USA traveller in Europe longer than 90 days total
I imagine this is not a unique problem but I was unable to find a straightforward answer.
I am a US citizen looking to travel to Europe for a bit over 90 days, let's say 100, but around 30-40 of those would be outside of the Schengen zone (Croatia and maybe Ukraine).
I will be landing in Italy and flying back home out of Germany.
I am concerned that I may have to deal with a suspicious official when I land and my return flight is longer than 90 days in the future. Additionally, I am wondering if I will run into any issues entering the Schengen zone for the second time (from Croatia). Do I need to keep any documents that prove I was outside of the Schengen?
Visual example of my plans; USA -> Italy (40 days) -> Croatia (30 days) -> Germany (30 days) -> USA
Should I expect problems?
Best Answer
I doubt you'll run into any issues. As a US citizen, you do not need a visa for the EU/Schengen and you are unlikely to be interviewed at length or have your return tickets inspected. If you're asked how long you intend to stay, state the length of time until you depart Schengen, not Europe, and if you have any evidence that you're planning to do so (flights, hotel reservations etc) it would not hurt to being them along. You do not need keep documentation of being outside Schengen, since unlike the US you will go through border control when leaving, so immigration will know that you were away.
The two questions that may pop up are 1) what are you going to be doing for over three months (just tourism? really?) and 2) how are you going to pay for this, since 100 days is quite a long time. Again, if it comes up, having some documentation of your finances and intentions would be helpful.
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What happens if you stay abroad more than 90 days in Europe?
The Schengen law states that you can't stay in the Area for more than 90 days. If you do, you're subject to a fine and possibly deportation and being banned from re-entering the Schengen Area.Can I be in Europe for more than 90 days?
If you're a tourist, you do not need a visa for short trips to EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein. You can stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.How many days a year can an American stay in Europe?
How Long Can a US Citizen Stay in Europe Without a Visa? Americans can stay in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within a 180 day period.What happens if you stay abroad for more than 90 days?
They will face prolonged border checks upon entry, and may even be turned back or banned from entering for a certain period. Entry ban \u2013 Usually the Member States ban from entering only those who have overstayed for a longer period. Bans are applied for a period of three years or even more.STAY IN EUROPE FOR MORE THAN 90 DAYS… JUST DO THIS! Schengen area and the 90 day rule for Van Life.
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