One year in Europe

have you at least researched bringing the dog into Italy? Isn't there a quarantine period?
How about the requirements for a legal stay beyond 90 days.

Where are you from? If you are not an EU citizen, the very first recommendation is getting a Schengen visa.

The requirements for travel without a Schengen Visa are 3 months (90 days) out of 180

day period. Carefully read this http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/go/schengen-fact-sheet.html

if you are planning a year trip. Visas can take as long as 3 months to obtain.

Thank you - have the long term visa done. Pet requirements done. No quarantine if pet has met requirements for Schengen Pet Passport.
My questions are around where to base for extended periods. I've got an apartment in Paris for two weeks and am interested in suggestions for Provence and Dordogne. Winter base I'm thinking the south of Italy? Have November two weeks and maybe a month in Naples. I am planning to buy a used car in Rome. Anyone done that?

How exciting to have the long-term visa. Although relaxing, focused stays in Italy have their attraction, I'd also be tempted to buy a camper van and cover more ground. Sounds like Britain is not part of your plan, but if it is, then pet issues could again apply there.

If you're thinking of booking a spot on a Rick Steves' Tour, summer and fall dates are currently available. Winter/spring 2016 dates should be released in early June.

I'm not planning to travel to UK. I'm afraid I'm a little past my camper days!

Are there any RS tours that would allow me to bring Jake, my Cavalier? I'm hiring guides in several cities to help me learn the most about art, history and even restaurants and cooking classes. Being a solo traveler has lots of advantages. I'm able to make all the decisions about when, where and what to do. Down side is not having anyone to share every experience. I've always met wonderful people on my travels and look forward to meeting many over the next year.

Txgirl,

A year in Europe sounds like a dream!

Check Avignon in the South of France. You could drive to nearby towns/cities such as Arles, Nimes, Nice, etc....
Check this website for more info regarding where & when to visit the South of France:http://www.gosouthfrance.com/best-south-france-sites/where-to-go-in-the-south-of-france.html

Don't know your budget, but keep in mind that Venice is expensive.

You could stay in Padova & day trip to Venice (less that 30 minutes via train).

Enjoy your year in Europe!

Thank you for the South of France tips!

Yes Venice is expensive! Renting an apartment on the Grand Canal for two weeks is equivalent of two months in small towns. I'm splurging on a few "Grand Destinations" including Venice, Paris, Rome and Florence. Renting apartments or villas instead of hotels in most places as I want to stay for two weeks minimum and enjoy a leisurely pace. i hope to take my time through this trip of a lifetime!!

Given that the question of a long stay visa frequently comes up, it would be very helpful to many others if you could describe your visa and the hoops that you had to jump through. There is little experience on this site with long term stay visas other than student visas.

I will! It is a very specific process and if you don't have EVERYTHING when you go go your interview you basically have to schedule another interview and bring back what was missing. if you do not have the ability to show your cash balance is at least one year of expenses you aren't going to get the visa.

Everyone would love to hear the process and needed documentation.

I may not be everyone, but I certainly would like to understand more...

Yes, please share your experience with obtaining your long-stay Schengen visa! This topic comes up frequently here and I'm sure there are many people, including yours truly, who would like to hear about the process, documentation, timeline, the justification you used, which country you went through, etc., that was involved in securing it.
Thanks in advance!

Glad you asked. Actually, pets are not allowed on RS Tours and assistance animals would have to be approved by the Tour Sales Manager. If you're planning an independent year and have already succeeded to make it through visa hoops, you may not really want/need the organized tour. I mentioned the tour bookings earlier because I wasn't sure what you meant by "meet up." Rick's tours are set itineraries for roughly one, two, or three weeks, usually traveling by bus with a group of 24-28 travelers.

His guidebooks have more advice for independent travelers, including recommendations for local guides and tour companies in particular cities, but those operators are not affiliated with Rick Steves Europe as a company.

Thank you for replying. I will take a look at his guide books.

I too would suggest somewhere in the Veneto region rather than in Venice itself. Transport links are very good.

Thank you. I may extend my stay to include time outside Venice.
Part of my "life dream" has been to stay on the Grand Canal with a terrace to enjoy the water. My idea of Switzerland is taking a tour of the lakes. Water is so soothing to the human spirit.

