The Schengen Area, a collection of 25 European countries which maintain open borders with each other, makes traveling between those nations a straightforward matter. Though since I’ve written my primer, What Is The Schengen Zone And How Do Schengen Area Visas Work?, many of you, especially those close to the 90 day limit, have been sending me questions.
A lot of those questions tended to repeat, so I collected the answers to the most frequent Schengen inquiries I received, in case you’ve been wondering the same things. Though it’s worth mentioning if you plan to stay in Europe for more than 2 months, I’d recommend a quick look in case you’re not asking these Schengen questions (yet).
1. How Long Can I Stay In The Schengen Area?
The Schengen Area, sometimes called the Schengen Zone, allows those with visa-waivers and standard travel visas (if required of your nationality) to stay 90 days out of every 180; collectively in the Schengen member states. This is where most people unnecessarily complicate things – you get 90 days in every 180 total in the entire Schengen area (for example: 45 days in France, 10 in Iceland, 35 in Slovakia). If you’re already in the Schengen, count back 90 days on a calendar, then 89 days forward (today counts as number 90) – there’s your 180 days. Now, count the number of days you are or will be in any country that’s part of the Schengen area, making sure it’s 90 or less.
2. Is The European Union The Same Thing As The Schengen Area?
Although it’s easy to confuse the two, it’s important to note that the European Union (EU) and Schengen Area countries don’t completely overlap. For example, the United Kingdom and Ireland are both EU nations but not a part of the Schengen Area. Norway and Iceland are the opposite, they signed the Schengen Agreement in 2001 however are not members of the EU. And there are European Union states outside of Europe altogether, like, French Guiana (in South America) which is not part of the Schengen Area.
- Here is the official map of Schengen members (and EU countries).
3. What If I’m A Dual Schengen Area Member And Some-Other-Country Citizen?
Strangely, many of your who are dual citizens of one country inside the Schengen Area and one from outside of the group, aren’t using your Schengen-member passports upon entry into the zone. One of the rules of traveling with two passports is to (almost) always use your home country passport when going there.
And, if it so happens that country is a part of the Schengen Area and you want to travel to a member state, use that passport for entry. However if you haven’t done that – so as not to hurt the standing of your non-Schengen passport within the Area – you can leave for a few days and re-enter with your Schengen member passport.
4. What Happens If I Overstay My Schengen Area Visa?
Well, like overstaying any travel visa, it depends; primarily on three things: your nationality (and corresponding visa), length of overstay, and what you did while you were there (e.g. find employment or learning onamonapia Italian). Generally speaking a modest overstay of a few days in the Schengen Area, while carrying fines and a possible ban, aren’t especially likely to invite either. Member states tend to vary in their strictness and it’s like playing the delinquent lottery with every passport control officer.
5. Can I Overstay Just A Little Bit – I’m Having Fun!
I know drinking wine in the morning, smoking legal marijuana for lunch, then eating socialist pasta with Per Gessle at dinner is addictive – plus a sleepy Greek passport control officer is unlikely to bother counting your 94 days in Europe while his economy collapses around him…so should you overstay? No. One more time. Don’t. Why take the risk of being banned for 2-5 years for a few extra days of eating paella? Ok, I get it – Spanish food could convince me to break international laws as well – but you’ve got good alternatives. Save your criminal activities for more ambitious goals, like opening a casino in the middle of nowhere.
6. How Can I Legally Extend My Stay In The Schengen Area?
You’ll want to focus on one country within the Schengen Area to file for a visa extension as the rules vary. There is some information from the experts in my live chat about Spain on extending your stay in that country and Nomadic Matt suggests that Sweden, France, and Italy have the easiest procedures. Call around to a few embassies to see what makes sense for you – before you leave for the Schengen Area. Also, keep in mind I’m not talking about work permits or residency visas. Extended travel visas nearly always prohibit you from working inside a given country.
7. I’m On A Student Visa In The Schengen Area, Can I Stay 90 Days (As A Tourist) Once That Expires?
Another “it depends” and even when trying to provide a general answer I couldn’t because the rules vary widely. (Denmark for example lets you stay 14 days beyond your student visa but other require you to leave the Schengen Area prior to the visa expiration.) Most visa applications and documents found on embassy websites online will have the details of what you can and can’t do after your student (or other) visa expires. The best way to find out with certainty is to contact the embassy of the country who issued your visa.
With so many broad Schengen Area rules divided up into specific national details it’s easy to get a bit lost in trying to figure it all out. When in doubt though the best place to turn prior to your travels are the embassies of the Schengen countries you’ll be entering and exiting. If you’re already in the Schengen, call your nearest local embassy.
These are the 7 questions I’ve heard most; which ones have you come across in your Schengen searches and what advice would you have to those entering the zone?
This is a really helpful article, good work Anil. The Schengen Visa is such a great idea, especially for those who would otherwise have to apply for individual visas, which we all know can be time consuming. Europe is an incredible continent to travel and the ability to cross borders hassle free is priceless.
I just wish it allowed for more time in each country – or maybe 6 months out of every 12 at the least 🙂
Very helpful information, and especially timely for me, as I plan extended travels in Europe next year.
I’m guessing a long term travel visa might make sense for your traveling style 🙂 It’s very easy to go over 3 months in such a large part of the world with so many great options to explore.
Is this more for US citizens. We’re Canadians and did much research before going to Schengen countries this passed summer and there was no way to get an extension, it was 90 days within 180 days and that was it.
It’s a general post – I don’t discriminate unless I declare it first 😉 Which countries did you look into a long-term visa for? (Any of the three mentioned above?)
Very good information, Anil, as always! I think I should also write a post about how to get a Schengen visa as an Egyptian…since that one I was pretty successful with for three times, unlike the American one…:D
Thanks Mina! I would be very interested to read about getting the Schengen visa from an Egyptian point of view and sure many more Egyptians would find it very useful 🙂
Great info mate! It looks like getting Schengen Visa isn’t that difficult. Some people stress themselves too much. It’s harder to get Z visa in China :-).
