The Schengen Region
There are 26 European countries in the Schengen area. American passport holders are allowed 90 days inside the Schengen region. Once inside, you can go from country to country without border checks.
When we left Spain (a Schengen country) and entered Gibraltar (not a Schengen country). We made sure that we got our passports stamped into Gibraltar. This is a border crossing that usually does not stamp, so we had to special request it. We knew this would be an important stamp to prove our Schengen compliance.
When we left Gibraltar, after 90 days, and entered Spain, we again requested stamps on our passports. We were refused. So in my best broken Spanish, I explained that we were Americans and we had to show proof of our 90 days. So the Border guard took my passport and went to talk to some other guards. We were surprised by the delay and wondering what was causing the problem, since we had been very careful about our compliance. It was later explained to us that while we did get the Gibraltar entry stamp, we did not have a Schengen exit stamp. What!?!
The importance of Schengen Border Stamps
The guards explained that if you do not have an exit stamp, they have to go from the original entry stamp into the Schengen region. For us, this would mean that we had been illegally in the Schengen for 3 months. Oh boy.
They were nice enough to give us our entry stamps into Spain. And we learned something new. Upon further internet searches, we found that many Schengen countries are becoming increasingly vigilant in compliance. Some are even using a computer data base to track entry and exit. The penalty for noncompliance can be a fine per person per day, an illegal immigrant stamp on your passport, and restrictions on re-entry into the Schengen area.
They are not universally compliant in their penalties, with some getting off with just a warning and others receiving the full punishment with deportation. Some countries are much more strict and you also have to keep in mind the mood of the Border guard. We decided that this was not something to mess with.
Long Term Visa to stay in Schengen
Several countries have long term visa opportunities of 1-2 years. The requirements vary from country to country. However, they universally require proof of funds to sustain yourself without working. They want bank statements proving large dollar amounts. Working online is OK, because it doesn’t take a job away from a resident. This is certainly something to consider if you are planning a trip to Europe for more than 90 days.
Our plans are to travel in our cozy camper. So we will stay in Schengen for our 90 days. Drive out and visit Eastern European countries for 90 days or more and then return to Schengen and so on. The Schengen rules give you 90 days in a 6 month period, they do not have to be consecutive days.
When our Schengen time is up, and we exit the region, we will be sure to get both an exit stamp and an entry stamp. It is always good to be well informed about these things.
Wow, so happy everything worked out okay. Must have been a little tense for awhile.
Yes, it made us a little nervous. But we had documents to back us up, so I was pretty sure we could work it out. Although we will be sure to get both stamps next time 🙂
Wow, scary..glad you weren’t thrown in the “klinker” 🙂 We sure miss all. Last week was bunco weekend. I didn’t make it since I was in California visiting my grandbaby “Naughty Pants”. Kim says it was a crazy night since everyone was rolling bunco’s. Alas, Renee was the reigning Bunco Queen, don’t worry I’ll slap that crown right off her head next month lol. Thank You for posting your adventures!
Marlien
LOL! Marlien you are so funny! Love grandbaby’s nickname. Good luck at Bunco, I’m sure you’ll be a gracious winner, hahahaha!
You folks really are getting an education! It I good you have honest faces and patience to go along with all these challenges. annette
Yes, we weren’t too worried since we did everything we knew to do, and had proof or our stay in Gibraltar.
Thanks for the exit/entry stamp info! I will definitely ask for a stamp going from and entering into The Rock!
Thanks for this info. We entered into Gibraltar via La Línea de la Concepción today and the Spanish side just casually waved us through. I stopped and asked several questions which caused the guard to show irritation. When I explained how important it was he said that I was telling him that I was going to break the law and using Gibraltar to renew my visa. My Spanish is pretty good so I repeated myself and explained that all my questions were so that I might NOT break the law.
We will be in Europe 97 days, 9 nights in Gibraltar and an extra day or two just to ensure an accident doesn’t cause us to go over.
Anyway after I explained this he finally sent me to his boss for a stamp. It simply says: “Policía la Linea: Salida”. It has the date as well. This is not a Schengen exit stamp. They asked as if I was giving them a hard time! All that I’m asking is that they follow the law. If they do not then it will look like I overstayed when I’m being cautious to follow the law to the letter.
I’m anticipating trouble either reentering Spain or leaving via Portugal in another 60 days. I’m going to prepare recipts and anything else to legitimize my claim.
The Gibraltar side scanned my passport and when I asked about a stamp he said: “if you needed one I would have given it to you.” Very ironic considering the treatment by the Spaniards who insist on ignoring the law.
Why can’t they simply follow the rules so I don’t have to worry?
Your post was helpful so that I can at least prove I spoke with someone and was insistent even if it did not result in a Schengen exit stamp. What am I doing wrong or what are they doing wrong? Is this because they don’t want to deny single entry Schengen visa folks upon return?
Hi Andrew. What an ordeal. I don’t know why, but that particular border crossing can be a bit difficult. They usually just wave people through, so when we ask for a stamp, they seem to become disagreeable. I think it is a good idea to keep all your receipts to prove your stay in Gibraltar. Hope you had a chance to climb the rock and see the amazing views, and the monkeys too of course.