Schengen Visa Crisis ! Need Help

[pogoqueen]

i currently have a portuguese schengen visa which is valid until 19 dec. 2008

However, i planned a trip to go to Spain on 16 dec.2008 - 6 Jan. 09 , so i apply for spanish schengen visa from 16 dec. to 6 Jan. so that i can have the visa that would cover throughout the period of my stay. I thought the portuguese one would be automatically cancelled out when it expires and that there wont be any problem for me to apply for spanish one. But the spanish consulate told me they cant issue 2 schengen visas at the same time and that i have to get the portuguese embassy to cancel my visa first ....

questions :

1) anybody knows how long would it take to cancel the visa? or what do i have to do to cancel it? i actually have an appointment with the spanish one but im afraid that i cant calcel the portuguese visa in time

2) is it possible if i apply for the spanish visa from 20 dec. - 6 Jan. , and travel to spain on 16 Dec. with the portuguese visa that is still valid.

( i have been to Spain recently with the portuguese visa and there was no problem at all. The spanish consulate first ask me why i need to apply for the spanish since i already have the valid visa anyway.)

pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee any advice or suggestions will be very much appreciated.

thanks

dana,

[LaoPo]

i currently have a portuguese schengen visa which is valid until 19 dec. 2008

However, i planned a trip to go to Spain on 16 dec.2008 - 6 Jan. 09 , so i apply for spanish schengen visa from 16 dec. to 6 Jan. so that i can have the visa that would cover throughout the period of my stay. I thought the portuguese one would be automatically cancelled out when it expires and that there wont be any problem for me to apply for spanish one. But the spanish consulate told me they cant issue 2 schengen visas at the same time and that i have to get the portuguese embassy to cancel my visa first ....

questions :

1) anybody knows how long would it take to cancel the visa? or what do i have to do to cancel it? i actually have an appointment with the spanish one but im afraid that i cant calcel the portuguese visa in time

2) is it possible if i apply for the spanish visa from 20 dec. - 6 Jan. , and travel to spain on 16 Dec. with the portuguese visa that is still valid.

( i have been to Spain recently with the portuguese visa and there was no problem at all. The spanish consulate first ask me why i need to apply for the spanish since i already have the valid visa anyway.)

pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee any advice or suggestions will be very much appreciated.

thanks

dana,

Your question is confusing because you MAKE it confusing...

If you have a Visa for Portugal -which is a Schengen country- you have a Visa for ALL Schengen countries and you are FREE to travel within all those countries.

What you basically want is an EXTENSION of your present visa to Portugal which is only valid until 19 Dec. 2008. You need to ask the Portuguese authorities for an extension.

In the worse scenario, you travel to Spain and have an overstay from 19th Dec until Jan. 6th 2009.

I don't know what kind of penalty there is for overstay but I don't think they will throw you in jail.... but, of course it's always better to apply for the extension.

Please have a look in this link and you will likely find an answer to your question:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schengen_Agre...t#Schengen_visa

edit:

"Schengen visa extension

A visa may only be extended if new facts have arisen since the visa was issued. A visa extension may not result in the duration of the stay exceeding 90 days. Applications to extend a visa have very powerful reasons to undertake this action, humanitarian grounds or serious occupational or personal reasons. The authority may charge a fee for extending visas."

From:

http://www.schengen.com/2007/12/01/a-guide...sa-final-notes/

SO: it doesn't look good for you.

The point is that you didn't inform us whether you are in Portugal now or that you still have to travel there (although it doesn't change the fact that your vise is until Dec. 19th). Also, you didn't say if you have a maximum of 90 days visa ?

I suggest you ask the blog-link above also if someone knows about a fine if you have an overstay.

But remember: IF you do overstay it could possibly affect your future visa applications, meaning: if you have a GOOD track record with Schengen visa, the next one will be easy.

IF you had an overstay you might have difficulties applying for a visa the next time.

LaoPo

Edited November 14, 2008 by LaoPo

[Krub]

i currently have a portuguese schengen visa which is valid until 19 dec. 2008

However, i planned a trip to go to Spain on 16 dec.2008 - 6 Jan. 09 , so i apply for spanish schengen visa from 16 dec. to 6 Jan. so that i can have the visa that would cover throughout the period of my stay. I thought the portuguese one would be automatically cancelled out when it expires and that there wont be any problem for me to apply for spanish one. But the spanish consulate told me they cant issue 2 schengen visas at the same time and that i have to get the portuguese embassy to cancel my visa first ....

questions :

1) anybody knows how long would it take to cancel the visa? or what do i have to do to cancel it? i actually have an appointment with the spanish one but im afraid that i cant calcel the portuguese visa in time

2) is it possible if i apply for the spanish visa from 20 dec. - 6 Jan. , and travel to spain on 16 Dec. with the portuguese visa that is still valid.

