.
One more question… 90 days out of 180 days is mean after 90 days I must leave and wait another 90 days then I can return right? like I left Holland on 8th Aug and I can return on 9th Nov right? and I already overstay, so I can still try that way?
Yes on your first two questions and ‘maybe’ on the third. Check the Dutch embassy website and look up their visa requirements (it should list penalties for overstaying).
i am a us citizen on a tourist visa in india. it expires on sept 29th, if i leave the country before sept 29th, does this restart my visa over again. i have a 10 year multiple entry visa. thanks.
You should confirm this with the visa office, but generally, no. You have 10 years from when the visa was issued, there should be an expiration date on it.
per India’s visa regulations, it states you can only stay for six months, then you must leave for two months and come back. so this is why if i left before the six months, does it restart when i re-enter the country after visiting another country for a few days.
I’m not sure honestly and your best bet is to call the office where you received the visa for the most accurate information.
Hi,
just wondering.my bf came here, to Canada, from Germany as a visitor and was only 2 stay 6 months. I had applied for extension at 4 months and he was denied becuz of improper docs…we reapplied and were told to await the second letter for approval. Well, after months, we finally got the second and it was too denied. It all took a year… we wanted to get married and were told why didn’t u do that first? Well, i went by everything the immigration told me and followed it strictly. Now, he’s been here 2 years and is 1 and a half years over his limit.
Does anyone know what the penalties could be, as he does want to go back and start over. What can I do? Do I go over there with him or will they allow me? We’ve been together 2 years and I do believe that is commonlaw, right?
I am really new to all of this, as I’ve never been with someone outside my country before and never had to go thru it, but I’m not getting any further ahead with the immigration and when i call all those immigration lawyers, they tell me for $7000, he doesn’t have to leave the country and he’ll get everything within a year… i don’t believe them becuz he’s here illegally. HELPPPPPP…. thank you!
You should try to get a consulting appointment with a lawyer. It’s usually no near $7,000 (more like $250-500) for an hour of their time in Canada. They may help guide you to what you need more accurately. Also, seeing as you’ve been denied twice, I think it’s worth a good lawyer in your case. Not only does it significantly increase your chance of success and save you from subsequent attempts and potential failures; but it will also take much of the stress off you both as the lawyer takes care of all the headaches during it all.
Question
My friend stay in spain over a year, but she never appy for a Visa, when she left trought switzerland she got a fine and they made her sign some papers , ¿what does this papers means, what are the implications?, ¿can she come back to europe?.
It is any solution to this problem , does she will be forbidden to entry anytime to spain/Europe.
Call the numbers on the forms for more information for specific information.
Just by curiosity, how much was the fine, Rafael?
Hi Anil,
Thank you for your advice and I was listen your advice to call IND in Netherlands to check I am in SIS system or not. I called and officer in IND gave me a fax number to ask if I am in SIS system or not, but I sent for few days I do not get any answer also I went to IND website to leave them some messages even my wife did that also get no reply, so I have no idea what to do anymore. I just know that IND officer told me when I over stay in Netherlands they should told me I will be in SIS system or not or pay fine or give me some papers, but I got nothing. when I arrive in the airport the officer ask me why I am overstay and I just said I overstay because of married and I do not want to be illegal here, so I go back to have exam for fell in MVV and then he took my possport to another room then return my passport said you can go. he didnt ask me to pay the fine and dont give me any papers to sign, so Anil what do you think about that
Is there any way you can go to the closest embassy?
In Taiwan the embassy is really far far away.
So do you think when I left in Holland the police officer did not ask me to pay fine and let me sign the documents means maybe when I try to re-enter to Holland on November them will do those things?
I’m honestly not sure; I would keep trying the embassy for more accurate information.
Hey anil can you help me or give me any answers on what to do Iam a new Zealand citizen in Toronto Canada I was due to return to nz in April and it’s September now and Iam an overstayer for quiet a few months I had family issues and just wanted to stay away for a while now I want to go back to nz but don’t know how can I just buy a one way ticket back to nz ? I don’t want to return here any time soon will I have problems returning to nz in the next few months ?
You may face a fine and potential ban on the way out in Canada.
Anil what are the chances of me getting a fine and a ban on the way out of Canada ? how will they know if iam an overstayer? i have information from other websites and personal that no one will know your an overstayer unless you try to re-enter. so aparantly i can just fly back to NZ without any problems but if i try come back to canada il get questioned by canadian custom officials to why i had overstayed duration of months last time i came to canada. is this correct and should i just expect the fine and ban and hope nothing else will happen i really dont have an answer if i get questioned on the way out to why i have overstayed.
this is the information i found on a website http://www.justlanded.com/english/Canada/Articles/Visas-Permits/Exit-strategy-needed-for-illegals
in this website if u scroll down a little you will see this article.
“Q: Can you tell me what happens if you leave the country after your status expires? Are there any penalties? Will there be any issues going through the US?
A: When you arrive in Canada the officer at the port-of-entry determines how long you will be allowed to stay in Canada. Usually this is 6 months.
In the normal case, no one from the Canadian government will diarize this date to see if you leave on time. Essentially, you are admitted on the honour system i.e. we trust that you will leave when you are supposed to. If border officials wish to exercise some control over you, they will issue a visitor’s record to you which they will staple in your passport. You will be asked to verify your departure upon leaving Canada. If you don’t, they will come looking for you.
Unlike some countries, Canada has no exit controls. That means, when you leave Canada, you will not be inspected by Canadian immigration officials who might discover your overstay in Canada.