Definitely not, especially for you!
I got Schengen Visa for 30 days from Italian Embassy. In my application, I said I wanted to visit only Italy. I went there through Milan Airport and used train for going to the city. There were two attempts to rob me, in one while boarding the train someone caught my leg and took away an airline purse from my pant-pocket. I got scared and decided to restrict my travel to Rome and Venice. Since there was lot of time, I went to Switzerland and Spain, eventually exiting from Lisbon, Portugal.
As a condition of visa, I was required to show my passport to Italian Embassy who had issued me the visa. When the officer observed Portugal stamp, she flared up and said she would put it in Central Data Base and have me black-listed. There were many other travelers who met the same fate.
This was in 2010. If I applied for visa to Poland in 2014, what are my prospects.
Hi Hafeez, honestly I can’t say what your chances are. The best thing to do is wait and see what the results are on your visa application. Good luck.
Great article. I have a question. Once the 90 day clock starts ticking does it stop it you leave the area. Say I spent 45 days in the Schengen Area then went to morocco for 10 days then flew back to the Schengen Area. Do I have ten days less in the Schengen Area since the 90 days clock had already started ticking?
Thanks Stephen. The ‘clock’ does stop when you leave the area; and only ‘ticks’ when you’re in the Schengen.
Thanks Anil! I’ve been looking for that information forever! You just helped me a ton with my summer planning.
You’re very welcome, happy travels!
Ditto that!!!!! Finally. Been looking for this everywhere
I was studying for 2 years in Europe and I had a Polish visa and I was away most of the time, traveling almost 6 months in total in a year and they never bothered to check if I have more than 90 days because no one stamps your passport in the EU. To answer #7, I think you can as long as you apply for a 90 day tourist visa and that they will approve it.
The rules vary by country issuing the student visa. Though in practice you might not get stamped, it’s not true that passports are never checked. It depends – I’ve been at Schengen checkpoints a few times over the years that required me to show a passport.
One time they didn’t stamp my passport. A few months later I was a train to turkey and the Immigration officer flipped out that my passport wasn’t stamped. They almost kicked me off the train. Luckily I had kept my plane ticket stubs to prove when I flew into Europe. “whew” It was a close one, I thought I was a goner.
3 years of traveling in Europe and the only stamps on my Philippine passport are that of Netherlands (my first entry in Europe) and Croatia (it’s not a Schengen country). They have never stamped my passport in the airports in all my trips all over the continent. Although they do check my passport in the exit every now and then just to check if I have a visa (because I standout as an Asian and they single me out for checking).
I get checked more often when crossing borders by land and sea though. But I’ve also never gotten any stamp crossing borders this way. They just check if you have a visa.
Hello there.. I have been reading thru this very useful information and thank you so much for providing such in depth info!
I am hoping to return to France next year on a possible Long Stay Visa for 12 months though my friends are saying that perhaps I don’t need a Visa to stay for this period ( high risk of getting caught I know!)
My question is if I choose not to apply for the Long Stay Visa before I travel then after my 3 months I will technically be illegal right? What if I chose to travel to Switzerland (non Schengen zone I believe) and stayed for 3 months could I legally reenter France after this period and stay another 3 months?
Another question I have is when I want to return to Australia will the authorities pick up the fact that I have not a Visa in my passport for the period of my travel?
Hoping you can clarify any of the above for me please…
Merci
Roniece Dawson-Bruce
Sydney/Australia
Hello and you’re welcome! To answer your questions:
My question is if I choose not to apply for the Long Stay Visa before I travel then after my 3 months I will technically be illegal right? << yes
What if I chose to travel to Switzerland (non Schengen zone I believe) and stayed for 3 months could I legally reenter France after this period and stay another 3 months? << no, Switzerland is Schengen
Another question I have is when I want to return to Australia will the authorities pick up the fact that I have not a Visa in my passport for the period of my travel? Are you an Australian citizen? If yes, then they won’t care.
Hi. My friend was in the schengen zone for 90 days, then left for 3 days to Israel and then flew back to Switzerland where she stayed for another 3 weeks. Upon her departure from Switzerland, the customs officer started counting the dates on her passport and told her that she should have been out for 90 days, but because the officer that let her in the last time shouldn’t have let her in, they just let her go without a fine. Do you know if Switzerland and the rest of the eu countries share a centralized computer network whereby they could have noted something about her to raise a red flag next time she would try to come in? She holds a Chilean passport. Thank you
It’s possible, it’s a patchwork system and it depends. However, if there was no ban given then, reentry shouldn’t be a problem provided she doesn’t overstay again.
Primary Questions: How strict is the Passport Control within the Shengen Zone? AND..what is the repercussions of overstaying my tourist visa? Deportation? Fine? Anything? (Specifically if possible because I am pretty stressed at this point)
Situation: I am a US Citizen, and I arrived in Barcelona on April 19, 2012, then traveled to Greece on the 25th of April. I was naive, and as alot will call “Arrogant American”, and did not think it was a big deal for an Visa since I was “American”. (Once again..reference the “naive” comment) I have worked while here in Greece, but nothing has a been filed formally for a work visa. I am now looking to travel outside of the Schengen Zone, but not back to the USA, however my connecting flight is thru a country within the Zone. If I fly out, and take that connection WITHIN the zone, will they send me back to the USA? Or will they just let me leave? Do they even check passports within the Zone, or is that only when you fly into the Zone? And what if my work requires me to come back to the EU for business…can I get back in? It was explained to me that flying within the Zone is much like flying from State to State in the US, so there is NO Immigration Control…but at this point, to be deported to the USA will negatively affect EVERYTHING for me right now…not to mention, I am not real keen on walking thru an airport stressed out about this only to be put in a small room with some Immigration Officer reading me the riot act, only to end up deported. I can ask my employer, who has offices in the EU, for a work visa…however, since I have already overstayed by over 4 months, will they even consider it at that point? Any insight you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance…
Short answer: it depends. Possible repercussions of overstaying are fines and possible bans for a period of time. As for your other questions, this post may help:
http://foxnomad.com/2012/10/04/answers-to-your-7-most-commonly-asked-schengen-area-visa-questions/
Is there anyway that I can go to an American Embassy to pay the fine, and then extend my Visa at that time? Or will they insist that I leave before I can extend my Visa?
