Which to consider? Visa expiry or Duration of stay

[mrsswethakrishna]

Hi,

I and my wife have got Schengen visa on 30th Oct 06 (Mult Entry). Her visa is valid upto 18th Jan 2007 and Duration of stay is 81 days. My visa is valid upto 30th April and duration of stay is 90 days.

But we have travelled little late and arrived here on 10th Nov. We are planning to go back to our home country on 31st Jan 07. This is not a problem for me. But my wife's visa is valid until 18th Jan 07. Now to travel back, which one should we consider. 81 days of stay or Visa expiry?

Its required for us to be here until 31st Jan. Can we get the extension for my wife until 31st Jan? What reasons should we show to get extension?


Thanks in Advance.

[John]

Visa expiry date is what counts. Clearly that is the limit of the legal stay.

You might be able to apply for an extension in the Schengen country in which you are currently staying, but if not, do ensure your wife leaves by the 18th.

Reason for an extension? The expiry date on your visa could help!

Unlike the UK where embarkation controls are sporadic, there are embarkation controls on leaving the Schengen area.

[Dawie]

Visa expiry date is what counts. Clearly that is the limit of the legal stay.

You might be able to apply for an extension in the Schengen country in which you are currently staying, but if not, do ensure your wife leaves by the 18th.

Reason for an extension? The expiry date on your visa could help!

Unlike the UK where embarkation controls are sporadic, there are embarkation controls on leaving the Schengen area.

I've found that out of all the Schengen countries, the embarkation controls in Spain are the most sporadic. For just about 3/4 of the trips I've made to Spain there have been no embarkation controls at all, particularly when leaving from Barcelona airport.

In general it is very difficult for a visa national to extend a tourist visa from within the country they are visiting except in the most exceptional circumstances (such as a medical emergency). Unfortunately I don't think your wife's circumstances are very exceptional.

[John]

In another topic it is revealed that the Schengen country they are currently in is Norway. Flying from Norway to Spain .... totally within the Schengen area ... before leaving "Schengenland" ... might add significantly to the cost.

Anyone know what is liable to happen if the overstaying is detected on leaving Norway?