However, should you come back to Canada, this may be discovered since border officials may be able to discover your previous overstay here by simply counting the days between your last admission to Canada and the next date in which you entered another country as evidenced by a port stamp in your passport. This could easily complicate your re-entry to Canada as the officer might conclude that you are not likely to comply with any time limits that might be imposed on your stay.” please anil let me know your thoughts on this website and its information and if its false or true and i should not worry and just leave in the next month or two as i have to arrange ticket to return
This is the official Canadian immigration site:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.asp
As for what happens on your way out, it’s hard to say what the chances are. I’m guessing things are in your favor as a New Zealand resident. They can see your overstay by your passport stamps if they check. I would at this point plan to leave as soon as possible. Good luck.
Hi m from srilanka currently m in France with shengen. Visa m almost overstay in France three months there is any pro when I leave France?
Potential fine and or ban of several years.
Okay thank you for all your information.
I will try to asking my wife going to IND, because IND is not far from our home. I believe go there is good way, because no matter we call, email and fax all we get no reply. thanks again
It’s much harder for them to blow you off in person 🙂 Good luck!
Hello, my Boyfriend was granted a working visa for 1 year by his employer to the UK. I’m trying to meet up with my boyfriend and stay for the year also he has the means to support me, can he help me get the paper work started once there. Should I buy a round trip ticket? Or would a one way ticket be cause for hassles?
Call the appropriate embassy and find out what kind of visa you need.
Thank you.
Hello!
I hope you can help. My passport says I came into zurich on 20/04/2011. I am still in europe. I did go to romania for a week, and now I am in ITaly. I’m a US citizen. I wish to stay in europe for another 90 days or so, but obviously I’m over the first 90 days. I’m thinking of applying for a german student visa and actually do want to go to Berlin next week. I’m willing to do anything though to keep staying here in europe for at least another 90 days. any recommendations on what type of application and/or what is the easiest country to accomplish this in?
Thanks for your help!!
It really depends on your particular situation. Best bet is to simply get an extended travel visa, though it will be a bit more difficult if you’re already overstayed.
i have marred a girl from bangaldesh one who came in tourist visa for one mounth and after i married she did not went back now its more then 1 year what will happen
Talk to an immigration lawyer, as it’s well beyond travel visas.
I have an interesting sort of question, I’ve been staying with my boyfriend in Ireland since the 14th of July, I’m not up to my 90 days yet obviously but we’re trying to find a way to extend my stay (my return ticket is for the 5th of October). What we’ve been looking at is marriage, the only problem is after you apply to get married you have to wait no less than 3 months before you can actually get hitched. 90 days is a few days shy of that 3 month mark, so is there anyway to extend it so we can actually do this or do I have to go back either way? Another thing is, back home (I’m an American citizen) I don’t really have a place of residence, is there anyway I can claim ‘refuge’ or whatever you would call it and tell them I’ve no where to go back home? Ultimately we’d like to be married and get enough time for us to save up to both to go back to the US (his 1st time going, my returning more like, he is an Irish citizen) is there any sort of advice you can give me on this ridiculous sounding situation?
Simply apply for an extended travel visa, it’s the easiest solution in your case.
Hi Anil,
A friend of mine came to the US from the UK and because she was on a boat and went to the Bahamas and beyond, didn’t get an exit stamp on her passport. What can she do if she wants to get back into the US at some future point?
thanks!
No exit stamp, only an entry? When was the next stamp in the passport? That could backup a good explanation next time she goes through the US 🙂
Hi Anil,
I was overstay in Netherlands for about 45 days and today I called the NTIO ( Netherlands office in Taiwan ) to asked if I am in SIS system list or not. they check and told me that I am lucky that I am not in list, but it is not mean I am lucky all the time. so my question is although I am not in the list, but when I return to Netherlands they will stay find out I am overstay? and I still need to pay fine or they will ban me re-enter? and first time I am in Netherlands is 2011, March 2 and left is April 3 and second time I am in is 2011 April 23 and left is August 8, so next time when I can go back to Netherlands again?
They weren’t able to tell you at the NTIO?
Hi Anil,
my friend’s student visa has expired in UK since last 2 years. He is on Indian PP and now he wants to return back to India. Will it be difficult for him to clear customs in UK & India? And does he needs to take any precautions while on Transit?
I’m really not sure, that’s not within the realm of travel visas. Assuming he’s an Indian citizen, getting in to India won’t be a problem, as for the UK, not sure.
Hi Anil,
I have a question. if overstay in Europe countries before you live the officer who work in the airport will ask you to sign some ducoments or inform you about overstay is that true
It depends really on the overstay, country, and the officer who you happen to get upon exit. Nothing may happen, or you could face a fine and potential ban.
I overstay in Netherlands, and I try to find out everything even called the consulate, but the consulate just told me I am lucky, because I did not get any penalty or any written report from the immigration. they dont talk to me about fine or anything, so do you think is really I am lucky. I really doubt about that, because I bought ticket again in 24 Oct, because I need to visit my wife and her father ( her father just got cancel everywhere in his body ), but I do not get any correct information about my overstay, so I can only go there to find out and you think I can get any problems. I do not care face a fine I just worry to be ban, so any idea
Honestly I can’t be of more accurate help; perhaps someone in this thread will have more information. Much of it though depends on the immigration officer you come across at passport control.
What if I overstay just one night/day?
Overstay where?
I have bought the tickets to go visit for a weekend (friday to sunday) in Prague (Czech Republic) and I thought that my visa expires on sunday but actually it does expire on saturday.
You think I will have problems?