Immigration doesn’t work like that. You’ll have to leave and overstaying won’t help your chances at getting another visa in the short term.
Hello again Anil,
Thanks for answering my queries above – I appreciate you!
Just one more query if I may (sorry it’s the blonde coming out in me!) …
I understand the Long Stay Visa and the Schengen Visa are separate Visas. If I travel to France next year for my 12 month sojourn.. can I just apply for a Long Stay Visa without the Schengen Visa or do I have to apply for both together….
I’m still thinking about going without the Visa in my passport though…which I will be at risk I know
Hi Roniece, no problem 🙂
You’ll need to apply for the longer visa prior to your visit; good luck!
Congratulations on a well managed page. we have the following problem , my wife and 2 children have overstayed 4 days on a 90 day tourist VISA in ITALY. According to your point No 6 above and extension may be granted. We wish to ask for specific extension to tourist VISA in ITaly but dont know where to go?… I personally went to Polizia di Stato, thinking they would at least harass me or try to interogate me as to why and they simply replied “they dont extend visas or give out any information on these matters”. im trying to change the return flight to home country (chile) but none are readily availble this could mean +10 days obviously they wish to come back at later date.
It’s unlikely they’ll extend the visa since you’re already overstaying. That should have been done prior. I’m assuming you’re Chilean? Call your embassy in Italy and ask them the right Italian office to call. They should be of help.
So the Visa is every 90 days of 180, then resets. Do you have to leave when it resets if you still have enough time to stay? For instance, if its day 179 and you have 10 days left within your 180 day period, do you still have to leave on day 180 and come back, or does it roll into the next 180 days?
Don’t make it more complicated than it is:
[from the article above]
“If you’re already in the Schengen, count back 90 days on a calendar, then 89 days forward (today counts as number 90) – there’s your 180 days. Now, count the number of days you are or will be in any country that’s part of the Schengen area, making sure it’s 90 or less.”
Ihave a question to you. I was banned for 5 years in entering europe because i overstay before, i am wondering cause i am trying to apply for working visa in germany and i have an employer who is willing to sponsor me. My question is do i need to wait till my ban is over or there is a chance that my visa will be granted?
It can’t hurt other than the visa application fees and time to try. I’m guessing though it will ask if you’ve overstayed before – still, there is a chance.
one more question what is the color of the stamp when they stamp your passport i have black stamp and the dates are red. been thinking it for month if ill give it a try cause im really afraid they might reject it. do you know someone that has been in a situation like me but didnt get a problem getting working visa. thanks in advance you are really agreat help for us. hope to hear from you soon.
German stamp is black if I’m remembering correctly.
Hi,
what happens if duration of stay overlaps 6 months period. when i searched for this result, i found that we must individually satisfy the 90 day limit in BOTH periods.But when i practically calculated using schengen visa calculator am not getting how to satisfy 90 day limit in both periods.So, please explain me with an example?
Thanks,
Meena
The example is above, reread #1.
Hi there,
I wonder if you can advise? My wife is Chinese and I am English. My wife currently has a 3 year multiple Schengen Visa.
Do you know if this means she can stay, for example, in Portugal 90 days, leave for a few days, and then return again to Portugal?
Or does she have to still leave Portugal and stay out of any Schengen Countries for 3 months before she can return, even with a multiple Visa? Difficult to find an answer on this one.
Many thanks.
Graham.
Generally, you can travel within the Schengen, if it’s a Schengen visa and not some Portugal-specific (e.g. business) visa. But I can’t say for sure, it should be clear in the visa documentation you filled out. Otherwise, double check with the visa issuing body.
Hi Anil, my wife and I are Aussies living in schengen/ nonschengen over 6 months. I have a very simple question.We are leaving Paris on the 17th /8 and arriving In UK on the same day. Is that day counted as a Schengen or a non schengen?
Cheers
Russell
It depends on the date of the stamp, that’s the last day you are considered in the Schengen.
Hey!
I have one question but a long story. Well not too long.
Student visa D expired 2012.
I overstayed 2 years.
Exited Aug 2014 no questions asked, got exit stamp.
Now I would like to re-enter Schengen for 2.5month (technically legal for the 3month rule). Will I have problems at re-entry point? I exited from CDG and I will enter there. I just don’t know if they will be looking at my previous overstay. And if I am asked of my previous overstay could I just say I had resident card for the country without any proof? Could that possibly work?
I’m not sure, best to ask your embassy there. But I wouldn’t recommend lying on any applications, it might cause you even bigger problems down the line.
What if I got a new passport? Because from my understanding the SIS doesnt have any information about entry and exit only criminal.
Are you reentering as a tourist? I’m guessing you’re a U.S. citizen – I don’t think there will be an issue.
Yes as a tourist. US citizen. The stamps on my passport clearly show that previous stay I entered in 2011 and exit 2014. But during exit I had no problems. I’m just worried that during re-entry they might check my stamps from previous stay.
That’s likely, at least enter with a fresh passport.
Thank you! Will let you know what happens
Good luck and definitely leave an update.
