My Swedish residence permit is in processing and I therefore don't have a valid Schengen visa. Can I exit the Schengen area from a different country?

I have a residence permit for studying in Sweden and it ended on 1st of September, 2017. I applied for extending it before it ended so I have the right to stay in Sweden until I get the replay from migration. But the migration considered me a first-time applicant as I changed my studies and they asked me to apply from outside of Sweden in order to be granted the new residence permit.

So now I want to go back to my home country in Africa in order to get the new one. But I have the issue that there is no direct flight from Sweden to my home country. So If I book a flight from Sweden to my home country through Denmark for example (as transit) and they asked me about my visa it will be considered overstayed and I will face a problem.

Could I get a stamp from Sweden before I go to Denmark? Or I should book a flight from Sweden to Turkey for example (as transit) in order to escape the overstay issue?

Best Answer

If you can get a letter from the Swedish authorities certifying that you're OK in their eyes and will apply for an extension back in Nigeria, you should have no problems showing that and the expired residence permit.

Otherwise, to be safe, book a flight through the UK or Turkey (for example) as you'll then be checked by the Swedish authorities when leaving Schengen.

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Can I enter and or exit the Schengen Area visa a country other than the one for which I have a visa?

According to the Schengen rules, the Schengen visa is generally valid for all the countries in the Schengen area. Please note, however, that you always have to apply at the consulate of the country which is your primary destination (see FAQ no 5).

Can I exit from another Schengen country?

Yes, you can enter or exit from the Schengen area via a country other than the one you have a visa for, your port of entry or exit doesn't depend on the issuing country of your visa.

Can I travel within Europe with my residence permit without passport?

Travel documents within EuropeYou will need an ID card or passport if you are travelling within the European Union. And not just when you cross a border (for example, via an airport). You must also be able to show an ID card or passport if you are staying in a European country.

Is Swedish residence permit a Schengen Visa?

Whether you are planning to go on a visit, study or work and reside in Sweden permanently, you will have to apply for a different Schengen Visa, accordingly. You can apply for the Sweden Schengen Visa since 2001 when Sweden as an European Union Member State also became a member state of the Schengen Area.

After a decision has been made on a residence permit for work in Sweden. || Immigration Issue

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