I have been scouring the internet and many forums on the Graffiti wall, but I cannot find an answer to fit my Schengen predicament. Here's the scenario. I arrived in Frankfurt on April 1, 2013. I will leave for the UK on June 14, 2013. (That puts me at 75 days) I will reenter the Schengen zone on June 29, 2013 I return to the US on July 3, 2013 (That puts me at 80 days) That was all for study abroad. I am returning to study abroad in Iceland for fall quarter as well. I would arrive Sept. 23, 2013 I would return to the US on December 15, 2013 (82 days) My first 180 days end on September 28, 2013 and I would have spent 86 days in the Schengen zone (from April 1-Sept 28th). My question basically is, since within no 180 day window I will be overstaying my 90 days, can I return without a Visa? Will my 180 day window swap over? That is pretty confusing. Let me know if you need clarification!
Thanks!!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23609 posts
It does get a little complicated. First, why are you not on a student visa that solves the problem? The schengen visa is a tourist vise program. Everytime you enter you start another 180 cycle which can be overlaping. You start a second on June 29 to late December. You cannot be more than 90 in any 180 day cycle.
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7155 posts
I agree that it would be less complicated if you had a student visa so you wouldn't have to worry about number of days. But, as it is, if your dates are accurate you will start a new 180 days on June 29th but only spend a total of 89 days up until Dec 15th when you leave so you should have no problem.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
It's probably easiest to think of it as a rolling 183 days. Each day the question would be, "Have you been in Schengen for more than 90 days in the last six months (a little more than 180 days)?" As long as the answer is always no, you're good. If you project on ANY day the answer will be yes, you need to apply for a visa ahead of your trip.
Posted by
OP
Renton, WA, United States
2 posts
Thanks, everyone! I was pretty sure I was in the clear I just wanted to make sure.
Oh, and the reason I didn't get a student visa is because it is actually harder to come by than it seems. The paperwork is tedious and a trip to San Fran or LA (because it has to be processed in person) would put me back about $400 that I would rather spend on my trip(:
Posted by
Here and there
108 posts
Stacie, Make sure that you are allowed to study in Iceland w/o a student visa. Each country is different, and I'm not sure about the details for Iceland, but sometimes a country will require a visa to study there, regardless of whether you're staying for less time than a tourist visa would allow. So, even if you're only staying for 75 days, not running awry of any Schengen zone rules, and whatnot, you could still get in trouble and potentially banned/fined/deported if you don't follow their student visa rules. So, just make sure you can study there w/o a student visa.
Posted by
NYC
922 posts
Presumably your Study Abroad program has told you about visa requirements and how to get a visa, if needed. Here's an excellent booklet from the University of Iceland. http://www.hi.is/files/skjol/3_6_4_2_AUKA__2_.pdf