Bilateral Agreements

Here are the details for Hungary: https://oif.gov.hu/bilateral-agreement-based-continued-stay-of-persons-entitled-to-visa-free-stay?locale=en

The description creates more questions than it answers. So much could go wrong, I wouldn't do it. So the extra time isnt charged against Schenge, so who tells that to the EES system when you try and re-enter Schengen and it shows you overstayed. The system doent work well apparently for normal situations. How is it gong to handle this?

Many EU member states have such bilateral agreements, and certainly not just with the U.S.
You can find all the information on this topic here

https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/c067e92d-5a8b-11e9-9151-01aa75ed71a1

Frank II, I am curious to how long you and other RS members have stayed in Europe at one time. Do you have a limit on how long you feel comfortable staying abroad?

What are the most important things you do before you leave, in terms of your home, health, etc? I think it would be amazing to stay for a long period of time, but I also think it would require some significant preparation. I also assume most people who are able to travel like this don’t have pets, but maybe some find a way to work around that and take them?

Interesting topic, for sure!

Not done it, certainly have heard about it, most people that I have seen talk about their experience have done it in Denmark for some reason.

The question that always comes up, is what exactly the process is to legally comply? The link above states that you have to approach a border official and specifically invoke the added time. advice seemingly dating from when there were manned land crossings, sounds like these days, you would need to exit the Schengen area, then re-enter, by air, sea, or train (to France) in order to convince a border official to manually alter your EES file, or somehow find a border official in an office accessible from "in-country"

Of course on re-entry in the future, the added 90 days still counts as a stay, so once you leave, you are out for another 90 days, and you will really want to make sure your EES file is noted correctly, having some proof of what you did. The added time is also only valid for France (or whatever country you invoke it for) not to wander around other countries.

Frank II, I am curious to how long you and other RS members have stayed in Europe at one time. Do you have a limit on how long you feel comfortable staying abroad?

I have to return to the US every three months to refill prescriptions. While there I might see a doctor or two, my dentist for a cleaning, change out clothes from my storage unit. Usually no more than a week unless I am going somewhere else in the US besides my home base.

If it wasn't for the prescriptions, I would return to the US maybe once or twice a year. And before you ask, no, I can't get all of the prescriptions filled in Europe.

What are the most important things you do before you leave, in terms of your home, health, etc?

No home, no pets. I live in hotels even in the US. As for health, see the above answer.

I do have a small storage unit.

My lifestyle definitely isn't for everyone. I basically live out of a suitcase. (Carry on size.)

When it's time for a break or I need a rest, I have a short list of aparthotels spread out here and there to go to for some R & R.

Frank II - this is really interesting. Can I ask in what countries and areas do you spend most of your time? Also, what do you do typically each day to pass the time?

FrankII I can think of a few ways that this could go sideways for a frequent traveler. But "probably" nothing a european immigration attorney couldn't fix in a few weeks for a few thousand dollars.

joefarnacle, I dont have FranklI's stamina so I just stayed in Europe. Easy, gave everything to my ex wife (like I had a choice). My meds come from Germany, Austria and Hungary and there is a way to make that work. US quality healthcare isn't cheaper here but its no more expensive and the cost of living is 30 to 40% less so I have to butcher less of the goat heard each month. Important when you gave each a name.

Can I ask in what countries and areas do you spend most of your time? Also, what do you do typically each day to pass the time?

I spend the most amount of time in the UK. Usually between 3-4 months. After that it varies depending on where I want to go.

Every day is different. Some days I'm out sightseeing and others I'm taking it easy.

Right now I'm in the UK and using my time to plan future travels. I don't like traveling around in August because everywhere is crowded.

Next year I'm shifting over to Asia for a good part of it so that takes a bunch of research.

I had thought about relocating to somewhere in Europe but some of my health issues would be tough to deal with as some things I use are available in the US but not in Europe. I can't take the risk of not being able to take what I need.

This is fascinating Frank. I have literally never heard of this - but the source for France you have shared certainly appears to me (as someone who has to frequently look at official French government websites) as authentic.

I had no idea this existed at all !