Greece, Visa limits, motorcycles, ferry travel, saftey?
Jul 7th, 2013, 02:34 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Greece, Visa limits, motorcycles, ferry travel, saftey?
Hello friends!
So I made a spur of the moment decision a couple days ago to buy a one way ticket to Greece, departing October 30th. I have a general plan, but since people here seem experienced and willing to help, I thought it might be a good place to query.
My grandmother has a house (she is greek, but living here in America) on a small island near Turkey that she has graciously allowed me to stay at for as long as I need while I work on a writing project. While I had idealistic goals of simplifying my life and staying for an extended period of time, it has come to my attention that I can only stay for a period of 90 days out of every 180. I'm pretty disappointed about this, and I was wondering if I can extend that or be allowed some sort of extension due to my Greek heritage? I have looked around online and haven't found many answers to this.
My next question is about general travel in the area. Will the ferries be running in fall/early winter? As this is also a sort of spiritual adventure, I am really interested in visiting Patmos, but only if there is a ferry going that direction. I'm also interested in exploring Turkey, Israel, Jordan, and Egypt. I know that there is a ferry to Turkey, but I'm unsure about the rest. I'm also unsure how safe the waters off the Northern coast of Africa are with so much turmoil in the general area (Syria, mainly).
Because I booked a one way ticket, I have the idea of buying a motorcycle and using that as my transport through these and other areas that I am considering. If my jaunt to the south doesn't work out, I'm hoping to try my luck at traversing some of the Eastern European countries and possibly making my way through Kazakhstan. It's an ambitious thought, I know but if there is a potential to work along the way, I would love to extend this trip for as long as possible. What is the potential for buying and traversing through different countries with a motorcycle in this part of the world?
Alright, well I have already asked way more than I should reasonably expect a response to, but if there is something that catches your eye about any of my travel plan, I would greatly appreciate even the smallest tid bit of information! Thank you all!
So I made a spur of the moment decision a couple days ago to buy a one way ticket to Greece, departing October 30th. I have a general plan, but since people here seem experienced and willing to help, I thought it might be a good place to query.
My grandmother has a house (she is greek, but living here in America) on a small island near Turkey that she has graciously allowed me to stay at for as long as I need while I work on a writing project. While I had idealistic goals of simplifying my life and staying for an extended period of time, it has come to my attention that I can only stay for a period of 90 days out of every 180. I'm pretty disappointed about this, and I was wondering if I can extend that or be allowed some sort of extension due to my Greek heritage? I have looked around online and haven't found many answers to this.
My next question is about general travel in the area. Will the ferries be running in fall/early winter? As this is also a sort of spiritual adventure, I am really interested in visiting Patmos, but only if there is a ferry going that direction. I'm also interested in exploring Turkey, Israel, Jordan, and Egypt. I know that there is a ferry to Turkey, but I'm unsure about the rest. I'm also unsure how safe the waters off the Northern coast of Africa are with so much turmoil in the general area (Syria, mainly).
Because I booked a one way ticket, I have the idea of buying a motorcycle and using that as my transport through these and other areas that I am considering. If my jaunt to the south doesn't work out, I'm hoping to try my luck at traversing some of the Eastern European countries and possibly making my way through Kazakhstan. It's an ambitious thought, I know but if there is a potential to work along the way, I would love to extend this trip for as long as possible. What is the potential for buying and traversing through different countries with a motorcycle in this part of the world?
Alright, well I have already asked way more than I should reasonably expect a response to, but if there is something that catches your eye about any of my travel plan, I would greatly appreciate even the smallest tid bit of information! Thank you all!
Jul 7th, 2013, 02:55 PM
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,416
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
First about Schengen rules (90-in-180 days). No, you can't extend it in Greece. The only way is to apply for a long-stay non-working visa at the Greek embassy or consulate before leaving. To use your Greek heritage, you will have to be naturalised as Greek citizen, which will make you liable for military service if you are male (9 months for those aged between 19 and 45).
Ferries will be running throughout the year, but at reduced service in winter, and it's liable to disruption because of weather conditions.
Spending some time outside EU is a good way of extending your stay in Europe. Check for visa requirements for US citizens. Travelling across borders with a motorcycle is possible, but beware road conditions, and you should avoid riding at nights. Buying, registering and insuring a motorcycle as a foreigner, you will be mired in red tape. While it may not be impossible, expect a lot of hassle and delays.
Ferries will be running throughout the year, but at reduced service in winter, and it's liable to disruption because of weather conditions.
Spending some time outside EU is a good way of extending your stay in Europe. Check for visa requirements for US citizens. Travelling across borders with a motorcycle is possible, but beware road conditions, and you should avoid riding at nights. Buying, registering and insuring a motorcycle as a foreigner, you will be mired in red tape. While it may not be impossible, expect a lot of hassle and delays.
