Are you wondering if you can extend your Schengen visa? You’re not alone! Many travelers are drawn to Europe’s charm and wish to stay a little longer. The good news is that extending your Schengen visa is possible, but it comes with specific guidelines you need to follow.
The Schengen Area, which includes 27 countries, allows non-EU nationals to visit for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. If you find yourself needing to extend your Schengen travel visa, we’ll highlight some common reasons, according to the official journal of the European Union—that may justify your application. With the right information and preparation, you can extend your stay and continue your European adventure without a hitch.
Reasons for Visa Extension
1. Extension Due to Force Majeure or Humanitarian Reasons
A visa holder can have their visa’s validity period or duration of stay extended if they can demonstrate that they were unable to leave the Schengen Area due to force majeure (unforeseeable circumstances that prevent someone from leaving) or humanitarian reasons.
This means that if there are significant events or situations that have prevented the visa holder from traveling (like natural disasters, serious illness, or other emergencies), they can apply for an extension without having to pay a fee.
2. Extension Due to Serious Personal Reasons
In addition to force majeure or humanitarian grounds, a visa holder can also seek an extension for serious personal reasons like family emergencies or medical issues. In this case, you must pay a fee of EUR 30 for the extension.
Rules and Guidelines for a Schengen Visa Extension
The first requirement is that your current Schengen travel visa be still valid when applying for an extension. Extensions cannot be granted if the original visa has already expired. Here are some additional rules and guidelines for applying for a Schengen visa extension:
1. Territorial Validity of the Extended Visa
When a visa is extended, its territorial validity remains the same as that of the original visa unless the extending authority decides otherwise. If your original visa allowed you to travel to Germany, France, and Italy, and you apply for an extension while in France, your extended visa will still permit you to visit those same countries (Germany, France, and Italy) unless the authorities say otherwise.
2. Competent Authority for Visa Extension
Always apply for your visa extension with the authorities in the country where you are physically present. If you are in Spain on a Schengen visa issued by Ital
3. Travel During Application Approval Process
– It is advisable to refrain from traveling outside the Schengen Area while the extension application is being processed, as this may negatively impact the application.
– If you leave the Schengen Area while your extension application is pending, it could be interpreted as abandoning your request. Immigration authorities may view your departure as a lack of intention to comply with the visa regulations, potentially leading to the rejection of your Schengen visa application.
– If you travel outside the Schengen Area, there is no guarantee that you will be allowed to re-enter. Even with a valid visa, border control authorities may deny entry based on your current visa status or pending extension application.
– Traveling outside the Schengen Area can introduce delays and complications in your application process. If additional documentation or information is requested while you are away, you may not be able to respond promptly, which can hinder the progress of your application.
4. Supporting Documents
Depending on your reason for the extension, include relevant supporting documents to apply for a Schengen visa application:
– Medical Certificate
If you are ill, obtain a medical certificate from your doctor or hospital stating the nature of your condition, the necessity for staying longer, and the estimated duration for recovery.
– Employer’s Letter
If you require more time for work, your employer should provide a letter indicating how many additional days you need.
– Family Certificates
If dealing with a family emergency, include a death certificate or other relevant documentation that supports your request.
5. Proof of Stay and Finances
Include proof of where you will stay during the extension period, such as a hotel booking, rental agreement, or an invitation letter from a host. Also, provide evidence that you can support yourself financially, including travel insurance during the extended stay. Acceptable documents include bank statements, pay slips, policies for coverage for medical emergencies, or any other proof of income.
| Pro Tip:Attach a confirmation of your new flight reservation for your return to your home country to demonstrate your intention to leave. |
Wrapping Up:
Europe is one of the most popular travel destinations. If you are currently traveling there and need to stay longer for specific reasons, it’s important to meet the requirements for extending your stay. If you’re having trouble with the process, GMRS Consultant is here to help you extend your tourist visa in the Schengen Area. We can guide you through the steps so you can keep enjoying your time in Europe.
