Hello! I will be studying in Florence for 91 days (Sept 1 - Nov 30). I know a Visa is required for 90+ days travel. How strict is the Italian govt on that for students? (I'm an adult-learner taking a non-credited course so I might not even be an official "student?") Getting a Visa requires a flight to Miami, a car rental, and a day off work in order to visit the Italian Consulate (personal appearance is required). Or, a change fee and add collect on my airfare to change my itin. Obviously I will do what is necessary as I don't want anything to jeopardize my trip; just wanted to get some opinions!
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
It sounds like you know the rules. It's up to you whether to follow them or not.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5893 posts
Any possibility that you will take a weekend trip out of the Schengen zone (e.g. a weekend in London)? That could easily keep you within the limits.
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
Obvious first question: Is Sept 1 the day you leave the US or the day you arrive in Italy?
Posted by
OP
Clearwater, FL, USA
10 posts
I arrive Sep 1 at 11am and depart Nov 30 at noon - literally over the 90 days limits by a few hours! That's a great suggestion about leaving Italy for a weekend and re-entering. If I were to do that, the "clock" starts over, right?
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8187 posts
No the clock does not start over, but if you were to catch a flight, ferry, or train to a non-Schengen country for a long weekend, you would be below your 90 days. The actual rule is 90 days in any 180 days. (Practically speaking) Some options, Croatia (ferry from Venice, Ancona, or Bari) Tunisia (Ferry from a couple of spots) or a budget flight to the UK, Ireland, orMorocco. If you take this route, keep any tickets or make sure your passport is stamped, just to show that you traveled outside the Schengen Zone.
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
You're not going to get your passport stamped the moment the plane arrives at the gate. And you're going to check out well before the published departure time. I don't know if the exact hour is logged into a computer system, but I bet it is. (Couldn't find a time stamp on any visa in my passport.) I'd say it's a non-factor. And even if it was, it isn't.
Posted by
OP
Clearwater, FL, USA
10 posts
Got it, thanks for the suggestions!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23652 posts
This was posting last year on this site from a father whoes daughter overstayed a couple (3 months exactly) days and was fined 500E on the spot. Either pay it or miss your plane. Obviously they can be strict if they want to be. Take a long weekend out of town.