After working for over 30 years in high pressure corporate exec jobs I'm finally comfortable having no business card. No schedule. No assistant to tell me I'm late. Again.

Imagine. A year where it really doesn't matter if you are late. Well except in Paris for those impossible to get dinner reservations!!

What an amazing trip you're planning! This would be a dream come true for me, but, from reading this forum for years, I thought that visas were nearly impossible to get. When you have time, would you share your experience acquiring the visa?

One of the biggest hurdles in the visa is the amount of cash accounts you can prove. That is the number one reason for denial. Thst plus all the other documentation it takes. Lessing a place for a year before you obtain the visa. Contract registered and tax paid. Before you get visa. Germany has the best "get there and stay" options but I'm not interested in rolling the dice. I'm taking my dog. To not have stress. The thought of not knowing if I have to leave and figure out where to spend 90 consecutive days was just not relaxing.

I'm very fortunate. I have the cash assets they want to see. Without at least $50,000 in cash I'm not sure the visa is attainable unless you go the German route.

You mentioned possibly staying in the Dordogne area. We rented a gite for four weeks near Cenac et St Julien a number of years ago. It was one of our most enjoyable trips. We will be back there next month for two weeks in the same gite. This is a great area. We rented a gite for two weeks in Isle Sur la Sorg, the Provence area, a few years ago. That was fun but we liked the previously mentioned area best.

Would you mind sharing the info on the gite in Dordogne?

If you don't mind cold and snow, I would look to Bavaria for the winter, especially for the Christmas markets. Munich would be one suggestion. And the Alps are amazing.

Here is the link to the gite but it looks pretty booked up thru the fall. I expect the full booking in the later months of the year are simply because they prefer not to rent then. It's a 2 bedroom 2 bath house.

$50,000? Welp, I'm out.
But how awesome for you!

Actually don't think $50,000 is too bad. That is only $137/day. I really think you would need more than that.

Yes, that does seem like very little cash but that is based on someone that is going to be camping or using very basic accommodations. For anyone who is going to prove their "residence in Italy" with a lease, it should be for at least 3 months, fully paid for, prior to the interview. Same with camping or cheap rooms rented. There should be enough cash in your bank account for 9 more months of rent, a calculation of basic utilities (water, electric, gas, etc.), and a calculation of travel and food. You must be able to clearly document and then explain in your interview your plans for expenses. Including emergencies such as accidents or illness.

I also read and reread every word of the instructions for each document. I made 3 copies not 2. I also went "the extra mile" and brought several more documents, notarized originals as well as certified copies for legal documents.

This is a serious process, no matter which Schengen country you are applying with.

France, Italy and Spain have clear expectations for a long term stay visa. Choosing the Schengen country to make your application to is a personal decision. Geographic convenience and expense(you must go in person and there are very few Consulate locations that do the interview/visa process), advance time to even book an appointment (can be as short as next week or several months in advance), and the level of documentation as well as arrival requirements.

I never thought I would become an expert at Schengen travel. At this point I believe I could write an extensive article with all of the requirements for several countries. Hmmmm. Not a bad idea!

I've also become an expert on taking a dog (you can take cats but that's a whole other process). Equally serious. With crucial timing right before your departure.

I've been asked on both my posts if I am going to publish a blog and keep folks informed as I make my way through the next year. Absolutely! I will post the blog address on both of my postings and invite all to follow and stay in touch.

Who knows, you may be the next one taking this Life Sabbatical!!!

I am beside myself with envy of your proposed trip! You have obviously done your homework and I know it will all work out just the way you (and you dog!) hope. I can't wait to hear all about it and happy to hear you'll publish some sort of report/blog/whatever. Good for you and you follow your dreams, where ever they may take you!

Where is that LIKE button? Liking Andi's post.

It is wonderful that you have jumped thru all these hoops. I am pretty sure you are the first person I remember who has posted here that actually has done the paperwork and completed the process. Many posters jump on here with a starry-eyed naivete and have NO idea there is a Schengen, whether it is in Sweden or not, lol

This sounds like a wonderful plan and I very much appreciate your sharing the details of getting the visa. But I am confused about one aspect. You say you have to bring to the interview a signed lease contract for at least three months, with proof of taxes paid. But in your original querybyounsay you are leaving in July, and considering spending a month each in Siena and Orvieto,then the first two weeks of September in Venice, then Paris, etc.

