Visa in Europe

Julia: Your not the first person to be confused by Rick's summary statement in his book concerning the 90-day rule: I believe his statement is meant to be a simplification of the technical Schengen via rules and he intended it to be applicable to the 98% of his readers whose visits are less than 90 days.The simple version of the somewhat technical rule is:US citizens need a visa if staying more than 90 days in countries that are part of what is called the "Schengen zone" or "Schengen Agreement." Here's a link to a prior 2007 discussion here of this question, note especially Norm's comment, which lists the 15 countries that in 2007 were included in the Schengen zone:2007 discussion here of visa rule if stay is more than 90 daysNote that the link is to a 2007 discussion and that in 2008 Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, the Baltic countries, and Slovenia were added to the Schengen zone. I don't know for sure whether visits to these countries (that joined the Schengen zone in 2008) are also subject to the 90-day rule, but my guess would be that the same 90 day rule now applies to these countries that were added this year. Search on Schengen (search box upper right) in the search box if you want to browse additional discussions of this question.A link to a discussion on another website:http://www.eurotrip.com/category/forums/specialinterest/workingeurope

Switzerland became part of Schengen on Dec. 12. However, since Ireland and the UK are not part of the agreement time spent there would not count against you 90 day limit.

You can stay up to 90 days in Schengen during any 6 month period. So, for your 3 month and 1 week trip, spend at least one week in The UK, Ireland and/or Liechtenstein.

Julia,

To add a bit of further information on the subject of Travel Visas......

From the research I've done, it appears that extensions to the 90-day Schengen Limit are very rarely granted, so the previous suggestion of spending one week in a non-Schengen country is good.

Your Post appeared to be referring strictly to the Schengen Visa, however it's important to note that some countries require a Visa for any travellers entering, which is separate from Schengen requirements. This is most common with some of the eastern European countries, and of course Russia. I believe a Visa is also required for US and Canadian citizens to visit Turkey, but it's possible this can be obtained at the airport on entry? If you're going to be visiting any "out of the way" countries, you may want to check on that.

Happy travels!

As mentioned, yes the 90 days is firm for any nation or group acting as an alliance. For Europe this means 90 days for the Schengen zone (newly expanded) another 90 for Great Britain, another 90 for Ireland, Another for Turkey, or Romania, or Croatia, or the other Balkan countries. I would also recommend spending some time in one of the non-Schengen countries for a week or more.

"This is most common with some of the eastern European countries, and of course Russia. I believe a Visa is also required for US and Canadian citizens to visit Turkey, but it's possible this can be obtained at the airport on entry?"

To verify... yes, this is completely correct. Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine also require a visa.

In the first half of 2006 my wife and I worked as volunteers in Germany. As the 90 day point approached, the locals suggested we travel to Switzerland, at that time a non-Schengen country. We went to Switerland via private car but, because of the relaxed borders, our passports were never stamped! After approximately 125 days we returned home from Frankfurt and there was never a comment or question about the length of our stay. Should we feel lucky? Maybe. If you plan to overstay the 90 days, I think the lesson is to get a non-Schengen (England, etc.) stamp in ones passport at the airport or train station even if you have to ask for it.