( i have been to Spain recently with the portuguese visa and there was no problem at all. The spanish consulate first ask me why i need to apply for the spanish since i already have the valid visa anyway.)

pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee any advice or suggestions will be very much appreciated.

thanks

dana,

1. Have you used your 'Portugal' Shengen visa ? Was it a double or multi entries ?

If you can still use a second or more entries to the 'Portugal' Shengen visa you have, I would use your option 2 (apply at the Spanish Embassy for a visa from 20 dec to 6 Jan to cover your upcoming trip.

Now if they really told you they cannot issue a new visa while another is still valid, the only option is to go to the Portugal Embassy and apply there they could cancel the valid one and give you a new one.

You still have a a month to sort it out should be possible

Good luck

[CharlieB]

If you read the answers to a question about overstaying a shengen visa here, it doesn't bode well. Looks like you could get your name included on a database of overstayers to Shengen countries, a red stamp in your passport and banned form returning to Schengen countries + other European countries. You haven't included your home/passport country, but I think that the seriousness they attach to your case could be influenced by the part of the world you come from.

[LaoPo]

1. Have you used your 'Portugal' Shengen visa ? Was it a double or multi entries ?

If you can still use a second or more entries to the 'Portugal' Shengen visa you have, I would use your option 2 (apply at the Spanish Embassy for a visa from 20 dec to 6 Jan to cover your upcoming trip.

Now if they really told you they cannot issue a new visa while another is still valid, the only option is to go to the Portugal Embassy and apply there they could cancel the valid one and give you a new one.

You still have a a month to sort it out should be possible

Good luck

..who told you so ?

I have never heard that an Embassy cancels the valid (Schengen)-Visa and supply a visitor with a new one for an extended period, just because that visitor says "I want to go to Spain for Xmas/New Year's Eve". Unheard of.

It's also unheard of that another Schengen country provides an EXTRA Schengen visa (Spain in this case) and thus intervenes with the decisions of another Schengen state, Portugal in this case, which country is RESPONSIBLE for the first Visa and is ALSO responsible towards the other Schengen countries.

Absolutely unheard of.

That would be nice, wouldn't it ?

Traveler gets a Schengen Visa for country X but goes to another Schengen counry and says: Hey I want another one...can do ?....

Forget it.

LaoPo

[Krub]

1. Have you used your 'Portugal' Shengen visa ? Was it a double or multi entries ?

If you can still use a second or more entries to the 'Portugal' Shengen visa you have, I would use your option 2 (apply at the Spanish Embassy for a visa from 20 dec to 6 Jan to cover your upcoming trip.

Now if they really told you they cannot issue a new visa while another is still valid, the only option is to go to the Portugal Embassy and apply there they could cancel the valid one and give you a new one.

You still have a a month to sort it out should be possible

Good luck

..who told you so ?

I have never heard that an Embassy cancels the valid (Schengen)-Visa and supply a visitor with a new one for an extended period, just because that visitor says "I want to go to Spain for Xmas/New Year's Eve". Unheard of.

It's also unheard of that another Schengen country provides an EXTRA Schengen visa (Spain in this case) and thus intervenes with the decisions of another Schengen state, Portugal in this case, which country is RESPONSIBLE for the first Visa and is ALSO responsible towards the other Schengen countries.

Absolutely unheard of.

That would be nice, wouldn't it ?

Traveler gets a Schengen Visa for country X but goes to another Schengen counry and says: Hey I want another one...can do ?....

Forget it.

LaoPo

LaoPo,

I merely wanted to say (but English is not my first language) that if indeed the Spanish Embassy cannot or won't give him a new visa for the dates he requires just because he still have another valid visa overlapping his new dates for a few days, then surely only Portugal which issued the current valid visa can cancel it for him, he could then go to the Spanish embassy and apply for his new Shengen visa., now while at the Portugal Embassy they will want to know why he needs to cancel and they juts might accept an application for a new visa (as they already issued him with one). If they don't he can go to the Spanish Embassy and apply there (they are the ones which said he needed to have his old visa cancelled before he could apply fora new one)

Good luck to the OP whiever way he tries.

[pogoqueen]

hey guyssss thanks so much for the reply ,

and sorry i didnt give clear information in the first place.

i hold Thai passport, but with student visa in the UK ( Im now studying in the UK ). I have multiple entry for my Portuguese visa, however i have never entered the country. When i applied for the Portuguese visa, i did plan to go to Portugal ( via Spain, but Portugal was my main destination) but i had to cancel the trip to Portugal due to some problems with our host there.