If this is what you are considering does that mean you have not rented your apartments in those places yet? If so, what did you show as proof of a three-month lease?

I ask because I recently read a book by a US couple who dreamed of living in Venice. (Sorry I cannot recall the name but I can dig it up.). They leased an apartment for a year but the landlord would not provide a receipt or confirmation of the lease (maybe to avoid taxes). So they had nothing to take to the visa interview and they ended up skipping that formality and lived under the radar. (And did not get caught). At least that is how I remember the story. it was not very well written and I did not keep the book. So I cannot check and see what happened when they left. Maybe that was before Schengen? When did that start?

It probably was after Schengen since they applied for the long term visa
I have rented those other cities as well, but the critical piece is proving you have a legitimate lease for 3 months that has been recorded properly in Italy. Yes it means landlord has to pay taxes which are typically split between the landlord and tenant.

My lease is with a very honest and kind family. They've owned the 17th century townhouse in Orvieto for a very long time. They moved to the countryside and have slowly gotten comfortable leasing the townhouse. It is filled with antiques and is very spacious. Even has air conditioning!!

Without a very sound lease I doubt anyone could obtain the visa. It doesn't have to be an expensive place but you do have to prove you have a residence. A hotel reservation won't work. I prepaid my three months which probably didn't hurt my application.

Once I get through the process of closing down my life here I will start the blog and include all the details of my learning about the Schengen, which country I chose and why, and how I presented myself and my documentation at my interview. I've also learned all about the Schengen Pet Passport.

It is not a simple snap of the fingers to embark on this trip. I did jump through all the hoops in a very short amount of time. Because I believe I thoroughly researched every requirement, I communicated with three different Schengen Consulates about exactly what documents were required and I showed up with a professional presentation and plenty of extra documents I thought might be helpful. My business background was helpful in how I approaches this entire process.

I believe anyone can obtain the visa if they meet the requirements and present their application with 100% of what is required. Go the 150% level and it's even easier!

"Getting Caught" would make me very uncomfortable every time I crossed a border or was randomly stopped in my auto. No way to live a relaxed life. If you do get caught and it's very likely you do when you leave the Schengen, your passport is marked and you are not welcome back. How bad would that be? Not worth it to me.

According to random blog and web posts Greece and Spain can be blasé about passport inspection at departure. But the stories of
Detainment and deportation after spending time in a local police station are enough that I would never consider it. A day or two over the 90 days is one thing. More than a month is not treated so lightly.

Hi! Don't have specific advice, but just wanted to say that sounds awesome! I also have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and I'd love to take her along on our trip :). We were in Italy last fall and saw SO many Cavaliers, especially in Venice & Florence. Enjoy!

So glad to hear Cavaliers are common! Jake has his pet passport ready for the final step. This has certainly been a huge learning experience. Schengen has very intricate rules. By country. Instead of using the open borders concept thst created Schengen. 26 countries all with different rules on long term visa for non Schengen residents.

So why doesn't USA have the 90 day rule???

And why does USA not require passport???

Schengen figured out how to prevent use of their health care system, income subsidy and all the other generous government programs. Without a passport documenting your status you don't get Bupkus!! What a great concept!!!!

Are you required to hire a pet transport company to move your doggy to Italy? (Is that your first arrival?) if you are required to use a company, who do you recommend and what is the cost?

Or can you bring your doggy with you on your flight? Under your seat or in cargo hold?

I am so jealous, I am attempting to accomplish exactly what you are doing, but getting sooo frustrated with the visa process. I made an appt with the Italian consulate and left nothing accomplished. They told me that someone would review my file and tell me what was needed, that was mid May. Thinking It would be a progressive situation, I was not adequately prepared. I have not heard from them. So... I thought maybe we can get the visa from France, much more educated regarding the system, we have been putting the documentation together for our appt in 2 weeks. We purchased our tickets leaving July28th, now I am concerned that if it is over 85 degrees my dog will not be able to get on the plane. Wish I could turn him into a Cavalier, and put him under our seat, We have a Standard Poodle. So stressed right now, tearing my hair out. any advise ?
very best to you, I know you will have an amazing time., Susan

Susan -- I researched France as well as Italy. France requires more documentation. Be sure to read every word you can about what is required. Email your Consulate with a list of the documents you have, and ask if you have everything. It took on average 5 work days for me to get a response from the Consulato in Houston. And then it was one word responses.