Got a new passport and re-entry via CDG. Everything went smoothly. Passport control just glanced at my passport and then stamped (didnt even scan it). Thanks 🙂
Thanks for the update and happy to hear you didn’t have any problems!
Hi,
I got Schengen tourist visa for 5 days but due to some issues I need to stay just 1 day more in Germany. What are the consequences I can face due to that? Would one day matters a lot? Your help is highly appreciated. Thanks
Well, 5 days is 5 days. Visa is a rule, not a suggestion. I’m not sure what to tell you, it all depends on the circumstances and the person looking over your passport on the way out.
Hi I deported from Noway to Spain I have Spanish resdent card am from gahana and there band me from Norway and other sengen country’s for 5 years. I change my passport and I want to travel to Sweden what to know what will happen I go sweeden?will there know even if I change my passport to new one ?
I have no idea, sorry,
i was deported from Norway 3yrs ago and ban from coming for 5yrs. i have got school and want to go. the school is in Poland. i have got a new passport. do you think my name or anything of mine is in the system which will prevent me from getting the visa or entry. ?
i was deported from Norway 3yrs ago and ban from coming for 5yrs. i have got school and want to go. the school is in Poland. i have got a new passport. do you think my name or anything of mine is in the system which will prevent me from getting the visa or entry. ?
Hi Anil, I have the similar question to Stephen S.’- I’m thinking about buying a tricket from US-Paris-Italy for 94 days with the idea of traveling outside the Schengen zone. Will I have issues when returning back to the zone after spending time in London or problems when traveling back through Italy-Paris-US. After calling the airline and the argentine consulate (I’m an argentine citizen) it seems like it’s up to the folks who check the documents to decide … Do you suggest saving hostel reservations, airline ticket stubs and receipts to prove I left the zone for some time and am grated re entry, or to show that I didn’t overstay my 90 days when I am ready to return to the US? i want to make sure I am not doing anything that could lead to a fine or something illegal. Thank you!!!!
Staying 94 days within a 180 day period means you’re breaking the rules, best to avoid doing so – but 5 days outside of the Schengen (for example in the UK) in that period would be a solution.
Hey dude,
I needed your help
See i am an indian and i have a friend in europe we were moreover internet friends but now we are close so i am trying to visit her! She is from poland and her dad has also applied for the official invitation which i would get shortly ! My question is what would i say to visa officers how do i know the person inviting me? Can i make up some story! I obviously cant say them through internet! And i am a student! Studying engineering! How can i prove them my willingness to return back! Because I have heard it’s one of the main reason for rejections! Money is not a problem! Though in invitation it would be shown as they are bearing all my expenses but still I would be showing around 1000 pounds in my account and i even have amex gold cards!! Can u suggest something??
Say you’re friends as that’s the case.
Hey, I have a question.
I am planning to apply for a Schengen visa as a student (in my country) for 90 days because I’m unemployed it’s the only proof for my rootedness here in Philippines. My boyfriend invited me to stay there all expenses will be shouldered by him. My concerned is if during the application in the embassy, won’t it sound fishy to them that I’m allowed by my school to stay in Germany for 90 days?
Or should i just state that I’m staying there for 30 days? And if so, would you think the second option is giving me a high percentage for my visa application to be approved? Can I extend somehow when I get to my destination? By the way, the school that I was enrolled to is a trade school that allows me to do long vacations.
Please help.
I’m not quite sure what you’re asking?
Hello! i have a question if you could help me. i’ll make it short..
I lived in Europe for many years, last year i was banned of the Schengen area for 5 years. I have the possibility of work in the Arab Emirates but i live in Latin America and to travel there all flights have connecting flights in European countries.my question is this, do you think i would get entrance denied to the airport even tho is only a connecting flight? another question? banned from Shengen area means banned from United Kingdom?
You shouldn’t have any problems if you’re not leaving the airport (i.e. they are just layovers).
Hi Anil,
I am a US Citizen and a bit confused about my 90 days within 180 days eligibility as I do not have a visa but am here in Italy attending Italian language classes.
Below are my travel dates to Italy this year and from my calculations, I should leave Italy and the Schengen area no later than November 3rd. Can you confirm my calculation?
2015 July 11 Arrived Italy from the US – August 2 Departed Italy for the USA
2015 August 31 Arrived Italy from the US – (last day for departure November 3rd?)
….and when would the 180 day period start over again? January 2016?
Thank you!
Try this official Schengen calculator: http://foxnomad.com/2014/09/16/properly-calculate-number-days-left-schengen-visa/
I understand that the Schengen visa starts counting the days when in a schengen country and stops when you leave, but does it start counting again when I’m in a country in a schengen area where I have a long stay visa such as France or Italy?
Long story short. I plan on applying for a 12 month long term stay visa in either france or italy but I’m looking to explore other schengen countries. Is it safe to assume that once I arrive and stay in France or Italy for a few months (whichever I have the long stay visa), I still have 90 days of schengen I can use???
Best to ask the office that issued the visa for the most accurate information.
Hi I am a student in the Schengen Zone at the moment, and am also traveling around Europe. My question is if I use up my 90 days in the zone, and my flight out is at 6am on day 91 (only flight I could find) will that cause problems for me at border control when leaving?
Do you have a student visa?
Schengen–ughhhh! At the end of my 180 days after first entering the Schengen Zone does the calendar start again and allow me to begin another 180 day period and therefore a new 90 day travel allowance.? For instance, on my 90th day spread over 180 days travelling in and out of various Schengen countries could I simply drive into Croatia for the day, then re-enter Schengen and begin a new 90 day cycle?
Here’s how to do the math yourself: http://foxnomad.com/2014/09/16/properly-calculate-number-days-left-schengen-visa/
Hi,
anil.
i was ban for in schenghen zone for 3 years.now its been all more then 2 yearsi m living in my country.my question is… can i apply for any visa such as tourist or working visa n re-enter in any sechengen countries????or i have to wait till my 3 years ban finished….after my 3years ban finised can i get easily visa or not??/asap
I’m not sure, best check with the office that banned you.
