2 years, 6 months ago
I'm a US citizen planning a 1-year trip through Western Europe, mostly in the EU. How can I avoid getting a visa while staying a full year?
I do have a current US passport, but I don't think I can get a visa because I'm not a student and won't have a job set up over there (except for under-the-table oddjobs I hope to find as I go along). I've heard that flying into Dublin allows you to bypass getting your passport stamped (thereby removing the EU's ability to track how long you've actually been there, since they don't stamp between countries within the Union). But I'm not sure that's still true, or if it ever was?
Also, how easy is it to "refresh" the 3-month limit by simply leaving the EU for a week or two and then returning?
Also, how easy is it to "refresh" the 3-month limit by simply leaving the EU for a week or two and then returning?
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M$1 Answer
Assuming you want to do this legally, fly into wherever you want, get your passport stamped, and enjoy your life. Prior to the 90 day limit leave the EU, getting your passport stamped as you do. This is a perfect opportunity to visit Morocco, or Croatia, or whatever interesting country that is (not yet) part of the EU. Spend some time, look around, and then return to the EU. Do this at least four times and you will have your year in the EU plus a few interesting side trips.
Make sure your US passport is valid at least 6 months BEYOND your anticipated return date (so that's at least 1.5 years from when you leave the US.)
You'll want to have some sort of convincing story if you get questioned about your plans and your return tickets, etc.
When you enter the EU the local customs officials look to insure that A) you have a valid US passport, B) it won't expire anytime soon, and C) you're not some kind of terrorist on a list. If you are a nervous sort, you could hedge your bets and see more of the world by re-entering Europe via another country than where you left. But I don;t think this is required. Good luck, and have fun.
Make sure your US passport is valid at least 6 months BEYOND your anticipated return date (so that's at least 1.5 years from when you leave the US.)
You'll want to have some sort of convincing story if you get questioned about your plans and your return tickets, etc.
When you enter the EU the local customs officials look to insure that A) you have a valid US passport, B) it won't expire anytime soon, and C) you're not some kind of terrorist on a list. If you are a nervous sort, you could hedge your bets and see more of the world by re-entering Europe via another country than where you left. But I don;t think this is required. Good luck, and have fun.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
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