Hi, I am a veteran of several Rick Steves' trips as a youngster. Now I have my college degree and am going to Slovenia. I want to stay in Europe visiting friends for more than 90 days....Is this possible? I am not a student and would not have a job, but can speak French. Thank you!
Posted by
Calgary
2297 posts
I suggest to contact the Slovenian consulate closest to you for more information. You'll need a visa but it should be quite easy to get one.
Posted by
Redmond, WA
295 posts
Slovenia is a Schengen country. You can stay 90 days out of 180 (not consecutive). You need to not exceed the 90 days at all. They will fine you (my daughter got a 500 euro fine for overstaying three days in Switzerland; they can hassle you at the airport, making you miss your plane and having to take the next one out at full freight; and, if they're feeling nasty, they can block you from reentering the Schengen area for up to 10 years. Exceptions are terrifically difficult to obtain. You really need to talk with the Slovenian embassy. If someone tells you to just take your chances with the visa expiration date, don't do it.
Posted by
Calgary
2297 posts
If someone tells you to just take your chances with the visa expiration date, don't do it.
Dennis, I don't quite understand your above comment in this context. For how long was the visa your daughter had when she was fined?
If you have an American passport you do NOT need a visa if you stay for up to 90 days.
If you want to stay for more than 90 days you DO need a visa. A tourist visa is usually the easiest way to go if you apply for it ahead of time, i.e. before you leave on your trip.
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
Dennis is correct. If you violate the terms of a long-stay visa in a Schengen country, you are not only subject to fines, but you will be listed in their computer system as a visa offender - which could cause you future problems.
Of course if you're an American and your stay is 90 days or less you don't need a visa at all.
Finally, according to the Slovenia embassy website (washington.embassy.si), if you want to visit there for more than 90 days, you need a residency permit, not a visa.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
7573 posts
The advice to work with the Slovenian Embassy is correct. Be prepared though that often you are asked for evidence that you have the financial resources to support yourself for the entire time (money in the bank or source of income), evidence of health insurance, or other vital requirements.
Basically, they want a high level of comfort that you are not coming to work, or will wind up being a burden to their system.
Posted by
Redmond, WA
295 posts
Further details from Dennis. Daughter 1 attended university in England for 4 years, then 2 more to get international teaching certificate. Visa for a long education stay is a real grunt to obtain, with lots of paperwork each time. And waiting until the last minute to get answers. She overstayed her work visa for three days, but is now back in Zurich teaching. Daughter 2 lives in Berlin and has similar grunts getting work visa renewals each year, and doesn't dare overstay for even a day as she awaits last minute word on renewal. Schengen paperwork and consequences aren't happy.