Extended stay in france

They can, if they wish, arrest you, fine you, deport you and refuse you further admittance to the Schengen zone (24 countries of Europe). Check their consular website to see what other visas are available to you.

Thank you Norm, I guess I will spend the beginning and end of my summer in Ireland. Do you know anyone that has ever been penalized by over staying their visit?

Never heard of anyone trying....not among my circle, anyway.

You might call the nearest French consulate and ask if you can apply for an extension before you even leave home; I believe this is possible. The French embassy in Washington may cover this on their web site.

Probably the easiest extension to acquire is by obtaining a student visa. Sign up for a French language class, cooking class or ??? In Spain the gov't requires that one have a specific amount of money in the bank, (to demonstrate solvency for the duration of the stay) health insurance, and a return ticket. Really, most official worry is that people without a residency visa try and work off-book. If you are not working you won't have any problems.

Just a little FYI regarding student visas...

The French student visa will require a visit to the French consulate (US or where ever you reside) to apply for the visa for entering France for an extended stay - which includes documentation of finance, proof of where you will be staying, your student status etc.

Then you are required to go to receive your student carte de sejour within the first week of arrival.

Typically, this is all very time consuming, and if you do not have all documentation it becomes quite laborious. Requires all your documents and you may also be asked to have a physical exam.

The Sarcozy administration has become very rigorous regarding student visas etc. including verifying attendance at schools.

We were in Europe for 5 1/2 months in 2006. Almost all of that time was spent in Western Europe. About 8 weeks total were spent toring the countries of Poland ,Hungary and Slovakia. We never encountered Schengen difficulties. We think that these rules are largely for home consumption and that they are rarely enforced except when a complaint is made.

I am trying to avoid the hassle of a visa. I read where Malta will give you an extension if you go to the police station and request it. ????

I am wondering about this whole Visa thing as well. I am going to Spain to be an AuPair in 1 month and the family ensured I DO NOT need a visa. Well government regulation tells me I do, but many blog sites report people staying for 1+ years with no visa. My questions is what happens when you try to leave??