So far i have travelled to Spain 2 times with the Portuguese schengen visa. i dont think i could apply for the extension of my portuguese one, since im not going there and i dont have any proof to show them either. So, what might be possible is I get the portuguese to cancel mine, which i dont know how long would it take, or apply for Spanish from 20 to 6 jan. ( At first i applied for spanish one from 16 which is still overlap with the portuguese by 4 days, and they told me i cant hold 2 visas AT THE SAME TIME ) if i apply for 20 - 6 Jan. that would not overlap with the old one , and so not the same time.....is that possible?

THNKS a MILLION for your help

[Krub]

hey guyssss thanks so much for the reply ,

and sorry i didnt give clear information in the first place.

i hold Thai passport, but with student visa in the UK ( Im now studying in the UK ). I have multiple entry for my Portuguese visa, however i have never entered the country. When i applied for the Portuguese visa, i did plan to go to Portugal ( via Spain, but Portugal was my main destination) but i had to cancel the trip to Portugal due to some problems with our host there.

So far i have travelled to Spain 2 times with the Portuguese schengen visa. i dont think i could apply for the extension of my portuguese one, since im not going there and i dont have any proof to show them either. So, what might be possible is I get the portuguese to cancel mine, which i dont know how long would it take, or apply for Spanish from 20 to 6 jan. ( At first i applied for spanish one from 16 which is still overlap with the portuguese by 4 days, and they told me i cant hold 2 visas AT THE SAME TIME ) if i apply for 20 - 6 Jan. that would not overlap with the old one , and so not the same time.....is that possible?

THNKS a MILLION for your help

If the Spanish Embassy will give you a visa from 20 Dec you should be fine entering on the remainder of your Portugal visa.

I would not in any cases overstay

[LaoPo]

hey guyssss thanks so much for the reply ,

and sorry i didnt give clear information in the first place.

i hold Thai passport, but with student visa in the UK ( Im now studying in the UK ). I have multiple entry for my Portuguese visa, however i have never entered the country. When i applied for the Portuguese visa, i did plan to go to Portugal ( via Spain, but Portugal was my main destination) but i had to cancel the trip to Portugal due to some problems with our host there.

So far i have travelled to Spain 2 times with the Portuguese schengen visa. i dont think i could apply for the extension of my portuguese one, since im not going there and i dont have any proof to show them either. So, what might be possible is I get the portuguese to cancel mine, which i dont know how long would it take, or apply for Spanish from 20 to 6 jan. ( At first i applied for spanish one from 16 which is still overlap with the portuguese by 4 days, and they told me i cant hold 2 visas AT THE SAME TIME ) if i apply for 20 - 6 Jan. that would not overlap with the old one , and so not the same time.....is that possible?

THNKS a MILLION for your help

Forget it.

It seems you don't understand the Schengen Visa system in the first place.

If one has a Schengen visa and the time is up/finished (in your case Dec. 19, 2008) one has to leave the Schengen area and wait for another 90 days before it's possible to re-enter with a new Schengen Visa.

You probably had a host in Portugal who signed for your visa. If you're able to find another host in another country that's possible but you have to have/find one who's financially fit to support you (in case something happens) in the first place.

LaoPo

[CharlieB]

hey guyssss thanks so much for the reply ,

and sorry i didnt give clear information in the first place.

i hold Thai passport, but with student visa in the UK ( Im now studying in the UK ). I have multiple entry for my Portuguese visa, however i have never entered the country. When i applied for the Portuguese visa, i did plan to go to Portugal ( via Spain, but Portugal was my main destination) but i had to cancel the trip to Portugal due to some problems with our host there.

So far i have travelled to Spain 2 times with the Portuguese schengen visa. i dont think i could apply for the extension of my portuguese one, since im not going there and i dont have any proof to show them either. So, what might be possible is I get the portuguese to cancel mine, which i dont know how long would it take, or apply for Spanish from 20 to 6 jan. ( At first i applied for spanish one from 16 which is still overlap with the portuguese by 4 days, and they told me i cant hold 2 visas AT THE SAME TIME ) if i apply for 20 - 6 Jan. that would not overlap with the old one , and so not the same time.....is that possible?

THNKS a MILLION for your help

Forget it.

It seems you don't understand the Schengen Visa system in the first place.

If one has a Schengen visa and the time is up/finished (in your case Dec. 19, 2008) one has to leave the Schengen area and wait for another 90 days before it's possible to re-enter with a new Schengen Visa.

