What happens if you overstay your Schengen visa?
Overstaying your Schengen visa – even by a day – can lead to serious consequences.
You face a hefty fine, deportation and re-entry bans, and a damaged travel record that can make future visa applications much harder.
But what does ‘overstaying’ mean?
Overstaying occurs when you remain in the Schengen Area beyond the allowed period, which is typically 90 days within any 180-day period, or past the expiry date on your visa sticker. This applies whether you’re travelling on a visa or under a visa waiver arrangement.
If you are unsure how the 90/180 rule works, you can find a complete explanation in our guide, Understanding the Schengen Area’s 90/180 rule: how long can you really stay?
Is overstaying a serious matter?
If you overstay and have not provided a valid reason for it, you can expect:
Fines and penalties
Most Schengen countries impose monetary fines that grow with the length of the overstay and vary by country. For example, in Germany, overstaying your German Schengen visa can result in a fine of up to €3 000, while in Portugal, penalties are typically smaller for short overstays but can still include a formal record of the violation.
Deportation or forced exit
In many instances, you may be deported – and if you’re found working illegally or involved in other violations, the outcome can include trial, detention and criminal penalties.
Entry ban/blacklisting
Overstays are logged in immigration systems and make future visa applications for tourism, business or longer stays more likely to be denied. A re-entry ban can last from a few months to several years, depending on the severity of the violation and the country involved. This means you could be refused entry not only to the country where you overstayed, but to the entire Schengen Area.
Insurance expiry
Travel insurance linked to your visa usually expires when the visa does. Staying beyond that means all coverage, especially for medical needs, can be cancelled.
How to fix or reduce the consequences of overstaying?
Say you're on a Schengen tourist visa and you decide to stay an extra week after exploring Italy and Germany. You suddenly fall ill, and flight delays keep you from flying out. In this case:
1. Contact the authorities immediately
If you find yourself overstaying for unavoidable reasons, you should reach out to immigration or the police right away. Authorities may grant some leniency if the situation is credible.
2. Gather evidence
Have documentation ready for valid delays: medical emergencies, flight cancellations, etc. Provide your hospital invoices or medical certificate as proof. Such proof can be vital to making a case for you not to be penalised.
3. Seek legal advice
For serious or prolonged overstays, consult an immigration lawyer or adviser. They can help you negotiate, appeal or even minimise sanctions. Make sure that you return home as soon as you're medically cleared.
Plan your trip to avoid overstaying
- Calculate your days carefully. You must not exceed your destination’s specified day limit
- Make sure you apply for an extension early if you anticipate delays. Extensions can be granted for emergencies, medical reasons or force majeure – but only before your visa expires
- Keep your insurance valid if you plan to stay longer, or be prepared for potential out-of-pocket costs
If you are planning future travel, a little preparation can save a lot of stress. On our website, you will find clear guidance on visa requirements for your destinations, along with tools and services to help you get your documents ready with confidence.