Hello Anil,
Any idea how to limit an entry ban to Germany? I’m an IT professional and travelled to Munich early this year for 60 days, but due to hectic schedule and incomplete project as requested by my company I stayed for 11 more days. I had a 60 day Visa and I stayed for 71 days. Actually I travelled back within the exit date stamped in the Visa, but still it’s undeniable that I had overstayed. Now my office when tried to send me again, consulate asked me to withdraw the application as I am banned to enter Germany for next 3 years. Can you please advise any way to prove my position and get this cleared. I had even paid a little over 300 Euros at Munich Airport on this during my return.
Sorry, I’m not sure.
Hey!
I’m currently on a ski holiday in France and would like to stay longer then 90 days. I’m an Australian passport holder currently living in London with a Tier 5 UK working visa that expires on the 20th April 2016.
I would just like to know if I’m eligible to apply for a long stay visa in France and if so am I able to apply from France or England without having to go back to Australia or if i were to obtain a visa for another shengen country would that rest the shengen visa?
Any help would be great!
Thank you
Not sure, contact your embassy.
I got my Schengen visa from Hungary Embassy , I visited Denmark & Germany . But I didn’t entered Hungary due to change in plan .
Would it be a problem in the future if I apply for a Schengen visa ?
Thanks
Depends on the stipulations of the visa.
I have a french student visa expiring on June 21st, but my mom was going to come up at the end and we were going to travel a little bit, then come back to my apartment and get the rest of my suitcases. I was wondering, if we left France before the 21st, went to Ireland/England, then returned to the Schengen area as tourists, would that be okay for me?
Check with the office that issued you the visa.
I am in the same situation Morgan, What did you end up doing? where you able to travel back to France after your visa expired? Please let me know asap!
Emily, I was able to return, honestly they hardly ever looked at my visa, but we called our consulate and they said I could still travel for a certain length of time (I think it was 90 days, but I don’t remember 100%). So I would just call your consulate and make sure but I had no problems leaving out of France after my student visa had expired. Also we traveled within the Schengen area and it was still okay.
HEY! Thanks so much for posting all of this, it really helps.
I have a question though, hopefully you (or someone!) can answer it as I am having a hard time understanding the 90 day rule (even though I have been reading blog after blog about it :p).
I am planning on travelling to the Schengen area and other countries. My Czech boyfriend and I plan to visit his family in Czech, but also plan to vacation in Mauritius in-between our arrival and departure dates. We are arriving in Czech April 20 and departing from Czech back to Canada August 30, which is 133 days in total. My boyfriend and I have a rough itinerary (planned accordingly to get me out of the Schengen countries so I don’t overstay 90 days.. that’s if we have understood the rules correctly).
Are the 90 days only counted from the days that I am IN a Schengen country? So let’s say I am in Czech for 30 days, then we to Mauritius for 45 days, then come back to travel the Schengen countries for 50 days (so total 80 days out of my 133 arrival/departure to Czech will be spent in Schengen countries) – is this okay?
Here’s a calculator to help you: http://foxnomad.com/2014/09/16/properly-calculate-number-days-left-schengen-visa/
Hi Anil,
Good day to you. I hope you’re doing great. I have read your blog regarding travelers’ dilemna about their visas. Now I would like to ask if it would be ok to apply for another schengen visa. I was granted a Hungarian tourist visa for only 7 days with single entry. Now I would like to extend my travel itinerary to Amsterdam for another 6 days which obviously not possible as I was only given 7 days single entry from Hungarian Embassy. Do you think it would be possible prior to our travel to Hungary to apply for Netherlands visa as we want to extend our stay from Hungary to Amsterdam? I live in Dubai. I was thinking before our travel dates to Hungary I’d like to apply another visa for Netherlands so we won’t be overstaying in schengen areas? I was thinking instead of coming back to Dubai after Budapest, it would be great if we can visit neighboring schengen areas too. Pls. help.
Thanks very much
Best Regards,
Candice
It’s best to check with the local embassies for the most accurate information.
First of thank you to writing helpful blog..
i had a Schengen business visa for 8 days multipul(France) and but now i am overstaying in barcelona , Spain from last 8 month
i am a aviation student in india and i was completed my almost half pilot training in india but now i want to complete my pilot training here in spain,
So my Question is that can i get student visa in overstaying condition? or is there any other way to start my study here legaly ?, i already registered empadronamento and i have also medical card, i follow all overstaying process. and when i talk with flying club they told me that you can start your study now but you cant site in exam before legal visa or residency
so please guide me to being legal to complete my pilot training in spain
thank you
I’m not sure, that’s beyond travel.
Hi
Please can you help me, I need to find out if I can enter a Schengen country with a schengen visa that has only 2 weeks left at the moment of the entry? I can’t find any information about this online. Basically I’m Peruvian living in Uk married to a British citizen and we are planning to travel to Spain on the 1st April for a week and my visa runs out on the 16 of April, will it be ok? Can I use my visa to enter the schengen area even though it’s about to run out? we are planning to leave the schengen area before it runs out though, is it ok?
Contact your embassy there.
Hi Anil,
Got a question here.
I live in Italy and my girlfriend is Chinese, she has a student schengen visa and currently studying in France. Her student visa will expire at the 1st of August 2016. Around early June, she needs to go back to China to get her Chinese university diploma. Now the issue is, she wants to come back here in Europe at the 10th of august. Will she have problems of coming back and traveling to europe if it is 20 days before her student visa expires? Will it be suspicious that the borders will think she is planning to stay more after it expires? Let me know what you think. Thanks!
It’s is permitted by the visa conditions (i.e. travel to other Schengen countries), it shouldn’t be a problem.