You probably had a host in Portugal who signed for your visa. If you're able to find another host in another country that's possible but you have to have/find one who's financially fit to support you (in case something happens) in the first place.

LaoPo

If pogoqueen has a return air ticket, proof of hotel accomodation, bank statements and proof of travel insurance she may not need a sponsor in Spain.

I think you are wrong about her having to wait 90 days before applying for a new visa. A normal Schengen C visa allows 90 days out of 180 in the schengen area. She has already stated she is resident in the UK and has visited Spain a couple of times on this visa. She is now in the UK. As long as she has complied with the terms of her current schengen visa and hasn't spent the last 90 days in the area then she should be able to either get her current Portugese visa cancelled and apply for a spanish one, or apply for a spanish one right after the portugese one has ended.

[pogoqueen]

THe spanish embassy in London is soooooo unhelpful !!

i have a re-appointment on Monday 17th. i have already sent the letter and document to Portuguese embassy but i havent got any reply yet. So i will go to the embassy myself on Monday, but i dont know how long the process would take to cancel my visa, cos otherwise i might have to ask for re-appointment again at the Spanish embassy. and i dont want to cos i live out of london. I actually hope they will allow me to just apply from 20th - 6th........

[Krub]

hey guyssss thanks so much for the reply ,

and sorry i didnt give clear information in the first place.

i hold Thai passport, but with student visa in the UK ( Im now studying in the UK ). I have multiple entry for my Portuguese visa, however i have never entered the country. When i applied for the Portuguese visa, i did plan to go to Portugal ( via Spain, but Portugal was my main destination) but i had to cancel the trip to Portugal due to some problems with our host there.

So far i have travelled to Spain 2 times with the Portuguese schengen visa. i dont think i could apply for the extension of my portuguese one, since im not going there and i dont have any proof to show them either. So, what might be possible is I get the portuguese to cancel mine, which i dont know how long would it take, or apply for Spanish from 20 to 6 jan. ( At first i applied for spanish one from 16 which is still overlap with the portuguese by 4 days, and they told me i cant hold 2 visas AT THE SAME TIME ) if i apply for 20 - 6 Jan. that would not overlap with the old one , and so not the same time.....is that possible?

THNKS a MILLION for your help

Forget it.

It seems you don't understand the Schengen Visa system in the first place.

If one has a Schengen visa and the time is up/finished (in your case Dec. 19, 2008) one has to leave the Schengen area and wait for another 90 days before it's possible to re-enter with a new Schengen Visa.

You probably had a host in Portugal who signed for your visa. If you're able to find another host in another country that's possible but you have to have/find one who's financially fit to support you (in case something happens) in the first place.

LaoPo

The 90 days is a maximum within 180 on a short stay visa.

If the OP has made a couple of trips to Spain (I assume it does not add up to 90 days)

I am not sure he has to physically leave on the last day of his current visa if he has a valid visa starting the next day

I would check my facts first before being so affirmative and tell the OP that he does not understand the system.....

He only looking for a solution to a very simple genuine situation and there should be one as long as he has a sponsor in Spain or the means to support himself during his proposed short stay and has secured accommodation for the whole period.

[pogoqueen]

one more question.

im going to stay with a friend in Spain. I checked in the website it says i need an invitation letter from the police in Spain. So i told my friend to ask, and it turns out that they require insane amount and all sort of documetns .e.g. bank statement indicates salary of host, the registration of the house, even the picture to confirm that we really know each other.

Do i really need that paper? would the ID card and invitation letter from the host alone be sufficient? cos somehow i dont want to bother my friend and his family too much....

[LaoPo]

1. If pogoqueen has a return air ticket, proof of hotel accomodation, bank statements and proof of travel insurance she may not need a sponsor in Spain.

I think you are wrong about her having to wait 90 days before applying for a new visa. A normal Schengen C visa allows 90 days out of 180 in the schengen area.

2. She has already stated she is resident in the UK and has visited Spain a couple of times on this visa. She is now in the UK. As long as she has complied with the terms of her current schengen visa and hasn't spent the last 90 days in the area then she should be able to either get her current Portugese visa cancelled and apply for a spanish one, or apply for a spanish one right after the portugese one has ended.

1. The points you mentioned are mandatory BEFORE one applies for a Schengen visa. But, CharlieB, give me a reason WHY Spain would give the OP a new Schengen Visa...(once her 'Portugal' Schengen Visa is canceled -which is impossible in my opinion- )?

2. The OP's visa was originally for Portugal and being her MAIN Schengen destination. That she didn't go there doesn't change the fact that her original visa is still valid until December 19th.

