My wife and I are leaving September 22nd, 2017 for a one to one year and a half trip around the Mediterranean. First stop Lisbon, then various Portugal locations, parts of Spain, and then Morocco for the winter months. Next, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Albania, Bosnia and Croatia. May visit other countries on the Adriatic Sea. Then Greece, and Italy. Who knows, maybe some more. We recently took a seventeen month motor home trip from Portland to Panama,( See blog - Sevenwood Wordpress Oregon To Panama, Slow) and loved Central America. This trip will involve staying at Airbnb locations, so a little different. Has anyone ever done this? And why not? Seems to me just have to book a few places in advance, determine how to get there, and enjoy the ride. First venture with Airbnb Europe, any suggestions? Seems to me this could be a lot of fun, and not expensive. Some friends think we are crazy, others think great. Any comment is welcome.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23245 posts
The first question we always raise since you did not address it, is -- Are you familiar with the Schengen zone visa requirements for the Schengen zone? Have you obtained the necessary visas for some of the other countries? With some careful planning you probably can work with the Schengen zone restrictions.
I think the reason many have not done it is the time, expense, and some visa limitations.
Posted by
North Carolina
2447 posts
Frank beat me to it - info is here: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/schengen-fact-sheet.html
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you. Yes, we have many years left on our passports, however was unaware of the Schengen Zone. Our destinations included limited time in the Shengen Zone, however will explore visa requirements should we wish to linger in that zone. We think our major time will be spent in Morocco, Egypt, and Turkey and the Bosnia/Croatia area.
Thanks again for your information.
Posted by
Washington DC
27063 posts
At this late date I think it would be impossible for you to obtain Schengen visas for this trip. All sorts of documentation is normally required: proof of substantial financial resources and of medical insurance coverage, a lease for the duration of the trip, etc. The process is much more complex than filling out a simple form and coughing up a visa fee. I believe you have to apply at the appropriate embassy/consulate in your home country; in any case, gathering the necessary documentation would probably be difficult while on the road.
Therefore, you need to be sure you completely understand the rules. Specifically, you must count both the day you arrive in the Schengen zone and the day you depart, and leaving the zone does not re-set the 90-day clock. You are limited to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period.
You didn't mention Slovenia, but it is Schengen.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
No Problem, just won't stay in the Schengen zone that much......Morocco is not in it, nor Egypt or a bunch of other countries. Lots of countries to visits without the challenges........
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23245 posts
Time left on your passport is irrelevant. Most of those "other" countries require visas. I know you can buy the Turkey visa at the port of entry but not sure of the other. So check that out very carefully.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Done. checked them out.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
Are you not related to this post from last month? https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/general-europe/temporary-import-for-car. The Schengen issue was mentioned there and both of you seem to be working around it. If that's not your family, then you just found a kindred spirit.
Why don't others do this? Probably lack of time, money, guts and imagination. It's the rare person who has all of those. That's no reason why you shouldn't do it.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Laura, love your post. No Not related to the others, just decided to do it. As to your comments about needing money, sort of disagree. We've rented our home, sold our car, our expenses shouldn't be that much different from staying at home. Pretty much eat anyway. Airfares are cheap, if you book far enough in advance.
Check Airbnb or VRBO prices for a month or so at a time, cook your own meals. Sort of like home, as for costs.
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
Onedriver, sorry to labour a point, but that US government webpage that ibsig posted ( https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/schengen-fact-sheet.html ) is wrong. It says:
If you spend three months in the Schengen area during any six-month period, you must wait another three months, from the last date of departure from the Schengen area, before you can apply to enter the Schengen area again without a visa.
The actual limit is "90 days in any 180"
(1) That is a few days less than 3 months.
(2) You do not have to wait 3 months to re-enter, just until you have less than 90 days in the last 180 in the Schengen Area.
It is not the US government that makes or inforces this law! The EU does, and their website says "not exceeding 90 days in any 180-day period": http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=LEGISSUM:l14514
Of the countries you list, it is only Portugal, Spain, Greece and Italy which are in the Schengen Area, so you should be OK.
But other countries may require a visa.