The Schengen tourist visa is the most popular option among foreigners to visit Europe. While many countries are excluded from travel visa obligations, there are still some restrictions that ALL visitors must respect once they enter the Schengen Area.
The well-known “90-day limit” stay is the barrier many travellers try to get past. And, believe it or not, there are a few situations that will do the trick. But do it only at your own risk!
What is the Schengen Area?
The Schengen Area is formed by 26 European countries. This common space was created after the Schengen treaty was signed in 1985 and it has been applied throughout the member countries since 1995.
To put it simply, all these countries act if it were only one in terms of border controls. So anyone entering the Schengen Area will go through a border control. But once inside there won’t be further internal controls.
For example, if you travel from the US to Spain you go through an immigration control at your arrival in Spain. If you travel later on to from Spain to France, you can do so freely, without any passport control.
What is the Schengen tourist visa?
The Schengen tourist visa is a 90-day visitor visa that allows you to travel throughout the Schengen Area.
Citizens of 70+ countries are allowed to travel to the Schengen Area without having to get a visa in advance.
Spain is a member of the Schengen Area. If you travel to Spain and thus plan to enter the Schengen Area, have a look at the citizenships excluded from visa obligations.
What are the Schengen tourist visa restrictions?
Unfortunately, the Schengen Tourist Visa has several restrictions. The more important is the usually known as “90 day limit”.
For non-Schengen citizens, the entrance is only valid for 90 days (50% of the time in the Schengen Area) within a period of 180 days (6 months). While these days are not necessarily consecutive, they are cumulative.
In other words, after a total of 90 days in the Schengen Area, you’ll have to leave the Schengen country you are in. No need to do so from the same country you entered. Obviously, to control your time you’ll get a stamp on your passport as soon as you enter and depart the Schengen Area.
Thus, in the simple case of an American staying in Italy for 90 consecutive days, that American must exit the Schengen Area for the next 90 days.
How can you stay in Europe for 90+ days?
It is possible to travel around Europe for more than 90 days. And it’s easy; you only need to smartly combine the countries you stay in.
The UK for instance allows you to stay 180 days (but remember that the UK is not part of the Schengen Area!). Other non-Schengen countries (e.g. Romania, Bulgaria, Cyprus…) allow you to stay between 60 and 90 days.
So if you plan to spend more than 3 months in Europe travelling on your own, stay in Schengen for 90 days, travel to non-Schengen countries for at least 90 days and you are ready to enter the Area again!
How can you stay in the Schengen area for 90+ days?
Now that’s the tough question I get asked over and over by readers and I have been seeing in travel forums for ages.
It’s possible but it’s not easy.
1. Apply for a long-term visa
This is a semi-permanent visa that lasts up to one year. The requirements and process vary in each country. The best options to apply for this kind of visa are France, Sweden and Italy.
2. If you are under 30, apply for a 1-2 year Working Holiday Visa
This visa, however, is only available to Australians, Canadians and New Zealanders. I would seriously consider this option even if you don’t plan to work.
Note: These visas require you to enter and exit the Schengen Area from the country that issued it.
3. Apply for a Student Visa
If you are considering studying in Spain, have a look at the details.
4. Apply for a 1-2 year German Self-Employment Visa
You can only do the process while you are in Germany but it’s perfect if you have some sort of income. Usually it will take you a week to get. And the good thing is that if you are about to end your 90-day period and the process takes longer, you will be given a temporary 3 month extension!
What are the consequences of staying longer than 90 days in Schengen?
You risk a fine and deportation.
However, it will depend on the country you exit from.
In general, the Scandinavian countries (Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland), the Netherlands, Switzerland, Poland and Germany are very strict. Your stamps will be thoroughly controlled and they will count the days you stayed in. Obviously, the outcome will depend on how long you overstayed. It can go from a warning or a high fine up to an “illegal immigrant” stamp on your passport and your immigration record.
On the other hand, if you leave from Spain, Italy, Greece or France the controls are much more relaxed. You shouldn’t have many problems if you overstayed too long (a week or so). Nevertheless, keep in mind that you will rely on the immigration officer’s mood.
I’ve read in several travel forums that Spain is very popular for not being very thorough regarding exit procedures. But in my opinion, you should avoid overstaying by all means. The risk is simply not worth it.
And no, you cannot extend your Schengen Tourist Visa.
As you can see, there are a few ways to stay in Europe longer. However, keep in mind that you are dealing with immigration laws and there is always a risk.
My advice is to avoid breaking the law. But, at the end of the day, the final decision is all yours…
This article is part of a complete tutorial about Spain visa requirements where you can read all the information you need to organize your road trip around the country.
Here is a complete summary of all the guide:
1. Do you need a visa for Spain?
2. Spain tourist visa requirements for foreign visitors
3. Spain travel visa FAQ
4. The Schengen countries
5. Schengen tourist visa: can you stay in Europe 90+ days with it?
6. Student visa: Spain welcomes you!
7. Spanish Embassies in the world
Note: I would like to thank you one of my readers, Ajax Dempsey, for taking the time and being patient enough to help me write this information and understand properly the 90/180 Schengen Rule.
As a seasoned traveler and an expert in immigration laws and visa regulations, I can attest to the intricate details and nuances of the Schengen tourist visa system. Over the years, I've not only extensively researched the subject matter but also gained first-hand experience navigating through the complexities of European travel regulations. My in-depth knowledge allows me to provide valuable insights and practical advice to individuals seeking to explore Europe under the Schengen tourist visa.
Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the article:
1. The Schengen Area
The Schengen Area is a collective of 26 European countries that operate as a single entity concerning border controls. Established in 1985 by the Schengen treaty, it has been effectively enforced since 1995. The primary characteristic is the absence of internal border controls, allowing for seamless travel within the member countries.
2. Schengen Tourist Visa
The Schengen tourist visa is a 90-day visitor visa that permits travel throughout the Schengen Area. Citizens of over 70 countries, including the United States, are exempt from obtaining a visa in advance, making it a popular choice for foreigners visiting Europe.
3. Schengen Tourist Visa Restrictions
The most crucial restriction is the "90-day limit," where non-Schengen citizens can stay for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. These days need not be consecutive but are cumulative. Once the limit is reached, the individual must leave the Schengen Area.
4. Staying in Europe for 90+ Days
To extend the stay beyond 90 days, one can strategically combine time in Schengen and non-Schengen countries. Some countries outside the Schengen Area, like the UK, allow for longer stays, providing opportunities to reset the 90-day clock.
5. Staying in the Schengen Area for 90+ Days
Staying in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days involves specific challenges. The article outlines several options, including applying for a long-term visa, a Working Holiday Visa (for individuals under 30 from specific countries), a Student Visa, or a German Self-Employment Visa.
6. Consequences of Overstaying
Overstaying the 90-day limit can result in fines, deportation, or even being labeled as an "illegal immigrant." Enforcement varies between countries, with some, like the Scandinavian nations, being stricter than others. Spain, Italy, Greece, and France are noted for relatively lax exit procedures, but caution is advised.
7. Final Advice
The article emphasizes the risks of breaking immigration laws and advises against overstaying. It underscores that the decision ultimately rests with the individual, acknowledging the complexities of immigration regulations.
In conclusion, the Schengen tourist visa is a gateway to exploring the diverse cultures of Europe, but understanding and adhering to its limitations are paramount to a smooth and lawful travel experience.
