UK - For travellers who may need to exit Schengen zone for a short time

[Kirkie]

I found this in the Guardian. As it is inclusive of the four jurisdictions in the UK, it may be appealing to those who may be interested in a productive period outwith the Schengen zone.
Gov.UK will provide relevant visa conditions,

Spring in your steps: four great UK walks that banish winter

A Dorset cider orchard, a Highland glen, a rural idyll in Powys and rugged Atlantic views in County Derry make for superb walking as the evenings lighten and the air softens

www.theguardian.com

 

[VNwalking]

Thanks, @Kirkie!
Wonderful.
Every one of these places make my feet itch.
I might add that Ireland is also outside the Schengen Zone - even though it's in the EU. No shortage of walking for anyone who needs a Schengen timeout!

Oh. And taking the opportunity to bump this thread for anyone in planing mode. Britain may be more pricy than Spain, but it has wonderful pilgrimage walks!

 

[Tassie Kaz]

Croatia another good option outside the Schengen Zone & within easy reach... particularly for VF-ers or other walkers in Italy.
Croatia also offers great walking opportunities especially day walks in their wonderful National Parks.
Croatia was my trip extension pick, post arriving in Rome. I took an overnight ferry from Ancona to Split but there are multiple options of departure & arrival points.
As with @VNwalking, the mere thought brings a twinge of restlessness!

 

[Bernice M]

Although I intend travelling to Scotland in order to leave the
Schengen zone, the Spanish embassy in NZ said I could leave one day and return the next, as the return trip would utilise the bilateral visa-free agreement between Spain and NZ. Spain has a range of such bilateral visa-free arrangements, so it's worth checking your country's arrangements.

 

[Nick B]

Croatia another good option outside the Schengen Zone & within easy reach... particularly for VF-ers or other walkers in Italy.
Croatia also offers great walking opportunities especially day walks in their wonderful National Parks.
Croatia was my trip extension pick, post arriving in Rome. I took an overnight ferry from Ancona to Split but there are multiple options of departure & arrival points.
As with @VNwalking, the mere thought brings a twinge of restlessness!

I believe Croatia became part of the Schengen Zone Jan 1st this year, was also my exit plan for a short time but may have to look elsewhere now.

 

[JulesCAinMA]

I believe Croatia became part of the Schengen Zone Jan 1st this year, was also my exit plan for a short time but may have to look elsewhere now.

It did.

 

[BethL]

Croatia another good option outside the Schengen Zone & within easy reach... particularly for VF-ers or other walkers in Italy.
Croatia also offers great walking opportunities especially day walks in their wonderful National Parks.
Croatia was my trip extension pick, post arriving in Rome. I took an overnight ferry from Ancona to Split but there are multiple options of departure & arrival points.
As with @VNwalking, the mere thought brings a twinge of restlessness!

Yes, Croatia became part of the Schengen Zone this January. We were hoping to extend our stay in Europe with a trip to Croatia. We still wish to visit and walk in Croatia. I'd love any suggestions for links to walks in northern Croatia.

 

[Molly Cassidy]

Romania and Bulgaria are still outside Schengen and a great choice if you want somewhere cheaper than Ireland and the UK.

 

[Former member 102963]

I believe Croatia became part of the Schengen Zone Jan 1st this year, was also my exit plan for a short time but may have to look elsewhere now.

I always get a little confused about Schengen, but a fascinating non Schengen place not too far from Croatia is Sarajevo, Bosnia.

 

[K_Lynn]

There is also Raad ny Foillan (The Way of the Gull) that circumnavigates the Isle of Man. This is one I would love to do, I visited IOM 16 years ago and would love to go back, perhaps this time to also dance at midnight at the top of South Barrule

Walking & Hiking - Visit Isle of Man

Rugged cliffs, rolling hills, picturesque glens, hidden coves and panoramic views. These are just a few of the reasons why the Isle of Man is a walker's delight. Whether you enjoy a gentle stroll…

www.visitisleofman.com

 

[Molly Cassidy]

I always get a little confused about Schengen, but a fascinating non Schengen place not too far from Croatia is Sarajevo, Bosnia.

Not only is Bosnia not in Schengen, it's not in the EU. I agree Sarajevo is certainly worth a visit.

 

[Walton]

This is interesting but I don't understand what the advantage would be by having a break outside the Schengen zone.

As I understand it, unless country to country special bilateral arrangements have been made, such as those that exist between Spain and New Zealand, people like us Australians can only stay on the Schengen zone for 90 days out of every 180 days.

