Admittedly it is my fault for not researching thoroughly prior to coming to Europe but we expected that we could just travel to another country once our tourist visas expired in each country. Unfortunately, we will have to leave the Schengen region entirely and stay out for 90 days before we can return. That means we only have about 7 weeks left in Europe. 🙁
I have discovered several travelers that have over-stayed the 90 days without repercussions but the risks are too large. We could be banned from the EU, face fines, imprisonment or even be deported to our home countries. The last one wouldn’t be a problem except for the fact that my wife and I are from different countries.
I am looking into possibilities to extend our stay such as going to a language school and I have always wanted to apply for Hungarian citizenship (my father was Hungarian), but I don’t think anything will help our current situation.
I really find it amazing that in this globally interconnected world of long term travelers, expatriates and internet based work, we still have ridiculous travel restrictions. How long will it take countries around the world to finally wake up to the new realities. The idea of nation states have outlived their usefulness. Can’t we all be part of the same planet?
If anyone has any ideas or recommendations for our visa problems please let me know. I would love to hear any ideas. It looks like we will be going to Turkey, Egypt or Morocco next instead of Italy and Spain like previously planned.