Hi Anil,
Thanks for the great info
To make a long story short am Canadian and I received a visa D long stay to study in Switzerland but the visa came late; only six weeks before the end of the term
I went to Switzerland anyways to register at the school but a week later decided I missed too much, so I left two weeks after and returned to Canada (did not stay/overstay)
Now I have reapply at the school for Sept2016 and they have accepted me but my entry visa expired December 2015, my question is do I need to reapply for the entry visa all together? or can I somehow renew or use this entry visa than register at the local migration office?
Thanks in advance
I’m not sure at all, it’s best to check with the school there. Sorry!
Hi Anil,
I didn’t see any comments below that related to my question. I’m hoping you can help me with this. My husband and I were in the Schengen for 90 days out of the 180. We are currently in Montenegro and will be flying back to the US while the 180 day period isn’t over yet. We have a 7.5 hour layover in a Schengen country. Will this count as overstaying our welcome? Or will they excuse us because its just a layover? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
Marianne
Hi Marianne,
So long as you don’t pass passport control, you’re not technically entering the country so you’ll be fine.
Hello,
I have one question, im currently staying in Poland which is the schengen territory. I would like to know if I return to my home country after staying 90 days in schengen territory, do I have to wait 90 days as well to re enter the schengen territory? Btw, I’m malaysian. Please advise.
Here’s the calculator you can use: http://foxnomad.com/2014/09/16/properly-calculate-number-days-left-schengen-visa/
Hello! I have a problem. I am issued a Schengen visa from the Italian embassy here in the Philippines. My visa is a 30 day visa multiple entry valid from May 23-July 6. I have travelled to the Schengen area last May 24-June 2 but wish to travel again on June 21-July 15. Is this possible? I will enter Schengen with a valid visa but leave with an expired one. This is way below 90 days so I am not sure how this works. Do I need to extend my visa or what? I will be in Germany when my visa expires on July 6 though. Thank you very much! Will wait for your response.
You are a citizen of where? The office that issued the visa should be able to explain the visa constraints – it’s likely you need to extend but confirm with them. Best of luck.
Hello I got some trouble entering Europe eventhough I got a valid schengen visa issued in Singapore . I applied at the Danish embassy and they approved it. But my plan change to visit first France before going to Denmark after I got the visa . But when I reached Germany as my transit they didn’t let me in. They treated me like a criminal and annulled my visa then sent me back to Singapore. They took my fingerprints and some photos I’m worried does it affect my re-entering to schengen area in the future and applying a new visa? They told me that I can still come back I just need to apply again a new visa but I should go to the embassy where my first point of destination . My mistake was I didn’t go to Denmark first. I’m bit confused did I make a crime and how I can clear my records ? I wasn’t banned or deported , they only only annulled my visa but I’m still worried about the biometrics (SIS) once I apply again another visa. Hope u can help me . Thankyou
Thank you for getting in touch. I can only give you general advice but if you’re looking for specifics, please feel free to send me your questions or set up a call through Plansify: https://www.plansify.com/anilpolat/
Hi,
I am from South Korea. I entered Spain without work visa and got the work permit here and I am continuting staying in Spain now. Is this fine? Am I going to be in trouble?? I did this by asking a lawer. So it should be ok. But still i am worried. 🙂
Thanks,
Jongchan
Best to consult your lawyer for this.
Hi
Have you ever entered Schengen zone from a country other than the one you mentioned in your visa application. Are there checks for that?
Also what is up with requiring reserved confirmation of flight tickets but not paying for tickets beforehand. Would a printout of a particular roundtrip flight do?
I don’t understand the second question – can you be more specific?
Hi.
Just a little piece of advice..
I have a friend already overstaying as a schengen visa traveler..she a filipino workers legally in the uae but since my employer apply me for a schengen visa she grab to come and had to experience their way of living and but it was a tempt for her to stay longer more than she wanted. 1year and two months to be exactly..
Her question is she’s planning now to go to her homeland by december. Is there any possible consequences will happen at the airport when they will find out that she’s overstayed..or do she need to go back in the uae since her employer still wanted to help her securing planetickets going home but with condition not to tell their identity..or is their still any possible that they will grant uae visit visa though her uae resident visa is also expired last july?
Thank you
She could be fined, banned, or both from the Schengen for a period of time.
I was a military pilot student in Czech Republic and trained by private company of US. and I went for trip with out my passport and visa to Germany my passport was with hotel in Czech Republic where I lived and then German police capturedepartment me and the give me to Czech police and after that Czech police give me to my company and my company send me back to my home I mean to my country and they told me that you are deported but I didn’t see any stamp of deport on my visa and passport (my passport is service passport) but Czech government said that u didn’t do anu thing illegally u didn’t commit any crime so u r not guilty but my company said why u didn’t awarded us and we will send you back to your country and they send me to my home and now I have a question. can private company deport me or black list my passport or visa of Czech? or its a bullshit? because if there is no problem I want to come back because I have 8 months visa . please please please anewer me soon .
Thank you for getting in touch. I can only give you general advice but if you’re looking for specifics, please feel free to send me your questions or set up a call through Plansify: https://www.plansify.com/anilpolat/
Hi! I would like to ask if its possible for me to go to milan and around italy this coming sept. 16? even i got the schengen visa in greek embassy. I cant go to greece as my first entry point as the flights doesn’t allow me. Thank you! Hoping for quick response.
I was planning to go to Germany in last September for business purpose. They issued for me a multiple visa for 2 years. Due to family issue, I was not able to fly. Within the coming days, I need to fly to Italy to visit a company there.
My question, can I come direct to Italy with the visa which I have? Or I have to fly to Germany first as transit and then to Italy.