If one has used up their 90 days then yes - I understand why travelling to a non-Schengen country would extend holiday time but is there another reason?

 

[Chizuru]

Croatia another good option outside the Schengen Zone & within easy reach... particularly for VF-ers or other walkers in Italy.
Croatia also offers great walking opportunities especially day walks in their wonderful National Parks.
Croatia was my trip extension pick, post arriving in Rome. I took an overnight ferry from Ancona to Split but there are multiple options of departure & arrival points.
As with @VNwalking, the mere thought brings a twinge of restlessness!

No, Croatia is one of the 27 countries in the Zone.

 

[Chizuru]

We did a beautiful walk in Turkey along the Lycian coast called the Lycian Way.

 

[Molly Cassidy]

This is interesting but I don't understand what the advantage would be by having a break outside the Schengen zone.

As I understand it, unless country to country special bilateral arrangements have been made, such as those that exist between Spain and New Zealand, people like us Australians can only stay on the Schengen zone for 90 days out of every 180 days.

If one has used up their 90 days then yes - I understand why travelling to a non-Schengen country would extend holiday time but is there another reason?

It's really just for people who want to spend more than 90 days in Europe. You can spend time outside of the Schengen zone and it doesn't count towards the 90 days.

 

[Tassie Kaz]

Oops!...I'm a bit behind the times Thanks for the update @Nick B, @BethL & @Chizuru; although on the cards, I didn't know Croatia being part of the Schengen had been ratified.
I'm so glad I was able to use it to extend my 2019 trip having almost depleted my 90 days walking the VF (FYI @Walton)!

I believe Romania & Bulgaria are both Schengen candidates so those intending to extend there will have to keep an eye on the situation.
Also agree Bosnia Herzegovina is a good option & Montenegro could be considered too...I visited both along with my then Schengen-free Croatia in 2019.
Happy travelling everyone...& of course, walking!

 

[Tassie Kaz]

Yes, Croatia became part of the Schengen Zone this January. We were hoping to extend our stay in Europe with a trip to Croatia. We still wish to visit and walk in Croatia. I'd love any suggestions for links to walks in northern Croatia.

@BethL, the Cicerone guide was my go to for walks in Croatia. Otherwise just google; there's plenty of companies advertising walks/hikes/treks to at least give you ideas.
Happy trails!

Sorry @Kirkie you probably intended this thread to be solely about UK walk options but I derailed it with my suggestion & subsequent boo boo! Great article by the way...

 

[BethL]

This is interesting but I don't understand what the advantage would be by having a break outside the Schengen zone.

As I understand it, unless country to country special bilateral arrangements have been made, such as those that exist between Spain and New Zealand, people like us Australians can only stay on the Schengen zone for 90 days out of every 180 days.

If one has used up their 90 days then yes - I understand why travelling to a non-Schengen country would extend holiday time but is there another reason?

Walton, I have stayed overseas more than 90 days in the past (combining vacation in Portugal as well as visits to see friends in Germany, Switzerland and Ireland) and hope to do additional longer than 90 day visits in the future. we had planned to do a combo >90 day visit to Portugal & Croatia trip this year, but Croatia's addition has changed how long we can stay in each of those countries.

 

[BethL]

View attachment 143662
@BethL, the Cicerone guide was my go to for walks in Croatia. Otherwise just google; there's plenty of companies advertising walks/hikes/treks to at least give you ideas.
Happy trails!

Thank you so much Tassie. I've been looking for a guidebook. Not sure how I missed that one.

 

[VNwalking]

No-,one seems interested to talk about the walks in the article. But since you ask.

but I don't understand what the advantage would be by having a break outside the Schengen zone.

If someone needs to attend two functions in the SZ more than 90 days apart, with a camino in between, one would need more than the amount of time the visa allows. So a solution is to attend function 1, go to England for a while, then renter the SZ to walk the camino and attend function 2 at an appropriate time.

 

[Nancyheathcote]

This is interesting but I don't understand what the advantage would be by having a break outside the Schengen zone.

As I understand it, unless country to country special bilateral arrangements have been made, such as those that exist between Spain and New Zealand, people like us Australians can only stay on the Schengen zone for 90 days out of every 180 days.

If one has used up their 90 days then yes - I understand why travelling to a non-Schengen country would extend holiday time but is there another reason?

 

[Nancyheathcote]

Yes, my understanding for Australians is that after 90 days in the Schengen zone you must leave that zone for 90 days before you are allowed to return to the Schengen zone countries. Last year I was in Spain and France for 3 months and had to then travel to the UK because it is not a Schengen country.
It was difficult to get information about this at the time.