The OP is not a resident in the UK but there with a student-visa as she mentioned but that isn't of any further importance in this discussion.

I am amazed that some think it is simple to have her current Schengen-visa canceled and replaced by another -extended- Schengen visa from another country....

But.....I am very curious to learn if the OP will be able to arrange so as some of you claim is possible.

That'll be the end for the Schengen Visa and we better start informing the Eurozone countries that new ways have been invented on Thaivisa to go around the legal Schengen visa-system

Pogoqueen: WHY on earth do you think the Spanish Embassy would give you a first class service....being soooooooo unhelpful as you claim ?

You should question yourself a bit more...because you know the answers already:

1. you are a Thai student in the UK.

2. for one reason or another you found a host in Portugal who helped you, getting a Schengen-Visa (which is quite an accomplishment, really !), valid until Dec. 19, 2008

3. you had 'problems' with this host and did NOT travel to Portugal, but instead you traveled to

4. Spain, 2 times; still nothing wrong because you are allowed to travel within all Schengen countries.

5. But....now suddenly you want to EXTEND your travel possibilities WITHIN the Schengen countries' borders to January 6th, 2009, and

6. you want Portugal to cancel your PRESENT VALID visa (until Dec. 19th) and get another one from Spain instead until January 6th, 2009

While posting I just read your message -above- as follows:

*********************************************************************

"one more question.

im going to stay with a friend in Spain. I checked in the website it says i need an invitation letter from the police in Spain. So i told my friend to ask, and it turns out that they require insane amount and all sort of documetns .e.g. bank statement indicates salary of host, the registration of the house, even the picture to confirm that we really know each other.

Do i really need that paper? would the ID card and invitation letter from the host alone be sufficient? cos somehow i dont want to bother my friend and his family too much...."

*********************************************************************

See: that's what I was talking about. You need a HOST in Spain, proof, bank statements and a lot more..... and getting a Schengen Visa is a pain...... but my words were doubted.

My advise ?

Ask your friend to come over to the UK, instead of you going to Spain because I tell you now and here that you will NOT get a(nother) visa to visit Spain (apart from the present "Portugal" Schengen visa) until January 6th, 2009.

LaoPo

[LaoPo]

THe spanish embassy in London is soooooo unhelpful !!

i have a re-appointment on Monday 17th. i have already sent the letter and document to Portuguese embassy but i havent got any reply yet. So i will go to the embassy myself on Monday, but i dont know how long the process would take to cancel my visa, cos otherwise i might have to ask for re-appointment again at the Spanish embassy. and i dont want to cos i live out of london. I actually hope they will allow me to just apply from 20th - 6th........

What happened Pogoqueen ?...what did they say and do....?

LaoPo

[henryalleman]

But remember: IF you do overstay it could possibly affect your future visa applications, meaning: if you have a GOOD track record with Schengen visa, the next one will be easy.

IF you had an overstay you might have difficulties applying for a visa the next time.

LaoPo

This a very good advise. I have know an Chinese national who overstayed in the UK ( not a Shengen country), he applied for a Schengen Visa 4 years later, and he was denied. Even an invitation letter did not helped him anymore. You should realize that all the information is held in a central EU database.

And don't aply a Visa in a Spanish or other Schengen country embassy, because if they deny your aplication this is also marked in the system, and wil be a black mark in your track record. Again the Chinese above did find this out the hard way.

[LaoPo]

But remember: IF you do overstay it could possibly affect your future visa applications, meaning: if you have a GOOD track record with Schengen visa, the next one will be easy.

IF you had an overstay you might have difficulties applying for a visa the next time.

LaoPo

This a very good advise. I have know an Chinese national who overstayed in the UK ( not a Shengen country), he applied for a Schengen Visa 4 years later, and he was denied. Even an invitation letter did not helped him anymore. You should realize that all the information is held in a central EU database.

And don't aply a Visa in a Spanish or other Schengen country embassy, because if they deny your aplication this is also marked in the system, and wil be a black mark in your track record. Again the Chinese above did find this out the hard way.

I agree.

The Thai OP girl should not forget that she has NO problems at all. She has a valid UK student visa for the UK.

She still has a valid Schengen Visa which expires on Dec. 19th.

She should do NOTHING which could jeopardize her present visa situation, both in the UK and also for the Schengen countries, meaning keep the situation as it is and don't try tricks which Embassies, canceling the present and apply for a new one with another country.

I understand she wants to be with her friend in Spain during the coming holiday season but her visa simply doesn't allow this.