Jul 7th, 2013, 04:40 PM
#3
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,804
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Depending on which Greek island you'll be staying on it can be problematic getting into Turkey by ferry after the end of October. Obviously you'll have to determine if these ferries allow you to bring along a motorcycle. If you can figure out how to do it you could get a multiple-entry visa for Turkey, either online (https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en) or when you first enter the country, which is good for the 90 days you have to stay out of Greece before you can return.
As far as I know there are no longer any ferries from Greece or Turkey to the other countries you wish to visit, but if one is available it will be from Turkey or perhaps from No. Cyprus.
Be sure to go to your local AAA office to pick up an International Driving Permit with a motorcycle stamp, no test or membership required. Bring 2 passport photos with you to save some money. Pack extra passport photos so you have them in advance if you need to apply for any other visas along the way.
As far as I know there are no longer any ferries from Greece or Turkey to the other countries you wish to visit, but if one is available it will be from Turkey or perhaps from No. Cyprus.
Be sure to go to your local AAA office to pick up an International Driving Permit with a motorcycle stamp, no test or membership required. Bring 2 passport photos with you to save some money. Pack extra passport photos so you have them in advance if you need to apply for any other visas along the way.
Jul 7th, 2013, 05:33 PM
#4
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm not aware of specific conditions in Greece but I know that young people trying to enter western europe with a one-way ticket are often turned away - since it is feared they are planning on staying illegally and becoming a charge on the system.
If you do try to go with a one-way ticket be sure you have full evidence as to where you will be staying, how you will pay for it, that you have sufficient funds to support yourself while in Greece for 90 days and that you have proof of health insurance coverage valid outside the US.
Even with this you might still be turned away - and if nothing else I would have an ongoing plane or train ticket showing that you do plan to leave the country within 90 days.
If you do try to go with a one-way ticket be sure you have full evidence as to where you will be staying, how you will pay for it, that you have sufficient funds to support yourself while in Greece for 90 days and that you have proof of health insurance coverage valid outside the US.
Even with this you might still be turned away - and if nothing else I would have an ongoing plane or train ticket showing that you do plan to leave the country within 90 days.
Jul 7th, 2013, 06:03 PM
#5
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,435
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
See if you can get a greek passport. My husband and daughter were able to, but it is a long process that takes patients and perserverence. Go to a,greek consulate,and get the info.
P.s. my DH's father and mother came from greece. You can go back as far as a grandparent to apply for a passport.
P.s. my DH's father and mother came from greece. You can go back as far as a grandparent to apply for a passport.
Jul 7th, 2013, 08:43 PM
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for the advice everyone. NYtraveler, is this common to be turned away? I like your idea of having a ticket continuation, I will remember that. The island I'm going to is Ikarea (sp?) and is very near to Turkey if I remember right from my last visit. Man that would be a bummer to get turned away.
Jul 7th, 2013, 10:34 PM
#7
Not sure about Greece specifically but in Europe generally, if you arrive on a one way ticket it sends up red flags to the immigration officials. As mentioned above, they may want to see proof you have enough money to support yourself without working illegally or being a drain on their health system. They will also be concerned about how long you will stay if you don't have on onward ticket. It doesn't mean they will turn you back on arrival but it does happen. Best to be prepared and be honest - one lie or omission and they will have trouble believing whatever else you say.
Kay
Kay
Jul 7th, 2013, 10:36 PM
#8
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 18,023
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In order to register and insure a motorcycle you will need
to be legally resident. You may also need a motorcycle licence.
There is a lot to plan for your trip. It is not just a case of have plane ticket will travel. Why get a one way ticket anyway - an open return will probably be cheaper than two singles. It won't help with immigration though, unless you have the right visa.
What are you planning to do about healthcare while in Greece? You will need insurance to cover that, and travel insurance normally only covers. 90 days.
to be legally resident. You may also need a motorcycle licence.
There is a lot to plan for your trip. It is not just a case of have plane ticket will travel. Why get a one way ticket anyway - an open return will probably be cheaper than two singles. It won't help with immigration though, unless you have the right visa.
What are you planning to do about healthcare while in Greece? You will need insurance to cover that, and travel insurance normally only covers. 90 days.
Jul 7th, 2013, 11:06 PM
#9
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 9,970
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hmm...your grandmother has a house on Ikaria. Is anyone living in it now? If not, what sort of condition is it in? Do you speak any Greek? Are there any relatives on the island who would help you with the local bureaucracy (electricity, etc)?
Ikaria is an island known more for the longevity of its residents than its tourist attractions: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/28/ma...pagewanted=all. It might be interesting, but I don't think I would enjoy spending the winter months there.
Ikaria is an island known more for the longevity of its residents than its tourist attractions: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/28/ma...pagewanted=all. It might be interesting, but I don't think I would enjoy spending the winter months there.
Jul 8th, 2013, 04:33 AM
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have been there once before for three weeks, and I am not going to do "touristy" things this time around. I have a writing project that I have been working on and more than anything I'm looking to do get some focused work done while traveling simultaneously. I do have some family and connections on the island, and my grandmother will be there up until a week before my arrival. I got the one way ticket because that's how many flight miles I had, and I plan on saving back a reserve stash of money to buy a flight out of there when the time comes for that.