Hi, Just need an advice here. i am preparing my visa application for france. I am travelling to Paris for about 4 or 5 days. and then i plan to visit croatia of about 5 days as well. will that be a problem when i submit my itinerary? i am torn between Paris-Croatia-Paris flight or should it be enter from paris and croatia and then fly out of croatia to my home country. i am from Philippines but residing in singapore. thank you! Joanna
What’s the main concern? Flight cost?
Hi Anil,
Sorry, i was unable to check that you have replied already. No, cost is not a concern actually.. my concern is that is it possible to enter in FRANCE using Schengen visa and then after 4 or 5 days leave france and go to Croatia for about 5 days (using Schengen Visa) and fly out from Croatia to my home country.. meaning i wont come back to France anymore? will that kind of itinerary not affect the Schengen Visa or future application? i am under the impression that i should be entering and exiting France no matter if i go to Croatia in between….
I can’t say without knowing what kind of visa you have? Best to talk with the embassy locally to get the most accurate answer.
Hi Anil and Everyone,
I was wondering if anyone else had tried getting back into the Schengen with a new clean passport before the next 180 day period. Have you heard anything about this? Thank you.
Jason
I haven’t heard of anyone successfully trying this, I suspect you would likely be caught by the computer system if someone checks – not to mention violating the travel visa.
dear
i hav only 10 days visa of italy but am coming portugal now am completed 2 mnths here. but now i wanted to back my country what should i do now.
Thank you for getting in touch. I can only give you general advice but if you’re looking for specifics, please feel free to send me your questions or set up a call through Plansify: https://www.plansify.com/anilpolat/
Hi,
I am working in Sweden and have applied for WP extension. But I need to travel to India for vacation after my current WP expiry. I am going through FRANKFURT-GERMANY. Will there be any problem in immigration check. I have documents which proves that I have applied for extension.Still I want to make sure .
You just have a layover in Germany?
Hi, I am an Indian citizen. I got the schengen C visa (date of entry is 30th Jan 2017). But I took the flight ticket on 29th Jan 2017 it will reach Germany on 29th itself, so do I need to reschedule the flight ticket or is it OK to enter on 29th Jan 2017 (a day before my entry date)?
Thanks
Raj
Why would it be allowed to enter a day before your visa is valid?
Hi,
Thanks for the post. Appreciate it.
I came to Spain with a Spanish student D visa (6 months validity) for internship, which is required for graduation in May 2017. However, after a week at the office, I decided to quit after finding out that the boss was abusive and lied about the working conditions during skype interview. I want to look for a new internship in Spain or preferably, Amsterdam. Is it legal? I am thinking of using the long term visa’s 90 days for Amsterdam if I land an internship there. Please advice.
I’m guessing it’s not but best to check with your local immigration office.
Hello. I am going on a tour in the shengen area (i will only leave the shengen area when i go back home)but I received a single entry visa valid fot 20 days, i want to k ow of that os correct
Talk to the office that issued the visa if you think there is an error.
i am a nigerian in 2008 i travelled to russia, in russia a nigerian man told me i can travel to austria from russia, he placed a false schengen visa on my passport. when i got to estonia i was stopped and finger printed me and placed a ban on me from entry schengen area. so i want to know d length of d ban of such offence
It’s best to talk to a lawyer for your situation.
Hi I am an African leaving in Denmark. My visa expires on May26 and i wish to travel to sweden by bus on may 16 . i wish to know if i could be stopped at the boarder or is it possible for me to travel and leave in 2 days time.
I’m not sure at all, depends on your visa. Best to talk to the agency that issued it.
Hey. I’m really concerned about how the 90 days are calculated. If it is continuous or in a period of 180 days.
I’m going to Prague and I’ll travel around europe.
I’m entering Schengen at 15/08 and my return ticket is at 16/11. This makes 94 days. But I’ll be in UK for 5 days. That makes 89 days inside Schengen. Would that be a problem? Would they ask for the return date on my arrival?
Be sure you are adding the entry and exit dates as days inside the Schengen and use the calculator linked in the post above.
Dear Anil, all the above Q&A give a good insight into the schengen visa, stay etc. Thanks for keeping the thread alive.
I have a query. I have my Tourist Visa stamped in my passport (multiple entry) from 22nd June 2017 to 20 August 2017. Duration of stay 30 days. From Sweden Embassy in Saudi Arabia (that’s where I stay) through VFS. This takes care of my planned 2 weeks visit to Finland. However, later I need to travel to France on a 5 day tour (tourist) from August 31, 2019 to Sept. 5, 2017. Is it possible for me apply for France (Schengen) tourist visa in July 2017 for the visit to France in August – while my previously stamped Schengen visa is valid till August 20, 2017? Or, should I first go back to Sweden embassy and cancel the stamped visa (valid till Aug. 20, 2017) before applying at French embassy (through VFS)? I am bit confused. Could you please offer suggestion on this? G T JOSHI
It’s best to talk with the embassy, sorry.
Hi everyone
I am in a bit of a tricky situation. I am from South Africa but I am in Norway currently, visiting my boyfriend. I have been here since the 12/05/2017 and my flights are booked for the 02/07/2017. My visitor’s visa expires on the 17/07/2017. I have since arriving found an au pair job in Sweden that begins on the 01/08/2017. I am waiting for my visa to be approved but I am fairly certain that it will be. I want to know if there is anyway I can legally stay longer in Norway without having to go back to South Africa. The rules that are given about extending your visitors visa in Norway are really strict but if I extend it I still won’t be violating the 90 day rule.
It would be a waste of time and more importantly, money to go back to South Africa only to come back in 2 weeks. Is there anyway they would be able to extend my stay or is there a great risk of being caught in those 2 weeks and will I be banned from the Schengen region for 2-5 years? Will I risk losing my au pair visa etc?
What is the best way to get around this? I am not sure if I can even apply for a new visitor’s visa from outside of my country of residence.
Please help!
