Connecting through FCO without Schengen visa

Posted by lia on 03/12/25 09:56 AM

I need to get from Tirana, Albania to Chisinau, Moldova, and the cheapest flight is one that connects through FCO. I’m an American, but I’ve already maxed out my 90 days in the Schengen / EU, and I’m finding conflicting answers on whether I’d be able to just pass through the FCO airport without it counting as me overstaying my visa.

I’d have to purchase two separate tickets, so it seems like I’d need to pass through passport control, but would just being in the airport for the layover pose an issue? Thanks in advance!

Posted by Carol

Atlanta, GA, USA

03/12/25 10:23 AM

899 posts

Since you have to buy two tickets, yes, this will be a problem. You will be immigrating into Italy to catch your second flight and that will require that you meet the requirements to be visiting Italy. They’re not going to take your word that you are going to get on that second flight that’s on a separate ticket.

This might be possible on one ticket (I’m not sure) but it’s definitely not worth the risk on a two ticket arrangement

Posted by Mr É ..............(Слава ►)

Magyarország / Rep of Texas

03/12/25 12:09 PM

21514 posts

yup, what Carol said.

But he Schengen thing is on a continuously moving period of time 90 days in any 180 day period functionally means 90 days in the LAST / IMMEDIATELY PREVIOUS 180 days (counting the current date). You only need one day in Schengen. Theoretically you are only maxed out in Schengen for one day …. unless you really messed up.

But dont listen to me. I screw up a lot but do go check your status with a Schengen calculator on line. See if you have aquired a few days since you maxed out.

Posted by toby

03/12/25 01:04 PM

129 posts

Are the gates in the same secure area and can you carry on your bag and check in on your phone for the second flight? It may be possible even with 90 days maxed out.

Posted by Paul

Eastern Iowa, USA

03/12/25 03:51 PM

8369 posts

You need more information about your flights (terminals mainly). If you can be checked in on both, have boarding passes, no checked bags, staying within the same terminal, then technically you can stay airside and be OK. You will need to follow the connecting flights signage to stay airside, there will be a security check.

You may also have to show proof of onward travel, both to the Tirana-Rome airline and to Security if asked.

Any reason that causes you to need to leave airside (Baggage, terminal change not via a secure zone, need to "check in") will ruin it.