THE KNOWLEDGE OVERSTAYING ON A VISA? W
e have a second home in southwest France and are getting
a bit confused about visas and how long we can stay. As I understand it, we can holiday in France for up to three months without a visa, is that right? What happens if I stay longer without a visa? And if I did have a French visa, what would happen if I overstayed?
Richard Hammond of FRENCH CONNECTIONS
HCB responds (
frenchconnectionshcb.com): You can stay in France for a maximum of 90 days without a visa if you are coming from a non-EU country. However, if you overstay, it is the equivalent of overstaying on a visa. France simply does not permit visitors to remain in the country beyond the date on which they were legally due to leave. Some people believe that if
important to choose an experienced and reputable removal company and to make contact with them with as much notice ahead of the move as possible and maintain a dialogue with them.
Further information on inspection, laboratory and certificate costs:
gov.uk/guidance/export- plants-and-plant-products- from-great-britain-and- northern-ireland#fees
their passport is not stamped, they have passed through border control unnoticed. That’s simply not true. French immigration officials know exactly who is in France and for how long. Every time you enter or leave a French border, your movements are electronically tracked on a database. In the majority of cases,
even above, and remove the risk from negative fluctuations in the cost of the property. Or you could try to target a
better rate of exchange using a ‘market order’, which is ideal for those who are optimistic about how the market will move or for those who are more comfortable with risk. A foreign exchange
company can make a significant difference as they can provide you with assistance to set up your budget, even before you have found a property and support you through the different payments.
They will also be able to offer you different options, considering your unique circumstances and budget. Getting some guidance
ahead of committing to the purchase can go a long way and make a real difference to the final cost of that property. And remember to enjoy the
journey! You are not here to speculate with currency but to buy a lovely property in France with the amazing food, wine and pace of life that it offers. So don’t obsess too much about exchange rates and leave the hard work to the professionals.
an overstay is due to a miscalculation of the 90/180 day rule that applies to non-EU citizens. Note that travel days also count as one of those precious 90 days. If you arrive in France at one minute to midnight, that counts as a whole day of your 90/180 allocation. Similarly, if you leave at one minute after midnight on your 90th day, you have entered your 91st day and have technically overstayed your visa-free welcome. Our advice is to keep tabs on
your visit using a free online Schengen calculator. You enter every arrival and departure date and the calculator does the rest.
Get in touch!
Ask your questions about French property or life in France... Email:
karen.tait@francemedia.com Alternatively, you can post your question on our Facebook page
FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS: March/April 2024 89
Richard Hammond
It’s important to understand that France calculates the 90 days on a rolling basis, rather than any specific start period of 180 days. If you have a visa and
overstay, the consequences depend on the type of visa and whether you have a valid reason for not leaving on time. In cases where you have knowingly overstayed your visa for a long period, you risk being deported – and any future visa application would probably be refused. If you work in France on an
expired work visa, the penalties are even more severe. They can include a fine and time in prison. If you’ve already overstayed
your French visa, our advice is to deal with the situation as soon as possible. In many cases, the best thing you can do is leave immediately. If there is an insurmountable
reason why you cannot leave, such as a family emergency or being in hospital, you should contact your local prefecture as a matter of urgency. While visas are only issued
by consular authorities, the prefecture can, in exceptional circumstances, issue a visa extension. Such circumstances would include a close family emergency or ‘force majeure’ (an ‘act of God’ such as a hurricane or tornado). Proof in the form of valid supporting documents must always be shown. While you wait to hear if your
extension has been successful, you will officially be in a waiting period. This is useful because, if you are challenged, it means you can prove that you are still staying in France legally.
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