Traveling to Europe 90/180 day rule.

[The Doctor 46]

I have visited Spain twice this year and will be going again over Christmas. The 90/180 rule was explained to me by my friend who lives in Spain and it states that I can visit a Euro country for a maximum 90 days then stay out of Europe for a further 90 days before I'm allowed in again.

When in Spain my friend booked my flights for my next visit but the dates he booked will mean that I will total 113 days total after visiting three times. Has anybody ever made a over stay by 23 days or more and if so, what is the penalty and do they apply them rigidly?

My friend has cancer and will be having treatment during my visit and he wants my support for him and his wife while I'm there which I am happy to give, we have been best friends since 1986 so it is really important to us all that I am there.

[grumps]

Sorry to hear about your pal.

From a motorhoming site I belong to I gather that there are stiff penalties for overstaying and barring of re-entry to some countries like Spain.

The rule is basically you can stay for any 90 days in any 180. There are calculators online that can help, like this, which help calculate when your days ‘expire’ as they roll off the back of the 180 days.

https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/visa-calculator/

My advice is not to risk an overstay.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

[Joe Rocket]

Yes, as Grumps says.

I looked at this: https://www.frenchentree.com/brexit/eu-90-180-day-rule-heres-how-it-works/  It's about France but all Shengen countries operate the same rules.

Read the paragraphs about Calculating the 180 Days and especially What are the penalties for Overstaying. As you get your passport stamped it will be obvious if you've overstayed. Of what I've read and seen reported Spain are strict so I wouldn't risk it.

[Joe Rocket]

(Sorry, I spelt Schengen wrong in my last post.  )

I looked this up, applying for a visa extension. There are reasons for getting one but there has to be some form of emergency but you could enquire if your situation qualifies.

https://visasassociation.com/guides/schengen-visa-extension/

[The Doctor 46]

Thank you both for the information. One of the things I read was that even 1/2 days overstay will end up in penalties so not worth taking the chance as I was thinking of doing. I'm going to apply for a visa to stay the extra two weeks so although it's going to cost about 90e it will be better than being shot at dawn. Thanks again. 

[Steve T]

True friendship - good on you 

[StromGeeza]

I feel your pain- if only we had freedom of movement in Europe there wouldn't be a need for this kind of bollox...
A few people can get around it if they also hold a passport to an EU member state- the usual way is if they have a parent or grandparent born on the island of Ireland.

[DesertStrom]

https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/visa-calculator/

[pichulec]

I Feel your pain.
Visa will cost you but it is better than overstaying.
Personally I am happy that I can travel through Europe without any restrictions and visa non-sense. I hold passport of EU member state.

[The Doctor 46]

Thank you all for your replies. Sadly I found that shortening my stay and changing my return flight was the easiest and only cost me £49. So, in 3 months after my return to England I can visit Spain (or anywhere in Europe) again. I hope my friend will be well by then. The Spanish medical services seem to be 100% better than the NHS thankfully so they will give him the best chance.

Thank you again for your kind words and help.