 

[Tassie Kaz]

Yes, my understanding for Australians is that after 90 days in the Schengen zone you must leave that zone for 90 days before you are allowed to return to the Schengen zone

Aussies have to leave for 180 days before re-entering.
Yep, you're right...it can be difficult finding accurate info or keeping up with changes (as per my earlier mistake!) especially on the finer points incl bi-lateral agreements, etc.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Montenegro could be considered too...I visited both along with my then Schengen-free Croatia in 2019.

I have walked in Croatia, but only on the massive stone fortification walls surrounding the city of beautiful Dubrovnik. Montenegro was lovely as well and in Kotor I hiked the 1350 steps up to the fort on top of the hill. Not exactly Camino style walking of village to village, but they still provided lots of beauty and great memories.
P.S. I like your new Avatar.

 

[VNwalking]

Has anyone walked in the places mentioned in the OP's article? I'm curious if they live up to the glowing words and images.

 

[Kirkie]

View attachment 143662
@BethL, the Cicerone guide was my go to for walks in Croatia. Otherwise just google; there's plenty of companies advertising walks/hikes/treks to at least give you ideas.
Happy trails!

Sorry @Kirkie you probably intended this thread to be solely about UK walk options but I derailed it with my suggestion & subsequent boo boo! Great article by the way...

No need for apology. I was just aware that for those without EU passports or residency there has to be an exit for a time if you wish to spend longer in the EU/Schengen Zone than the 90 days permitted at the one time. I found the article and it brought up other options, useful and enjoyable I am sure.

 

[Tassie Kaz]

I have walked in Croatia, but only on the massive stone fortification walls surrounding the city of beautiful Dubrovnik. Montenegro was lovely as well and in Kotor I hiked the 1350 steps up to the fort on top of the hill. Not exactly Camino style walking of village to village, but they still provided lots of beauty and great memories.
P.S. I like your new Avatar.

I got very snap-happy walking Dubrovnik's walls...flattened my camera battery! Bosnia-Herz (the famous bridge in Mostar is unforgettable) & Montenegro are amazing places to visit...especially as they're not so well known on the tourist trail.

New avatar compliments of @Bradypus Its still Mican from my Shikoku 88 Temples walk but now in pilgrim (henro) attire.

Hoping to get overdue email to you soon Chrissy... with me!

 

[Tassie Kaz]

No need for apology. I was just aware that for those without EU passports or residency there has to be an exit for a time if you wish to spend longer in the EU/Schengen Zone than the 90 days permitted at the one time. I found the article and it brought up other options, useful and enjoyable I am sure.

Thanks @Kirkie...that's very understanding of you.
I'd love to spend time walking in the UK...so many trails to choose from & now others thanks to your article link. The Wales Coastal Path & the End to End Trail have always been on my radar but as @VNwalking mentioned, it's the expense which sees them not quite progress up The List. I'm happy I walked from London to Dover to at least get a taste though. And it took the pressure off not having to include England in my 90 day allowance to get to Rome on foot.
So much still out there to explore...

 

[Kirkie]

Thanks @Kirkie...that's very understanding of you.
I'd love to spend time walking in the UK...so many trails to choose from & now others thanks to your article link. The Wales Coastal Path & the End to End Trail have always been on my radar but as @VNwalking mentioned, it's the expense which sees them not quite progress up The List. I'm happy I walked from London to Dover to at least get a taste though. And it took the pressure off not having to include England in my 90 day allowance to get to Rome on foot.
So much still out there to explore...

Raynor Winn is an inspiring author. Walks in the UK.
John G Dwyer is a most experienced 'walking' author in Ireland, well worth researching.

Link to camino? Well, more to the current need for people travelling from afar who wish to spend more time on Camino, but my interest is to do with camino rather than tourist focus. You can get a certificate from the Camino Centre in St James's St church in Dublin if you walk any one of the qualifying routes in Ireland that permit you to add the km walked to the Ingles, for example.
(For information, the information centre is open from Thursday to Saturday, 10.30 to 15.30.

https://www.caminosociety.ie/)

 

[Kiwi-family]

Croatia……

https://cldt.hr/en/trail/

Long-distance hikes in Croatia

For those who enjoy an active vacation, we have lots of suggestions in Croatia. Use our Travel Guide as a source of ...

www.outdooractive.com

 

[Tassie Kaz]

Raynor Winn is an inspiring author. Walks in the UK.
John G Dwyer is a most experienced 'walking' author in Ireland, well worth researching.

