Living & Working in Europe
Actually living and working in Europe can be a great form of travel. But how do you find a good job overseas? Do you know of any helpful books or websites for Americans who want to live or work in Europe? Share your thoughts here.
- Please don't post questions here. Use our Travelers Helpline.
working without work permits
If one wants to work in Europe, there are two ways to do so without getting a work permit. One way is start your own business. You don't need a work permit because you are not taking someone elses job. You are creating one. The other is to be a free lancer (ie writer, photographer, painter, musician etc). You might need a body of work to show that you can indeed make a living off of your trade. The hardest way is to do a job search because of worker protection laws that require a company to post an opening for a period of time before it can be offered to someone from another country. Also, the job offer has to be accepted while one is back in the states.
Robert R. <email>
Homestead, Fl USA 11/17/2008
immigration to Germany
For Americans wanting to move to Germany one of the best websites to check out is www.toytowngermany.com . Especially the old forum posts are a fountain of knowledge - almost everything you need to know about immigration procedures, citizenship and other issues about moving to Germany.
U.S. citizens should also know that out of all the EU countries Germany is one of the easiest to move to. Unlike for most other EU countries US citizens (and Canadians, NZ'landers and Aussies) can apply for the necessary residency and work permit after arrival in Germany, they do not have to apply in advance at the embassy at home. This gives US citizens a chance to come to Germany visa-free, look for a job and if they get lucky, they can try for a residency permit and a work permit within 3 months of their arrival. Downside of this is that the person applying usually needs hold at minimum a Bachelor or master's degree to have a decent chance of getting a work permit. Having other talents (high-professional level sports, dancing, acting) can help too. Essentially you have to prove that there is no EU citizen or non-EU resident available or qualified enough for the job that you intend to hold. It is therefore a lot easier to get a work permit if you intend to work freelance or become self-employed.
The cost of immigration should not be underestimated, you should have enough money to tide you over several months of unemployment. At the moment this means having about 750 EUR per month for a young single adult in a city like Berlin, more in Munich or Stuttgart.
Maria H.
Germany 10/28/2008
high school students who want to move to Europe permanently - read this!
I'm German and used to work in immigration and often I get questions like "I'm 17 and from the USA, after graduation from high school I want to move to Europe and find a job there. How do I find a job in Europe?"
The answer is - you are going about this the wrong way. Don't think about getting a job yet, think about getting the necessary permits (residency and work) first.
For young US citizens who want to move to Europe either short-term or long-term the best possible option is to study abroad. Either for a semester or a full year or doing your whole degree in Europe.
Getting a student visa is relatively easy compared to other immigration procedures. Biggest issue is usually financing your studies abroad. While many European universities are tuition-free and non-EU students enrolled at universities in Europe are usually given a part-time work permit to help them get along, the money students make on this work permit is not enough to cover all the costs. The main source of funding (80 % and more) has to come from savings, scholarships, relatives, etc.
What is noteworthy: Students who study for a full degree in Europe and graduate from a European university are usually given a year to find a job that suits their acquired qualifications. If they find a job they are given a full work and residency permit.
Graduating from a European university is therefore the best and easiest way for a young, talented and still relatively unqualified person to move to Europe permanently.
So if you are a teenager and dream of living and working in Europe, your first step is to find a job at home. Work hard, bust your behind and save enough money so that you can attend university in one of the European countries for 2-4 years.
And if you are a twen, have the same dream of getting a job in Europe, but already hold your Bachelor's degree - consider doing Master's in Europe. Even more good news is that in this case there are scholarships available to you from European institutions.
Maria H.
Germany 10/28/2008
working in Switzerland
Private Yoga in Switzerland? -- does anybody know if I could teach yoga privately (or at a yoga studio) in Switzerland, and get a real, legit work visa for it? or start my own company and have that be a way to become legal to work there? I am going for love so I am not going to want to leave after 90 days, but we also don't want to get married too fast "just" for a work visa for me. Thanks! Tina (Portland OR)
Tina <email>
Portland, OR USA 10/19/2008
Work in Spain
I lived and studied in Spain a year ago and now that I'm graduated I'm trying to find a job and get back there! Does anybody have any suggestions?
Al
phoenix, AZ USA 09/06/2008
teaching English in Italy
I don't suggest anyone teach English for a long term career. The average pay is 8 to 11 euro an hour at a school. While you can make 25-40 euro an hour teaching private courses, it is difficult to get around and often work is inconsistant. It is a horrible job and the owners of the schools make a huge profit while you slave away. Fun for meeting interesting people and good way to find someone to learn Italian from
Susan
Rome, Italy 07/28/2008
Working in London!
