Hi. I am new to Flyer Talk and I apologize for what has likely been a much asked question. As I understand it, I would be allowed to stay in Italy for 90 days within a 180 day period without a visa. Just a passport. My question is this: If I have a round trip ticket from the US to Italy to the US that encompasses 130 days, will I be playing by the rules if I have an additional roundtrip ticket that takes me to Great Britain for 40 days.

Also, if the answer to the above is yes, will I have any problem boarding my flight to Italy from the US with my 130 return ticket if I also show them a ticket for a 40 day return flight to Great Britain within that 130 period?

I think that would be the most economical way for me to structure my itinerary to both countries, and I would also get to spend month with close friends in London, but want to make sure it's completely ok and that I wouldn't have trouble boarding.

Logically speaking, it seems like it should work. Might be worth a call or visit to your local Italian Consulate office. They would have a definitive answer.

To help your cause, any way you can get the number of days you plan to spend in Italy under 90? For the just in case issues.

And if you are really worried, apply for a visa. They aren't too hard to get for IT, especially if you show them everything you are planning to do in terms of itinerary.

I can't speak for Italy, but the general strategy is frowned upon by immigration officials. Assuming OP is US citizen, and wanted to go to UK for 5 months, going for 89 days, then a month in Europe and then back for another 60 days would raise a lot of red flags. Maybe they would get away with it, but maybe not.

One way to perhaps 'finesse' it, if funds available, is to book a flexible (fully refundable) ticket, perhaps a week after the second entry to Italy. Use that for evidence that this is a short trip (if asked), once in the country, cancel it, and stick to original itinerary.

tb