Schengen Visa
 

Hi guys, I was approved for a Schengen visa by the German Consulate. I originally planned to enter Germany first then travel to France and Belgium; however, due to a change in plan, I now want to enter France first. It's my understanding that I would have no problem doing so since I could use the Schegen visa to enter any member of the Schengen states. Am I correct? Appreciate all your inputs. TIA

Yup.
You should have no problem. How long is the stay that you required a VISA?

Please continue this thread in TravelBuzz.

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essxjay
TS/S moderator

I'm not a US citizen so a visa is needed. One more question though, will I run into trouble if if I stay an additional 1 or 2 days after the visa expires?

Yes, you will be questioned upon departure and possibly be marked on the record which may result difficulties on your next visa inquiry from any Schengen Country's consulates.

So, don't overstayed your visa that's all I have to say.

Rule of thumb---don't ever overstay a VISA. Contact someone either at your embassy or within the host gov't equivalent of their State Dept. and request assistance or a waiver if you need an extension. Be prepared to explain why.

Exactly.

Good advice.

If trying to extend, remember to try it well in advance but keep in mind that they may decline and you will, whether they make a timely and favorable decision or not, want to be out of there before it becomes readily apparent to exit passport control that you've overstayed.

You can't extend a Schengen visa and overstaying isn't a goof - or even good - idea as that will affect your ability to get another one

Brazilian friend of mine was able to extend his three month stay by an additional month in Germany. Brazilian's do not need a Visa to Schengen so it might be a different case.

Anyway I would not overstay a stay if I would be planning to return to the area.

I'm hoping you meant to say either of the following, and not what I quoted above:

"I would not overstay a stay if I would be planning to return to the area" OR

"I would overstay a stay if I would not be planning to return to the area"

Mike

Yep. A typo.

Generally true, but some visas to some Schengen countries have been extended. However, those extensions are not going to happen for ordinary tourism or ordinary social visit purposes.

The extension would have been under German rather than Schengen rules

In general if you want to stay a long time in Europe you have to get a visa for a specific country whic will be issued by that country - then you will normally be allowed to travel throughout Europe (or Schengen / EU / EEA) without having to get another visa

German immigration definitely check your passport as you depart (and they do tend to take a good look). Slow immigration lines for non-EU passports LEAVING the airport at FRA

I think it is only the UK where they do not check your passport on departure from the country.

National authorities issue the Schengen visas, and national authorities in some limited circumstances issue visa extensions for the Schengen area under the Schengen rules.