As far as I understand your situation – first, don’t overstay. You don’t need to go to SA, just outside of the Schengen. But double check with the immigration offices in Norway and Sweden.
Hello,
My long stay student type D visa expires on Sept 1, 2017. I travelled back to India on July 13, 2017. I will pursue my 2nd year of my masters in France, but my prefecture appointment for renewing my residence permit is only after the expiry of my visa. I will be booking my appointment with prefecture on September 12, 2017. Hence I don’t have any documents notifying that I will be having my residence permit renewal appointment in September for now
I will be returning to France on August 26, 2017, which is approximately one week prior to the expiry of my visa. Will I have any problems with the border control when I am entering France on August 26? If yes, how can I convince them that I will be having a prefecture appointment even though I don’t have any documents relating to it now?
The Mason des Etudes in my university who are responsible for making my prefecture appointment are so confident that the border control will never stop me and they say me to stop worrying about it. But I am a bit paranoid that I might land in some trouble with border control.
I’m sorry, I can’t be of much help for this situation. Best of luck.
I am applying for Shenzhen tourist visa for France, while applying it is asking for date of exit from Shenzhen area. I have booked a tour to France from London for three days, on third day after finishing of tour I wanted to go to Belgium and Netherlands by my own from France. My stay in France is booked by tour operator and same information will be provided while applying for visa, however in Belgium I will be staying with my friend. Can I go to Belgium and Netherlands from France directly instead of coming back to London even after my date of exit from Shenzhen area is expired or I have to come back to London and then will go to Belgium and Netherlands.
Depends on the type of visa, best contact the office you’re applying to.
Hi,
I have been given a schengen slovenia visa from 2nd Sept onwards..but my flight lands in Croatia on 1st Sept, what can i do?
I have my VISA as single and my flight will be on Nov 4, and we are planning to get married on Oct 30.
Is it ok if i will use my Visa as single? will there be any problem?
I would double check with the issuing embassy.
Hi, Anil, I dont know whether you can help me with my problem.
I’m Chinese, my boyfriend is Italian. I’m now on Tourist visa which valid for 2 years. If I want to stay with him in Italy, is there any visa I can apply which allow me to stay there without go out of the country after 90days? And will I be able to work in Italy? Could you give me some info? Thanks!!!
I wish I could be of more help but I’m not sure at all. It’s best to talk with a good immigration lawyer on this one.
Hi,
Do you know if a country outside of Schengen area (for example: Japan, Singapore, or Australia) will do a check on the history of a visa applicant? I have a 2-year ban from Schengen area due to poor academic performance (due to severe depression) and currently not expired yet. But I want to apply for study abroad again at a country outside of Schengen area.
Should I honestly write about the 2-year ban in the new visa application form? (they ask “Do you get entry refusal from any country?”) I’m afraid it will affect negatively on my visa decision.
But if I did not write about it, I’m afraid they can somehow know about it and it will get even more troublesome later.
Do you know how much chance I will get with this 2-year ban when applying for new visa? I’m very desperate right now and really need some advice.
The history check I suppose depends on the country and many other circumstances; but you should *not* lie on the application.
Hope Anil can help. My daughter will be studying in Seville Spain in the fall. She is US citizen and the program is exactly 90 days. However, I was unaware of the 90 day limit and she first is planning on visiting family friends in Malta before her program starts, but that puts her at 95 days total. We have documentation of her flights: US to Malta, Malta to Madrid and Madrid back to the US. She has verification from the University that the program lasts 90 days and our friend in Malta is writing a letter of invitation/ support. She has an appointment with the Spanish Consulate in Chicago for a tourist visa. Do you know the chances of getting a visa to allow her these extra 5 fays!? Is there anything else we should be doing? Thanks so much for your help!
I’m not sure the chances but it seems like you’re on the right path. Get in touch with the consulate and apply for a longer visa – being a student should help and the shorter addition (5 days) I’m guessing it won’t be too hard. Just don’t put it off 😉
Let me know how it goes if you have the chance to follow up here, thanks!
Thanks Anil – i’ve since learned that she can’t get a tourist visa because as a US Citizen she doesn’t need a visa at all- but for only up to 90 days. I also confirmed that she doesn’t qualify for a student visa because the program must be 91 days or more- her’s is exactly 90 days. I was emailing the consulate just asking what type of visa she would need and they got nasty, but never answered the question – only repeating that for student visa (which i was not inquiring about) she must be 91+ days in a school. her program is of no help and in fact said they contacted the consulate and was told we already were emailing them and we’ve been told she doesn’t qualify for the student visa- which i knew all along! According to the scheduling page on the consulate, the only visa left to apply for is the residence visa. its so frustrating and now i’m afraid to even keep the appt because of all this!
Sorry to hear all the trouble you’ve been having but I appreciate you following up here.
Hey guys, small question,
Im waiting to get my student visa , and for now im out of schengen area, iv been there for 83 days so 7 days left.
Can i re- enter to schengen area for now with no problems even though u got only a few days left? ( student visa supposed to be ready in a week) ?
Will the immigration in the airport let me in even though i got no flight ticket back and only 7 legal days there?
thanks a lot!
You mean leave now and re-enter (i.e. so you have 6-7 days left on the tourist visa)?
Yeah , i left already and planing on re-enter soon with 6-7 days left on the tourist visa.
Then it shouldn’t be a problem as far as I can tell of the situation.
hi can you please help my girlfriend who is from Thailand has got a visa to visit me in the uk for 6 months we would like to visit Europe and applying for a Schengen visa for us to do this the first country we want to visit is spain so we have to give this as our first port of call then we would travel back to the uk and then a bit later go back to Europe not sure where can we do this at our leisure or do we have to tell them all the country’s that we want to visit and the dates I understand we have 90 days in 180 this is not a problem
thanks patrick
What did the embassy say?