Bite the sour apple this time; she's probably still young enough to overcome this problem but her problems will be far greater if she wouldn't be allowed into Schengen for the future !

LaoPo

[Krub]

But remember: IF you do overstay it could possibly affect your future visa applications, meaning: if you have a GOOD track record with Schengen visa, the next one will be easy.

IF you had an overstay you might have difficulties applying for a visa the next time.

LaoPo

This a very good advise. I have know an Chinese national who overstayed in the UK ( not a Shengen country), he applied for a Schengen Visa 4 years later, and he was denied. Even an invitation letter did not helped him anymore. You should realize that all the information is held in a central EU database.

And don't aply a Visa in a Spanish or other Schengen country embassy, because if they deny your aplication this is also marked in the system, and wil be a black mark in your track record. Again the Chinese above did find this out the hard way.

I agree.

The Thai OP girl should not forget that she has NO problems at all. She has a valid UK student visa for the UK.

She still has a valid Schengen Visa which expires on Dec. 19th.

She should do NOTHING which could jeopardize her present visa situation, both in the UK and also for the Schengen countries, meaning keep the situation as it is and don't try tricks which Embassies, canceling the present and apply for a new one with another country.

I understand she wants to be with her friend in Spain during the coming holiday season but her visa simply doesn't allow this.

Bite the sour apple this time; she's probably still young enough to overcome this problem but her problems will be far greater if she wouldn't be allowed into Schengen for the future !

LaoPo

No tricks involved in trying to find a legal way to be with her friends during the Xmas New Year season

It just happens that the OP has a valid visa until 19 December only

If the OP meets the requirements to obtain a new Shengen visa for the new desired period by all means go ahead and apply.

The rules only say that she cannot be in Shengen countries more than 90 days in any 180 days period

The OP should never consider overstaying as it will be recorded and will come up later

Good luck to the OP

[LaoPo]

THe spanish embassy in London is soooooo unhelpful !!

i have a re-appointment on Monday 17th. i have already sent the letter and document to Portuguese embassy but i havent got any reply yet. So i will go to the embassy myself on Monday, but i dont know how long the process would take to cancel my visa, cos otherwise i might have to ask for re-appointment again at the Spanish embassy. and i dont want to cos i live out of london. I actually hope they will allow me to just apply from 20th - 6th........

What happened Pogoqueen ?...what did they say and do....?

LaoPo

......?

LaoPo

[MalandLee]

There's rules then there's rules... Did not understand this bloody Shengen thing when me and the (Thai) missus toured Europe last year...

Entered by boat from Britain and was stamped coming in.. (Norway) - NO border checks all the way down to Spain... Never got the passport out once for anything. Left by boat from Spain to Morocco and nobody even bothered to look at the passports (Aussie). (Entering Morocco they did) So no one even knows how long we were there.... TOTAL time in Shengen area - five months.

Nipped back over because we forgot Gibraltar... Bugger all there - waste of money. Never even checked - not even looked - at passports into Spain/Gib or back to Morocco.. (Moroccan side did each time)....

A few weeks later somebody said you cannot do that.... Fact is we did... Now we find out we were illegal for two months... Why can they not write these rules so us bloody Aussies can figure them out....

Not suggesting YOU do what we did... But hey a trip from Morocco to Manchester/London is cheaper than a flight from Spain. (Thompsonfly)...

Wonder if it's racial profiling, - not looking at passports - because I look like a European?... Anyhow that's what happened to us......

[puipuitom]

i currently have a portuguese schengen visa which is valid until 19 dec. 2008

However, i planned a trip to go to Spain on 16 dec.2008 - 6 Jan. 09 , so i apply for spanish schengen visa from 16 dec. to 6 Jan. so that i can have the visa that would cover throughout the period of my stay. I thought the portuguese one would be automatically cancelled out when it expires and that there wont be any problem for me to apply for spanish one. But the spanish consulate told me they cant issue 2 schengen visas at the same time and that i have to get the portuguese embassy to cancel my visa first ....

questions :

1) anybody knows how long would it take to cancel the visa? or what do i have to do to cancel it? i actually have an appointment with the spanish one but im afraid that i cant calcel the portuguese visa in time

2) is it possible if i apply for the spanish visa from 20 dec. - 6 Jan. , and travel to spain on 16 Dec. with the portuguese visa that is still valid.

( i have been to Spain recently with the portuguese visa and there was no problem at all. The spanish consulate first ask me why i need to apply for the spanish since i already have the valid visa anyway.)

pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee any advice or suggestions will be very much appreciated.

thanks

dana,

First of all: a Schengen visa is valid for ALL Schengen member countries. ( same as a Thai visa is valid for ALL Thai states ( Lanna, Sukhuthai, Ayutthaya, Rayong county etc )

Second: an overstay in EU is NOT illegal, and for sure will NOT end in any penalties or whatever. This is NOT Thailand, and NOT the Country of Freedom (USA) .

