How to Apply for an Extension of 90 Day Visa Free Travel
A U.S. citizen may remain in any Schengen country (or travel between various Schengen countries) as a tourist for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa. Anyone staying in the Schengen zone beyond the 90-day period may be subject to a fine at the time of departure and will be barred from entry into any other Schengen country for 90 days.In Greece, fines for overstaying the 90 day visa free period run from €600 to €1,200.
If you are unable to depart before your 90 day limit and wish to apply for an extension, you must contact the closest Aliens Bureau at least two weeks prior to your required departure date to apply for an extension of stay. The Greek authorities evaluate each application on a case by case basis and typically do not approve extensions for tourism purposes. The Embassy cannot request an extension on your behalf or attempt to influence the decision on your application.
Aliens Bureaus in Attica
- Athens: 24 Petrou Ralli Str, Tavros; 210-3405806; 210-3405807; Email: tallodathinon.europe@astynomia.gr
- North East Attica: 15 Agiou Orous Str., Marousi; 210-6875176
- South East Attica: 50 Voriou Ipirou Str., Ano Glyfada; 210-9692918
- West Attica: 77 Amintoros Str., Egaleo; 210-5788828; 210-5788829
- Piraeus: 37 Iroon Politehniou Str; 210-4128607
Aliens Bureaus outside of Attica
- Chios: Polemidi 1, Chios 82100; 22714-40547
- Crete (Agios Nikolaos): Erithrou Stavrou 47, Agios Nikolaos 72100; 28410-91413; 28410-91417
- Crete (Chania): Leoforos Irakliou 23, Chania 73100; 28210-25811; 28210-25812
- Crete (Heraklion): Agiou Artemiou 1, N. Alikarnassos, Heraklion 71601; 2810-274060; 2810-274061
- Crete (Rethymno): Iroon Polythechniou 30, Rethymno 74100; 28310-88196; 28310-88197
- Cyclades (all islands): Plateia Rethymnis 1, Ermoupoli, Syros 84100; 22810-96184
- Halkida: Arethousis 153; 2210-37036
- Lesvos: Strati Myrivilli & M. Kountoura 2, Mytilene 81100; 22510-58879; 22510-58880; 22510-58881
- Rhodes (includes Kos): Ethelodon Dodekanision 43, Rhodes 85100; 22410-27612
- Thessaloniki: Dodekanisou 4, Thessaloniki 54626; 2310-500986; 2310-558010
Greetings, I bring to you my expertise as someone deeply immersed in the intricacies of international travel regulations and visa policies, particularly within the Schengen area. My extensive knowledge is not merely derived from textbooks but is grounded in practical experience and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments in immigration and travel protocols.
Now, let's delve into the details of the article on how to apply for an extension of the 90-day visa-free travel for U.S. citizens within the Schengen zone. The Schengen agreement allows U.S. citizens to stay in any Schengen country as a tourist for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without requiring a visa.
Key Concepts:
-
90-Day Visa-Free Travel:
- U.S. citizens can stay in any Schengen country as a tourist for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa.
-
Overstaying Penalties:
- Beyond the 90-day limit, individuals may face fines at the time of departure.
- Overstayers will be barred from entering any other Schengen country for 90 days.
-
Greece-specific Information:
- In Greece, fines for overstaying the 90-day visa-free period range from €600 to €1,200.
-
Extension Application Process:
- If unable to depart before the 90-day limit, individuals can apply for an extension.
- Contact the closest Aliens Bureau at least two weeks before the required departure date.
- Extensions are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, with a general tendency not to approve for tourism purposes.
-
Embassy's Role:
- The Embassy cannot request an extension on behalf of individuals.
- The Embassy cannot influence the decision on the application.
-
Aliens Bureaus in Attica (Athens and Surrounding Areas):
- Specific addresses and contact numbers for Aliens Bureaus in Athens and surrounding regions.
-
Aliens Bureaus Outside of Attica:
- Contact information for Aliens Bureaus in various locations outside of Attica, including Chios, Crete (Agios Nikolaos, Chania, Heraklion, Rethymno), Cyclades, Halkida, Lesvos, Rhodes, and Thessaloniki.
Understanding and navigating these concepts is crucial for U.S. citizens planning an extended stay in the Schengen area and seeking to comply with the regulations set forth by each member country, particularly Greece in this context.
