Visas for a 1year stay in Europe
May 1st, 2014, 08:38 AM
#1
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Visas for a 1year stay in Europe
Hi all so I was wondering if I were to go to Europe for a whole year as a tourist how would the whole visa thing work? If I where to stay in one country for 3 months and then move on to the next country how/ where would I get a visa? Any tips?
May 1st, 2014, 08:48 AM
#2
>>if I were to go to Europe for a whole year as a tourist how would the whole visa thing work?<<
It generally won't. Unless you stay out of Schengen 3 months out of every 6 months. (w/ a few exceptions, Schengen is essentially most of Western/Central Europe)
You don't get 3 months in one country and then 3 months in another country, etc. Unless that 2nd country is the UK or one of the few non-schengen countries.
It generally won't. Unless you stay out of Schengen 3 months out of every 6 months. (w/ a few exceptions, Schengen is essentially most of Western/Central Europe)
You don't get 3 months in one country and then 3 months in another country, etc. Unless that 2nd country is the UK or one of the few non-schengen countries.
May 1st, 2014, 08:48 AM
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First, it depends on your nationality.
If you are american you are allowed 90 days as a tourist and 6 months as a tourist in the UK. So - you could spend up to 90 days in Schengen, then move to the UK (or other non-Schenger countries) for 90 days and then back to Schengen, then outside Schengen again.
For a visa to stay anyplace you want in europe for a year you would need to explore what type of visa you would have to qualify for (tourist won't do it), figure out the requirements to qualify, contact the approrpirate embassy or consulate while you ar ein the US and provide all the necessary documentation - then see if you will be allowed to enter.
The simplest is a student visa - but it doesn't sound as if you plan on atttending school.
So you will have to explore other options. Be aware that you will have to prove your source of income (and that you will have enough money to support yourself without working), that you plan to return to the US (for a job, school, property you own or a number of other things) and that you have purchased health insurance that will cover you for the full length of your trip - among other potential requirements.
Do understand that this type of visa is NOT right - and getting one is difficult and there is no guarantee you will qualify.
If you are another nationality you need to check on the specifics at the local embassy or consulate of the country you will spend the most time.
If you are american you are allowed 90 days as a tourist and 6 months as a tourist in the UK. So - you could spend up to 90 days in Schengen, then move to the UK (or other non-Schenger countries) for 90 days and then back to Schengen, then outside Schengen again.
For a visa to stay anyplace you want in europe for a year you would need to explore what type of visa you would have to qualify for (tourist won't do it), figure out the requirements to qualify, contact the approrpirate embassy or consulate while you ar ein the US and provide all the necessary documentation - then see if you will be allowed to enter.
The simplest is a student visa - but it doesn't sound as if you plan on atttending school.
So you will have to explore other options. Be aware that you will have to prove your source of income (and that you will have enough money to support yourself without working), that you plan to return to the US (for a job, school, property you own or a number of other things) and that you have purchased health insurance that will cover you for the full length of your trip - among other potential requirements.
Do understand that this type of visa is NOT right - and getting one is difficult and there is no guarantee you will qualify.
If you are another nationality you need to check on the specifics at the local embassy or consulate of the country you will spend the most time.
May 1st, 2014, 08:51 AM
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It varies by your nationality. Some citizens don't need a visa if they are going to different countries and not staying in one more than 90 days (new Zealand, I think).
Otherwise, you would apply for your long term visa to your main destination country. If you don't have one, apply to the first place you intend to go.
Otherwise, you would apply for your long term visa to your main destination country. If you don't have one, apply to the first place you intend to go.
May 1st, 2014, 09:04 AM
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For Schengen countries, to stay in ONE country longer than 3 months, you must apply for Type D national long-stay visa. Once granted (see nytraveler's post about the hoops you may have to jump through), you can only stay in the country for a year, but other Schengen states are limited to 90-in-180 days (though in practice, with no border control, it's difficult to be caught out on it).
May 1st, 2014, 09:05 AM
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I have a South African passport and I was planning on staying in one country for 3months at a time, but I don't have a main destination, I just thought I'd hang out in Spain for 3months and then move on to Italy or Scottland, still not sure. Not even sure if this trip is gonna happen, still trying to get all the info! I understand that I'll have to move between Schengen and non-schengen countries, it's just that do I apply for the visa for e.g. Scottland while I'm in Spain or do I try and get all the visas for the applicable dates ahead of time?
May 1st, 2014, 09:18 AM
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You would have to try to get the visas before you leave home - since there is no guarantee that you will qualify and they may well refuse to let you have these visas.
If you are in Spain for 3 months you can't just go to another Schengen country - you would have to leave Schengen for at least 3 months. And you can't - while in Spain - try to get a visa to then go on to Italy. It all has to be done before you leave SA - and assume that the process (IF you are approved) will take months and require all sorts of evidence of your legitimate plans and ability to support yourself without working (work visas are a whole other thing and typically you have to be sponsored by a european company).
If you are in Spain for 3 months you can't just go to another Schengen country - you would have to leave Schengen for at least 3 months. And you can't - while in Spain - try to get a visa to then go on to Italy. It all has to be done before you leave SA - and assume that the process (IF you are approved) will take months and require all sorts of evidence of your legitimate plans and ability to support yourself without working (work visas are a whole other thing and typically you have to be sponsored by a european company).
May 1st, 2014, 09:32 AM
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South Africans are a visa national so must get a visa in advance before arriving in Europe. Normally, to get Schengen visa, you have to show pre-booked accommodation for every night of your intended stay, so this will limit your flexibility (though you can get bookings with generous cancellation terms and rebook once your visa is issued). The visa normally covers the entire Schengen area, but the rule is you have to apply for your visa at the country's embassy that is your main destination, or if your stays are of equal length, the first country you'll arrive at.