My inquiries to the French Consulate were answered a little more timely, and they actually sent me a copy of what they wanted for the police report (it just said "police report" in their requirements). If you are in Los Angeles, this may take you an entire day, or you may need to make an appointment. Make sure you have this notarized document.

I do not recall the minimum lease requirements for France. Italy requires 3 months lease, which must be filed, stamped and the tax and filing fees done prior to the interview. This is not cheap for the landlord, and I paid the entire 3 months plus one month and half the tax and fees in advance. Booking through "HomeAway" or "VRBO" won't get you a stamped lease. You MUST check what France requires. A hotel room booking is not considered "residence" by Italy and I am pretty certain not by France either.

Your dog may be a challenge. The only way a large dog rides in the cabin is if they are an Emotional Support Animal. You must have a notarized letter, or the airlines form, completed and approved prior to travel. Most airlines now confirm with the medical doctor or licensed therapist before allowing the dog to be considered an Emotional Support Animal. In addition, the dog must be able to lay on the floor, out of the aisle, and behave the entire flight. If the dog has not traveled in the cabin before, I don't think I would take the chance on an overnight flight. Mine has been traveling with me since he was 8 weeks old and is a seasoned pro. He even knows when to sit down when the "seat belt" lecture comes on, and he does not raise his head again until we have touched down. On overnight flights I take him to the lavatory with a puppy pad, but he usually refuses to go. I hope your dog has traveled in the cargo before -- my labrador retriever went bonkers and ended up getting out of the "dog proof crate" and escaping onto the tarmac. The entire plane watched as she raced across runways with baggage handlers chasing her. I was panicked until she finally paid attention to one of the crew who stopped and simply talked her into coming to him.

I wish you all the best! And by the way, you can walk back in to the Italian Consulate and tell them you had your interview and want to ask questions about what documents may still be needed. Once you have had your interview, you do not need an appointment. You may wait hours but someone will eventually speak to you. I assume you received your passports back with no explanation other than you had no visa?

Truly wishing you luck!
Stay in touch! I'll be roaming around Europe for a year!
Send me a private message if you would like to stay in touch.
Catherine

For those who have asked me for information on getting the long term stay visa, or traveling with my dog ... Or just expressed your interest in following my year of adventure .... I'm within 30 days of departure! Setting up a blog. Shutting down the final pieces of my life in Texas for at least the next year.

Jake and I are very excited! Only piece remaining is getting his Pet Passport documents within 10 days of arrival. Getting the visa had a lot of hoops. But waiting until the last minute to get his certified USDA documents is stressful.

I will post the link to our blog as soon as I get it up live.

Go!! Live your Dream!!!

Catherine

Catherine,
would you share which website you used to find your apartment, and which Agency you worked with? Thanks.
Sandra

Looking forward to following your blog. Let us know when you have it set up. Excited to follow you on your travels!!

Catherine,

What kind of dog do you have? He's one very fortunate dog!

May all you dreams come true!
Looking forward to following your adventures on your blog!

Priscilla,
My dog is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Jake. He has completed all of the requirements for the "Pet Passport" for his entry/stay in Schengen, and he has been registered for 3 years as an emotional therapy dog and travels with me in the cabin. He is very experienced at planes, trains, buses, taxis, and even rickshaws! He lays under the table while I dine in restaurants and he is well known in many stores here in Dallas. He's ready for his Italian adventure!!!

There will undoubtedly be more pictures of him on the blog than me. He is much cuter!

Catherine

Catherine,

What color is Jake, brown/white or black/white?

My niece has the same type of dog,& he's very cute!

Priscilla -- Jake is a Blenham (tan and white). There are black & white, tri-color, and ruby. The most common is the Blenham, but the tri-color is really cute. I came close to getting a pal for Jake, but could not have taken them both traveling these past three years. I'd post a picture but haven't figured out how to do that on this site.

He will be featured in a lot of photos on the blog of our adventure over the next year.
Catherine

Catherine,

I look forward to reading your blog once you get settled into your 'new home' in Italy!