HOW TO: YOUR SCHENGEN VISA

Did you know that unless you are a member of the EU, you cannot spend more than 90 days per periods of 180 days within the Schengen Area? Yes, even if you hold a Passport from a Tier 1 Country.

First things first; where is the Schengen area anyways? Here it is:

As mentioned in a previous post, we are leaving for our indefinite global trek on the 22nd of March and we intended to spend the months of May-December in Europe (with a few side trips outisde the area scheduled). We have since realzed that even if we are holders of Canadian Passports (which basically gives you access to most countries all over the world), we are restricted to the amount of time we can spend in the Schengen Area. The rule stipulates that you cannot spend more than a total of 90 days in the Area within a period of 180 days.

As you can see from the photo above, it covers quite a majority of the territory. If you think that since they don't have any borders and that once you are inside the zone, you are free to stay, you are only partially right. You get a stamp on your passport upon exciting the country and if it is noticed that you have been there for more than 90 days. You will get an "illegal immigrant" stamp that will cause you to apply for a visa the next time you try to enter any country within the Area. Additionally, since the Migrant issue is affecting the geo-political and demographic world of most of the Schengen countries, certain ones have now resumed patrolling their internal borders which means you run a high chance of getting caught.

Please note that depending on which country your Passport is issued, you might have to apply for the 90 day visa before arriving in the Area. Visit this site for more information and be sure to understand the requirements you must fufill before arriving.

What are your options

There are no such thing as an extension to the 90 visa, there just isn't. Short of that, there are still a few ways you can circumvent the rule.

The Legitimate Way (also known as the long and complicated way)

• Itlay, France and Sweden offer 1 year visas, they each have their pros and cons but each are for tourist Visas (meaning you cannot work).

• Spain and Portugal also offer long term visas but they cater more to retirees or to people who plan to work and have lots of assets (perminent residence).

• If you are a Passport holder of New Zealand, Canada and Australia as well as being under the age of 30, you qualify for a 1-2 year working holiday Visa. (You can apply to this even if you don't plan on working) Unfortunately, although Nicole is under 30, I am not.

• If you own your own business or are a freelancer or digital nomad, you can qualify for a 1-2 year visa as a contract worker/specialized worker in Germany (specifically Berlin).

• Rules are not universal (even if they are all coverned under the Schengen Area), specific documents might vary depending on where you are from and which country you apply to. It is important you inform yourself carefully about what requirements you need to fufill as well as paperwork and forms you need to complete. Remember, google is your best friend and a visit to the local Embassy or Consulate might also be a good idea.

Here are some links in refence to the information above that might be of help:

• Italian Visa Application

• French Visa Application

• Swedish Visa Application

• For applications in regards to the Working Holiday Visa, please visit any Embassy or Consulate members of the Schengen Area. (go to where you intend to either spend the most time or where you are first arriving).

• German Visa Application

Roundabout Ways

Here are two other solutions to the 90 day time limit if you are willing to toe the line a bit.

• Get Married with a European National (should at the very least be a friend)

• Enroll in an University course then apply for a Student Visa. (expensive)

The Easy Way

Plan your trip so that you spend 90 days in Schengen Area countries followed by 90 days outside the area but still in Europe so that you can then go back. This is fairly manageable if you are willing to visit countries that are not as "glamourous" as the typical must visit countries on people's bucket list but we believe that every country on Earth has something to offer. The UK is also not apart of the Schengen Area and has 180 day visas for certain Passport carriers.

The Risky Way

It is pretty common knowledge as well as pretty commonly reported that certain countries in the south of the Area do not care as much about your exit and duration of stay (Spain, Italy, Greece, France) while others are very adament about it (Germany, Nordic Countries, Austria). It is also not a black and white rule, while some will only get a warning if they go over the Visa limit, others will get a fine and some will get an "illegal immigrant" stamp. You can ultimately risk it and plan an exit from one of the southern countries but note that you are rolling the dice and are technically not following the law.

For us, we would opt for the Easy Way if it was not that we have a source of income and qualify for the German Visa, we are doing this out of convenience and while looking ahead. Once you get the Visa, it is quite simple to extend it year after year and it will not cause us any inconvenience if we choose to enter and leave the Schengen Area at will irregardless of keeping track of days and visa restrictions.

#Travel