Yes, I've read Raynor Winn's 'The Salt Path'...what could have been another book about a trail was elevated by their extraordinary personal circumstances.
Hadn't heard of John G Dwyer before so will look into his offerings...thanks for the tip!

 

[Kirkie]

Yes, I've read Raynor Winn's 'The Salt Path'...what could have been another book about a trail was elevated by their extraordinary personal circumstances.
Hadn't heard of John G Dwyer before so will look into his offerings...thanks for the tip!

Landlines, by Raynor Winn, is a delightful read also. Nothing to do with the fact it traverses the best wee country in the world

 

[Dave Morgan]

Although I intend travelling to Scotland in order to leave the
Schengen zone, the Spanish embassy in NZ said I could leave one day and return the next, as the return trip would utilise the bilateral visa-free agreement between Spain and NZ. Spain has a range of such bilateral visa-free arrangements, so it's worth checking your country's arrangements.

Is it necessary to leave Schengen to utilise the agreement? I thought you could apply to extend from within the country you wish to remain in for up to 90 days at a customs and immigration office. (Mind you, leaving might work well for me, to return to the UK for my mother's and my brother's birthdays. I'll be on a Canadian passport; there don't seem to be bilateral agreements for Brits!) Also, do you know how long you have to be outside Schengen after 90 days in Schengen and up to 90 in Spain (or whatever country you choose)?

 

[Kirkie]

Is it necessary to leave Schengen to utilise the agreement? I thought you could apply to extend from within the country you wish to remain in for up to 90 days at a customs and immigration office. (Mind you, leaving might work well for me, to return to the UK for my mother's and my brother's birthdays. I'll be on a Canadian passport; there don't seem to be bilateral agreements for Brits!) Also, do you know how long you have to be outside Schengen after 90 days in Schengen and up to 90 in Spain (or whatever country you choose)?

I offer the references below for your perusal. I rather think the surest way to get to the facts in your own case is to ask the relevant government department in the country you are residing in, or whose passport you hold.
Note, I do not know. I just think. Not the same.
Good luck.

How long can Canadians stay in Europe? - ETIAS FAQs

How long can a Canadian stay in Europe? Find out the answer to this and to other common queries about travelling to the Schengen Area from Canada.

www.etias.ca

Schengen Calculator - Calculate Your Legal Short-Stay in Europe

Schengen Calculator for Visa-Free visitors and holders of multiple entry visas valid for six months and with 90 days of permitted duration of stay.

www.schengenvisainfo.com

 

[Bernice M]

Is it necessary to leave Schengen to utilise the agreement? I thought you could apply to extend from within the country you wish to remain in for up to 90 days at a customs and immigration office.

Kirkie offers good advice. The Spanish embassy in NZ gave me the guidance about leaving and returning next day. As it happens, I will leave and return to Spain before my 90 Schengen days are used up, but that doesn't stop me then utilising the bilateral visa-free entry. It's handy because the classes of visa that Spain issues now are quite limited.

 

[Molly Cassidy]

View attachment 143665
Aussies have to leave for 180 days before re-entering.
Yep, you're right...it can be difficult finding accurate info or keeping up with changes (as per my earlier mistake!) especially on the finer points incl bi-lateral agreements, etc.

Is that really the case? What if you spend less than 90 days? Surely you can leave and come back to complete the 90 days after a stay in a non-Schengen country?

 

[JabbaPapa]

I'd say Ireland.

Else evasion through only the crossing of local land borders into non-Schengen on foot ; so if you can afford them, Andorra or Gibraltar, or if more adventurous, fly into a non-Schengen country, cross nothing but land borders, get back to there, all on foot (or bike or etc.), but that's all very dodgy if you get caught in that sort of plan.

If you exceed 90 days and you are neither an EU national nor officially resident, and get caught, bad vibes ...

 

[Tassie Kaz]

Is that really the case? What if you spend less than 90 days? Surely you can leave and come back to complete the 90 days after a stay in a non-Schengen country?

If you spend less than 90 days in the Schengen, yes you can return to utilise the balance after a visit to a non-Schengen.
The 180 day rule applies if you have already stayed 90 days which is what the OP of the comment I responded to stated;

Yes, my understanding for Australians is that after 90 days in the Schengen zone you must leave that zone for 90 days before you are allowed to return to the Schengen zone countries.

