EU Schengen entrance/exit questions:

Hello everyone.

Even though I'm engaged to be married in Germany, my past Job offer was not approved for a work-permit, and my last Visa is expiring.

So in case I have to leave the Schengen states for 90 days (if, after my Visa expired) **what are the penalties (if any), and could I be likely prevented from entering the Schengen states again after 90 days?**

Perhaps more importantly (question:) Our local City Hall here in Germany has not yet 'started the exit paperwork' yet but I must ask:

**Is there any difference between leaving a month after my Visa expired [without the German 'notice to exit' Letter yet sent to me] vs. [Leaving after the 'notice to exit' Letter has been published]?** My main question is about penalties and/or not being let back in to Europe to marry my Fiance later and/or to Work again in the near future.

What is anyone's tried & true advice about how I left the Schengen states (Airplane vs. Train/Bus) to Croatia, Bulgaria, or Ukraine for example for that 90 days? **If my Passport was not checked while going out of Europe will I likely have problems or penalties when my Passport is re-scanned upon my next entry to Europe? What problems or what penalties? **

Thanks again everyone!

Does anyone have any concrete/accurate facts about this?

Dont try to jump the queue or do visa runs to other places & get caught, or overstay a visa - because if you do -you will get caught.

Remember on a re-entry your passport is zipped (so they know who you are) & you wil be red flagged immediately.

What Happens if I Overstay my Schengen Visa and I'm caught?

Each country has its own rules. You may not be allowed to return for a period of time or you may be fined or worse a three year ban. Europe is not really a travel free zone to non EU citizens ... be really careful

Please read the following link - in particular section 8, 9 & 11 to see if this clears it for you

http://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/a ... dex_en.htm

On that easy marriage question

Spain or Greece is maybe your other best option - all done within a week, no residency required

http://greece.angloinfo.com/countries/g ... rriage.asp

You still need all of your ID - NO EASY WAY OUT

BTW, Poland & Bulgaria is way more difficult to get married in than Germany, with Bulgaria is not one of the Schengen zone countries.

Failing that & on the basis that you are a US citizen travelling on a current valid US passport - you & your foreign fiance (German you said) can get married in Las Vegas today, leave 48 hours later with certified copies of the marriage certificate - you will be the spouse of a EU citizen.

Then apply for a spousal visa to live in Germany

http://www.insidervlv.com/marriage.html