Tourism in the Schengen area either side of a student visa

Does time spent in a Schengen country under a student visa (issued by that country) count towards the 90 days permitted within the Schengen Area?

My (Australian) partner will be undertaking some studies towards her MBA in Barcelona, and will apply for a Spanish student visa. Her studies will span just over 90 days (the minimum for student visas in Spain). We'd like to do some travel before and after this period, within the Schengen Area, bringing our time in Schengen countries to around 4 months.

Is this a problem as far as the 90/180 rule is concerned, or does time spent under a given visa not count towards the 90 days? Our local Spanish consulate is being exceptionally vague and refuses to assist us until we've booked flights, which of course we don't want to do until we know what's permitted.

Pictures about "Tourism in the Schengen area either side of a student visa"

Tourism in the Schengen area either side of a student visa - Side view of cheerful female student in checkered jacket smiling away while chilling in hall with outstretched legs and passport in hands

Tourism in the Schengen area either side of a student visa - Serious young lady riding bus with book and backpack

Tourism in the Schengen area either side of a student visa - Happy young friends resting in pool on sunny morning

Can I travel in Schengen with a student visa?

You're perfectly allowed to enter and exit the Schengen Area through any of the external borders. You should be prepared to explain and document that you're on your way either to the Czech Republic or to an allowed short trip in one of the other Schengen countries.

Can I have a tourist visa and a student visa?

Yes, a B2 tourist visa can be changed to an F1 visa.

Which Schengen country gives student visa easily?

In general, Lithuania is the easiest country to obtain a Schengen Visa from, with officials granting 98.7% of applications.

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

As a general rule, you may cross any Schengen border with visa issued by any Schengen country. However, you should try and stick to your itinerary as filed when applying for your Schengen Visa.

THE SCHENGEN ZONE TRAVEL EXPLAINED - DIGITAL NOMAD TV

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Images: Darya Sannikova, Gustavo Fring, Andrea Piacquadio, Andrea Piacquadio