Where they issue a visa for: Simply: to keep persons out they donot want = criminals and persons coming on the expenses of the EU.

So, when you have means of existance, a healt care insurance and a return ticket ..who gives a heck here in Europe ??

A Thai fried of mine overstayed once about a month. We went to the immigration in my home town, Breda - NL, and got the advise : simply do.

Of course the nicest is, to get a few weeks more of the Portigese authorities: show, your means in TH, your HEALTH INSURANCE in case you get any problem in EU, and your reason to return and for sure it will be issued .

[puipuitom]

Wonder if it's racial profiling, - not looking at passports - because I look like a European?... Anyhow that's what happened to us......

Of course it is a racial = money problem: you as White Westener for sure can affort being in the Schengen area. Your Thai lady: nobody gives a heck for as is accompanied by a White = wealthy enough.

Second: overstay is NOT ILLEGAL. Once in the Schengen area, nobody will ask for your passport normally. Only the police might, when you do something illegal / uncorrect OR at a checkpoint for .. drinking+ driving etc. But then I as Dutch national must also show my legitimation / passport

UK is EU member but NO Schengen area. That the U.K. immigration looks only with a third eye to the passport of coloured and only look to the outside, as long as it is EU-coloured, is another story.

I once came back via the ferry from Dover (UK) to Calais (France) together with my Thai partner ( female, 35, but fluent in English even some French and German), and we even could NOT FIND the French side immigration. So, officially never returned from UK back into Schengen area.

When she left 2 months later for Bangkok from Amsterdam, she greeted 3 words in Dutch, no questions were asked, only 1 second look in her passport.

But .. when a young Thai lady, very sexy dressed, with a vocabulary of 10 English words and a strong Isaan accent, together with a white male in the age he could be her father comes for a visa: of course all problems which could be found will come up.

[LaoPo]

i currently have a portuguese schengen visa which is valid until 19 dec. 2008

However, i planned a trip to go to Spain on 16 dec.2008 - 6 Jan. 09 , so i apply for spanish schengen visa from 16 dec. to 6 Jan. so that i can have the visa that would cover throughout the period of my stay. I thought the portuguese one would be automatically cancelled out when it expires and that there wont be any problem for me to apply for spanish one. But the spanish consulate told me they cant issue 2 schengen visas at the same time and that i have to get the portuguese embassy to cancel my visa first ....

questions :

1) anybody knows how long would it take to cancel the visa? or what do i have to do to cancel it? i actually have an appointment with the spanish one but im afraid that i cant calcel the portuguese visa in time

2) is it possible if i apply for the spanish visa from 20 dec. - 6 Jan. , and travel to spain on 16 Dec. with the portuguese visa that is still valid.

( i have been to Spain recently with the portuguese visa and there was no problem at all. The spanish consulate first ask me why i need to apply for the spanish since i already have the valid visa anyway.)

pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee any advice or suggestions will be very much appreciated.

thanks

dana,

First of all: a Schengen visa is valid for ALL Schengen member countries. ( same as a Thai visa is valid for ALL Thai states ( Lanna, Sukhuthai, Ayutthaya, Rayong county etc )

Second: an overstay in EU is NOT illegal, and for sure will NOT end in any penalties or whatever. This is NOT Thailand, and NOT the Country of Freedom (USA) .

Where they issue a visa for: Simply: to keep persons out they donot want = criminals and persons coming on the expenses of the EU.

So, when you have means of existance, a healt care insurance and a return ticket ..who gives a heck here in Europe ??

A Thai fried of mine overstayed once about a month. We went to the immigration in my home town, Breda - NL, and got the advise : simply do.

Of course the nicest is, to get a few weeks more of the Portigese authorities: show, your means in TH, your HEALTH INSURANCE in case you get any problem in EU, and your reason to return and for sure it will be issued .

You are promoting to surpass the official Schengen Visa rules...

I'm sure the IND (Immigration Bureau) and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs will NOT be amused what you just wrote, my fellow countryman !

That just one immigration officer in a countryside city says: "simply do" doesn't mean it's legal.

IT IS NOT LEGAL, and that is exactly why the Embassies (and the Dutch Embassy in Thailand especially also) are so strict in giving out Schengen Visa.

They want to avoid that people stay longer than the Visa is valid.

