Bilateral visa agreements: How Australian and New Zealand citizens can stay in the EU more than 90 days without a visa

There are a few reasons why you might need to stay in the EU for longer than 90 days. A long-term visa is not always an option, but there are other ways to stay longer. In this blog entry, we will discuss bilateral visa agreements and how Australian and New Zealand citizens can stay in the EU for more than 90 days without a visa.

Visa waiver agreements allow citizens of one country to enter another country without a visa for a specified period. These agreements are typically for tourism or business purposes. Some countries may have additional agreements that allow for an extension of the initial duration of stay.

Learn more about Bilateral visa agreements and how Australian and New Zealand citizens can stay in the EU more than 90 days without a visa. 

These are the European countries with established bilateral visa waiver agreements with Australia.

These are the European countries with established bilateral visa waiver agreements with New Zealand.

How to extend your stay in an EU country under a bilateral visa waiver agreement

If you are a citizen of a country that has a bilateral visa waiver agreement with an EU country, you may be able to extend your stay in that country beyond the standard 90-day period. To do this, you will need to follow the steps below:

1. Check the agreement. Verify if a bilateral visa waiver agreement exists between your country and the EU country you wish to stay in. You can do this by contacting the relevant embassy or consulate.
2. Understand the eligibility criteria. Familiarize yourself with the eligibility criteria for extending your stay under the agreement. This may include requirements such as having a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds, and a return ticket.
3. Seek extension. If you meet the eligibility criteria, contact the immigration authorities in the EU country you wish to stay in and inquire about the process for extending your stay. They will provide you with the necessary application forms and any supporting documents required.
4. Submit application IF Required. Complete the application form accurately and provide all required documentation. Some countries may require you to pay a fee for applying for an extension. You may not necessarily need to make an application in countries such as Denmark.

If the application is mandatory then, continue with the following steps:

• Await decision. The immigration authorities will review your application and make a decision. The processing time may vary, so be prepared for potential waiting periods.
• Obtain approval or take necessary actions. If your application is approved, you will be granted an extension of stay. If your application is denied, you may need to leave the country before your initial authorized stay expires.

Please note:

• The time you spend in an EU country under a bilateral visa waiver agreement does not count as time spent outside of the Schengen area. This means that you will still need to spend the required time outside of the Schengen area before re-entering.

The specific process and requirements for extending your stay under a bilateral visa waiver agreement can vary between EU countries. It is crucial to consult official sources, such as the relevant embassy or immigration authorities, for the most accurate and up-to-date information pertaining to your specific circumstances.

We hope that this information has been helpful. Browse visadb.io to learn about long-term visas.