@Nancyheathcote simply thought it was then another 90 days before you could re-enter but that is when the 180 day absence applies.
It can be confusing but how lucky & privileged are we that staying overseas for 3 months or more is even an option!
Happy trails & happy Schengen day counting!

 

[WGroleau]

Although I intend travelling to Scotland in order to leave the
Schengen zone, the Spanish embassy in NZ said I could leave one day and return the next, as the return trip would utilise the bilateral visa-free agreement between Spain and NZ. Spain has a range of such bilateral visa-free arrangements, so it's worth checking your country's arrangements.

Please note that this depends on a specific treaty between your passport country and the Schengen country. Otherwise, the Schengen rules are no more than ninety days in any continuous 180 days. If I exit Schengen on the ninetieth day and try to return 89 days later, chances are they will not let me leave the airport.

 

[claireleo]

Yes, my understanding for Australians is that after 90 days in the Schengen zone you must leave that zone for 90 days before you are allowed to return to the Schengen zone countries. Last year I was in Spain and France for 3 months and had to then travel to the UK because it is not a Schengen country.
It was difficult to get information about this at the time.

I am an Australian and I have applied for a Schengen space visa through the French consulate so can now extend my stay for 6 months.

 

[SongKhonGair]

View attachment 143665
Aussies have to leave for 180 days before re-entering.
Yep, you're right...it can be difficult finding accurate info or keeping up with changes (as per my earlier mistake!) especially on the finer points incl bi-lateral agreements, etc.

I was planning an 18 month Europe trip just before the pandemic hit and had my SZ days carefully mapped out - spreadsheet with a running SZ day tally / balance. I'm late to the thread, but will post for those doing their research in the future.

My understanding is it is a rolling 180 day window, so you can use up your 90 SZ days then leave for 90 days before re-entering the SZ. You don't need to stay out for 180 days.

The quoted document above says "... before your 90 days are reset". But you don't need the full 90 day allowance available before re-entering, you just need one day available.

If days 1 - 90 were in the SZ, then on day 181 and each subsequent day you "drop" / expire one SZ day from your balance. And you can add one back. So long as you keep your SZ days tally to 90 days or less in the last 180 days you are sweet. The key here is that the 180 days is a rolling window, with start and end dates moving forward day by day.

I recall something about day of arrival being "day 1" not "day 0" (or perhaps departure day counts as one day). It's effectively 89 nights you're allowed to be in the SZ IIRC, so I allowed a couple of days buffer in case my math was out.

Another non-SZ country is Morocco btw. We were planning to winter there and Turkiye, flying directly between the two.

 

[Tassie Kaz]

I was planning an 18 month Europe trip just before the pandemic hit and had my SZ days carefully mapped out - spreadsheet with a running SZ day tally / balance. I'm late to the thread, but will post for those doing their research in the future.

My understanding is it is a rolling 180 day window, so you can use up your 90 SZ days then leave for 90 days before re-entering the SZ. You don't need to stay out for 180 days.

The quoted document above says "... before your 90 days are reset". But you don't need the full 90 day allowance available before re-entering, you just need one day available.

If days 1 - 90 were in the SZ, then on day 181 and each subsequent day you "drop" / expire one SZ day from your balance. And you can add one back. So long as you keep your SZ days tally to 90 days or less in the last 180 days you are sweet. The key here is that the 180 days is a rolling window, with start and end dates moving forward day by day.

I recall something about day of arrival being "day 1" not "day 0" (or perhaps departure day counts as one day). It's effectively 89 nights you're allowed to be in the SZ IIRC, so I allowed a couple of days buffer in case my math was out.

Another non-SZ country is Morocco btw. We were planning to winter there and Turkiye, flying directly between the two.

Oh my... I'm so out of practice with all the rules & interpreting them, I got a headache just reading your post @SongKhonGair! I sure was/am confused with the 90/180 days thingy. Great explanation (& idea) about the rolling window...I would never have come up with that as a way of calculating a maximum stay in the SZ...impressive.

Although it seems to be within The Rules, I do wonder how well it would actually work when standing in front of Mr/Ms Immigration Officer of chosen country...they'd have to really scrutinize the dates. Yes, I realise you've used just having one day of your SZ allowance left as an example...having a week left would be easier at a glance to ascertain your eligibility to re-enter.

Now the world is resettling, I hope you get to do your planned 18 month trip...& you post on the Forum to let us know how the SZ aspect worked out!
And Morocco...a wonderful, outside-the-square-but-still-close SZ 'escape' option.
Now if only we could do something about spiralling costs putting a dampener on travel plans....