I am convinced one of the Mods would slap you on the fingers if you would promote to surpass the Thailand Visa rules ! Doing so is illegal.

LaoPo

[sjaak327]

Ludricous to overstay in a Schengen state, this very possibly will have repercussions for future Schengen visa applications. Yes there is no fine involved. But if you want to come back, I would not consider overstaying, not even a day.

As to extending a Schengen visa, short from being unfit to travel, no chance.

Getting a new Schengen Visa might also not be possilbe, due to the 180 days rule. And it's not exactly easy to obtain such a visa in the first place, planning is everything in such a case, I have a partner who is here on his 5th Schengen visa, and we always make sure to not overstay, and take into account the 180 day rules, which in our case means, that he can only re-enter schengen, 180 days after his first entry.

[LaoPo]

Ludricous to overstay in a Schengen state, this very possibly will have repercussions for future Schengen visa applications. Yes there is no fine involved. But if you want to come back, I would not consider overstaying, not even a day.

As to extending a Schengen visa, short from being unfit to travel, no chance.

Getting a new Schengen Visa might also not be possilbe, due to the 180 days rule. And it's not exactly easy to obtain such a visa in the first place, planning is everything in such a case, I have a partner who is here on his 5th Schengen visa, and we always make sure to not overstay, and take into account the 180 day rules, which in our case means, that he can only re-enter schengen, 180 days after his first entry.

I couldn't agree more; just follow the rules and you have no problems and find out it will be pretty easy for follow up Visa permits.

Avoiding/surpassing the official rules and you will find out....next time.

I find MalandLee's answer strange when he wrote: "Why can they not write these rules so us bloody Aussies can figure them out...." (when they (over)staid 5 months in the Schengen area.)

Rules are rules and I'm sure the Aussies would say the same if someone (over) staid in Australia for 5 months with a visa for a shorter period.

It's the responsibility of the traveler him/herself to find out about Visa rules; don't blame the authorities.

LaoPo

[Sturbuc]

hey guyssss thanks so much for the reply ,

and sorry i didnt give clear information in the first place.

i hold Thai passport, but with student visa in the UK ( Im now studying in the UK ). I have multiple entry for my Portuguese visa, however i have never entered the country. When i applied for the Portuguese visa, i did plan to go to Portugal ( via Spain, but Portugal was my main destination) but i had to cancel the trip to Portugal due to some problems with our host there.

So far i have travelled to Spain 2 times with the Portuguese schengen visa. i dont think i could apply for the extension of my portuguese one, since im not going there and i dont have any proof to show them either. So, what might be possible is I get the portuguese to cancel mine, which i dont know how long would it take, or apply for Spanish from 20 to 6 jan. ( At first i applied for spanish one from 16 which is still overlap with the portuguese by 4 days, and they told me i cant hold 2 visas AT THE SAME TIME ) if i apply for 20 - 6 Jan. that would not overlap with the old one , and so not the same time.....is that possible?

THNKS a MILLION for your help

Forget it.

It seems you don't understand the Schengen Visa system in the first place.

If one has a Schengen visa and the time is up/finished (in your case Dec. 19, 2008) one has to leave the Schengen area and wait for another 90 days before it's possible to re-enter with a new Schengen Visa.

You probably had a host in Portugal who signed for your visa. If you're able to find another host in another country that's possible but you have to have/find one who's financially fit to support you (in case something happens) in the first place.

LaoPo

Well, seems to be the same as everywhere; depends if he'd been within the Schengen area for more than 90 days within the last 180 which i think to be the reason for the Spanish embassy not to procced another visa. A 90-days tourist Visa might never be extended.

I myself won't try to overstay as any future try to apply for a Schengen Visa might be declined. And in case you'll be checked by the police, it might happen to you to wake up in a jail waiting to be deported back home. And, btw, it might cost you as much as the stay in a very good hotel. No thanks.

Edited November 24, 2008 by Sturbuc

[BeauKarl]

Regulations in Spain have changed loads this year.

You used to be able to go to a notary where you signed an invitation as a sponsor, that the Thai person could take to the embassy.

Now all invitations are checked by the police with loads of papers needed from the sponsor and waiting periods of up to a month to actually be able to get an appointment with the police to handle in the paperwork. After that it can take up to 2 weeks before you get the invitation that they can bring to the embassy. It's a real nightmare

My GF came to Spain 4 years in a roll, now it's so much hassle I decided to marry her in 2 months so we wouldn't have to go through all that every year.

[LaoPo]

Pogoqueen: Last Seen: 2008-11-17 00:10:46

It's pretty impolite if people ask for advise and then disappear without letting know how things are/went.

LaoPo