Gaining more time? (Non-Europeans)

[biloute]

I'm planning a through hike of both the Le Puy route and the Camino Francés, possibly for next year. We're hiking and biking more to try and get in shape ahead of time, and I've planned out the route (would take approximately 76 days, including rest days) but it doesn't leave a whole lot of wiggle room if something came up and we weren't able to keep up the pace. We also wouldn't have a lot of time for sight seeing before/after the Camino.

One thing I've thought of it perhaps signing up for a language program in France, getting the attestation for a long stay visa, and then checking in with the authorities in the city where the program is in order to get the permit stamp in our passports. But instead of paying for an expensive language program, we'd go on the Camino instead.

There are a couple of things I'm not sure about:
1. Do you have to have a permanent address in France before going to the authorities? When I studied in Strasbourg years ago it was a different process. The French government has since changed things to make it easier.
2. Is this actually illegal, instead of just sneaky? I wouldn't want to get that dreaded stamp in the passport at the end saying we couldn't return to Europe, or have to pay a big fine.

It would be nice to be able to start in Geneva, actually, but we would have absolutely no wiggle room if we did that. I'd also like to be able to see Cluny. I don't want to skip any stages because I did that before and my husband hasn't even been overseas. We'll probably bike the Meseta portion, renting bikes and panniers and/or sending the packs ahead. But that only saves about 5 days, max. I think other stretches of the Camino would be too hilly for us on bikes.

 

[whariwharangi]

I'm planning a through hike of both the Le Puy route and the Camino Francés, possibly for next year. We're hiking and biking more to try and get in shape ahead of time, and I've planned out the route (would take approximately 76 days, including rest days) but it doesn't leave a whole lot of wiggle room if something came up and we weren't able to keep up the pace. We also wouldn't have a lot of time for sight seeing before/after the Camino.

One thing I've thought of it perhaps signing up for a language program in France, getting the attestation for a long stay visa, and then checking in with the authorities in the city where the program is in order to get the permit stamp in our passports. But instead of paying for an expensive language program, we'd go on the Camino instead.

There are a couple of things I'm not sure about:
1. Do you have to have a permanent address in France before going to the authorities? When I studied in Strasbourg years ago it was a different process. The French government has since changed things to make it easier.
2. Is this actually illegal, instead of just sneaky? I wouldn't want to get that dreaded stamp in the passport at the end saying we couldn't return to Europe, or have to pay a big fine.

It would be nice to be able to start in Geneva, actually, but we would have absolutely no wiggle room if we did that. I'd also like to be able to see Cluny. I don't want to skip any stages because I did that before and my husband hasn't even been overseas. We'll probably bike the Meseta portion, renting bikes and panniers and/or sending the packs ahead. But that only saves about 5 days, max. I think other stretches of the Camino would be too hilly for us on bikes.

Ask your questions at the embassy. You won't get reliable advice here even as it is well meaning.

Usually people who try to bend the rules do everyone a disservice including themselves. I would recommend against any attempt to game the system.

If you want a visa for longer than 90 days in order to travel the camino, ask for a visa for that purpose. Who knows, you might get it.

 

[biloute]

But would I have to contact France or Spain? Or does it matter?

 

[whariwharangi]

But would I have to contact France or Spain? Or does it matter?

Another question to ask at either the French or Spanish embassy is if the extended visa applies to both countries.

Si yo fuera tu, plan on 90 days.

 

[Kitsambler]

You have many Camino journeys in mind. Don't try to do them all in one year.

 

[biloute]

Just envious of Europeans that have more time, I guess. I'll have to settle for a longer hike on the AT at some point. My husband and I want to do that too, just don't know when.

 

[natefaith]

Hola Bilouete!

I totally understand the sentiment but I agree - I've heard of too many people getting into trouble for violating the 90 day rule and it causes them all sorts of headaches and anxiety. Having heard the stories it seems that it really is best to respect the limits that the Schengen Area has set, even though this is disappointing. If you'd really like to have a longer-stay visa, you'll need to arrange this with the Spanish/ French Consulates in America before you come over (some people fly over and would like to stay longer, then learn that they actually need to do everything visa-related in their home country). A student visa for learning Spanish might be a good idea, and there are some university or other intensive language courses that might fit the bill if being here for a whole semester isn't a minimum requirement. I know the University of Santiago does an intensive Spanish course.

If worse comes to worse you can apply for a retirement visa when the time comes. You just need to prove you have 50,000€ per person in the bank!!

Take care,
Faith

 

[natefaith]

Here's the link to the San Francisco Spanish consulate. I like their website because it's clear and easy to follow, even though only those who fall under their jurisdiction can actually submit paperwork there. But hopefully it still gives you an idea of the different visas there are and what the requirements are: http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/SANFRANCISCO/en/ConsularServices/Pages/Visas.aspx

There's also a Visa FAQ's on the website that you can look for.

 

[natefaith]

But would I have to contact France or Spain? Or does it matter?

Depending on what visa you obtain, it may not matter since both Spain and France are part of the Schengen area and a longer-stay visa will allow you to move around the Schengen area. But again, it may depend on the particular visa and you'll probably want to do some research or talk to the Consulate and make sure.

 

[Shakespearshakes]

I would strongly advise against trying to 'Trick the system'. It's not worth the risk of being caught. Better to do one Camino in the knowledge that all is above board. Then come back for another when the time is right.

 

[trecile]

If worse comes to worse you can apply for a retirement visa when the time comes. You just need to prove you have 50,000€ per person in the bank!!

That seems a pretty reasonable amount!

 

[natefaith]

That seems a pretty reasonable amount!

Actually, my retired friends had to go back to America because they didn't have that amount - that was sad.

 

[Carlos Santiago]

But would I have to contact France or Spain? Or does it matter?

We (non-visa-free) are required to get the Schengen visa from the country of the longest stay. They also require the itinerary.

 

[biloute]

We (non-visa-free) are required to get the Schengen visa from the country of the longest stay. They also require the itinerary.

I guess that would be France, just by a couple of days. I'll see about sending an email inquiry to the embassy. Thanks.