Jul 8th, 2013, 05:33 AM
#11
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 9,970
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Okay, that's good news. It still leaves the problem of the limitation to 90 days in 180, though. The website www.livingingreece.com has lots of useful information. This page, in particular, may be of interest to you: http://livingingreece.gr/2007/04/16/...ork-in-greece/
Jul 8th, 2013, 03:49 PM
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
^man, you nailed it! Thank you! I'm really excited for this trip and slowwwwwing down for a little while. Ikaria is a perfect place IMO for such things. I would definitely take some advice on other islands/places in the area to explore while I'm there too, if anyone has any such offerings. Thanks again all.
Jul 11th, 2013, 08:03 AM
#13
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 493
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"I'm looking to do get some focused work done while traveling simultaneously"
You don't see a contradiction in that statement?
Going to the island to write for up to 90 days is no problem but then you throw in all kinds of other issues.
A one way ticket is not a problem provided you can show proof of sufficient funds to support yourself while there (access a bank account online for example if asked.); proof of medical insurance; and a believeable explanation of why you have a one way ticket. (you will leave either when finished your writing or in any case before the 90 days is up).
SEPARATE any travel you might do from your time on the island writing. Do the travelling before or after the writing time on the island. Do not plan to travel during your time on the island. That eliminates all issues re the 90 days and visas.
Forget the motorcyle, you have to have a residence permit (you won't get one)to get insurance. Rent a scooter for your time on the island. Get an International Driving Permit as noted, from AAA before leaving home. It isn't actually a requirement but makes life easier.
You really have two objectives. Writing and travelling. Separating them as I say will make it far easier for you to get your head around things.
You don't see a contradiction in that statement?
Going to the island to write for up to 90 days is no problem but then you throw in all kinds of other issues.
A one way ticket is not a problem provided you can show proof of sufficient funds to support yourself while there (access a bank account online for example if asked.); proof of medical insurance; and a believeable explanation of why you have a one way ticket. (you will leave either when finished your writing or in any case before the 90 days is up).
SEPARATE any travel you might do from your time on the island writing. Do the travelling before or after the writing time on the island. Do not plan to travel during your time on the island. That eliminates all issues re the 90 days and visas.
Forget the motorcyle, you have to have a residence permit (you won't get one)to get insurance. Rent a scooter for your time on the island. Get an International Driving Permit as noted, from AAA before leaving home. It isn't actually a requirement but makes life easier.
You really have two objectives. Writing and travelling. Separating them as I say will make it far easier for you to get your head around things.
Jul 11th, 2013, 08:03 AM
#14
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 493
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"I'm looking to do get some focused work done while traveling simultaneously"
You don't see a contradiction in that statement?
Going to the island to write for up to 90 days is no problem but then you throw in all kinds of other issues.
A one way ticket is not a problem provided you can show proof of sufficient funds to support yourself while there (access a bank account online for example if asked.); proof of medical insurance; and a believeable explanation of why you have a one way ticket. (you will leave either when finished your writing or in any case before the 90 days is up).
SEPARATE any travel you might do from your time on the island writing. Do the travelling before or after the writing time on the island. Do not plan to travel during your time on the island. That eliminates all issues re the 90 days and visas.
Forget the motorcyle, you have to have a residence permit (you won't get one)to get insurance. Rent a scooter for your time on the island. Get an International Driving Permit as noted, from AAA before leaving home. It isn't actually a requirement but makes life easier.
You really have two objectives. Writing and travelling. Separating them as I say will make it far easier for you to get your head around things.
You don't see a contradiction in that statement?
Going to the island to write for up to 90 days is no problem but then you throw in all kinds of other issues.
A one way ticket is not a problem provided you can show proof of sufficient funds to support yourself while there (access a bank account online for example if asked.); proof of medical insurance; and a believeable explanation of why you have a one way ticket. (you will leave either when finished your writing or in any case before the 90 days is up).
SEPARATE any travel you might do from your time on the island writing. Do the travelling before or after the writing time on the island. Do not plan to travel during your time on the island. That eliminates all issues re the 90 days and visas.
Forget the motorcyle, you have to have a residence permit (you won't get one)to get insurance. Rent a scooter for your time on the island. Get an International Driving Permit as noted, from AAA before leaving home. It isn't actually a requirement but makes life easier.
You really have two objectives. Writing and travelling. Separating them as I say will make it far easier for you to get your head around things.
Jul 11th, 2013, 09:32 AM
#15
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,804
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The International Driving Permit is in fact "actually a requirement" in Greece. It's the law. Oftentimes you can rent a vehicle without one but if you get in an accident and don't have it you will be liable for any and all repairs to all vehicles involved and your insurance will be invalidated because you will have been driving illegally. It is not necessary to have a residence permit to rent a motorcycle.
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
havefunnow
Europe
19
Aug 21st, 2012 07:18 AM
familet
Europe
14
Aug 11th, 2009 05:59 AM