This message is also for Jaime working in London, England. I am also wondering if we can exchange email addresses as I'd like to find out more about your experiences working abroad. In particular, I'd love to know what you are doing for a job and where you are living. Thanks & look forward to hearing from you!
Andrea Houghton <email>
Sacramento, CA USA 07/24/2008
working in London, England
This post is to Jaimi from London/ Seattle.
Would love to ask questions about your work experience in London, England.
Would you consider sharing email addresses?
I live in Canada and my partner and I would be interested in knowing more.
You sound so positive.
I checked out the web sites. They are fantastic.
Angela (Canadian)
Angela <email>
Bracebridge, Ontario, Canada 07/20/2008
Don't Work In Greece
Greece is an awful place to work. I was on Rhodes where locals constantly try to rip you off. I was there 3 months and was paid 2 Euros an hour for a horrible company that ending up fining me for leaving early. I found the job online. They said I would be making more than I actually did. I worked more hours than they said I would. And they said they would get me a student visa so I would work/intern. But they never did, I was illegal and they took advantage of that. In total, I worked 5 weeks for free as a result of their lies and manipulations. I wasn't the only one either. They did the same to countless co-workers. I want to stop the company from doing this to other young people.
Greedy in Greece
USA 07/19/2008
Nurses in Europe
Does anyone know of any programs for American registered nurses to work in Europe? (It would need to be in the UK, as I can unfortunately speak only English with any fluency). Thanks.
Jo
Charlotte, NC USA 06/03/2008
Working and Living in London
There are some terrific websites if you're planning to live and work in London, including www.moveflat.com and www.gumtree.com for flat rental/share and job postings. As for a previous poster's claim about those working in Europe needing to have their "heads examined," I can attest to the fact that I'm very grateful to be working in the UK as an American citizen because a) my taxes may be high, but they pay for my healthcare b) my taxes may be high, but it means I can walk into almost any museum I want on the weekends for free and c) my taxes my be high, but my travel to and from work and any other location within the city is subsidized by the government. Did I mention I get 25 days of vacation a year and paid maternity leave, should I so need it? There are pluses and minuses about working in any foreign country, but working and living in London is truly a joy. I can hop to another European city for a weekend at a low fare and bank holidays are abound. Too bad one could not have the same opportunity to do so in the US (depending on your field of work and your visa status).
Jaime
London/Seattle, WA USA 04/23/2008
moving
disregard the question below, already worked out what the pay will be...
however, does anyone have any insight as to renting rooms, or apartments in Madrid?
Thank you!
min
pr, USA 03/06/2008
job
Is 2000 euros a month good for Madrid?
Thanks in Advance
min
PR USA 02/29/2008
Three months will be your limit in the Schengen Union (essentially the EU minus UK and Ireland) unless you get an extended visa in advance.
Also, unless you have a passport from an EU country or travel with an established program, you will NOT be able to work on a tourist visa. Work permits, which are required to work, usually have to be obtained by the employer and must be obtained prior to leaving the US.
There are some options for college students, those just out of college and few program for au-pairs etc. However, unlike in the past, the un-skilled European job market is fast closing to non-Europeans. Europeans get first dibs on job over non-EU citizen and there are WAY to many people moving westward from the new EU countries for non-EU folks to get a chance.
So if you intend to work, you need to plan and get the proper visas BEFORE you leave the US. Getting caught working illegally could result in expulsion and not being permitted back in the EU.
Kate
Scotland 02/23/2008
I need help too!
All of this has been helpful for my trip planning. I am unclear thou on what exactly I'm going to need going into Europe from America. I want to go for three months.. maybe longer.. if I work in Finland can I then travel after to the other European countries? Ah... this is a little scary!! :) so exciting!! thanks for replying to me!
Amber <email>
MAple Grove, Mn USA 02/04/2008
No Such Thing as a Free Lunch (or free healthcare)!
JJ is spot-on.
My wife and I have both been to surgery (doctor's office) and hospital in Scotland several times. While I have never paid money directly to either surgery or hospital, income taxes are higher (though corporate taxes are much lower) and there is 17.5% VAT (value-added tax...sales tax really) on almost everything.
You cannot pull doctors or hospitals out of thin air, and the doctors here are paid well (and not subjected to the outrageous lawsuits American doctors are) - someone must pay for these things! To think otherwise is silly (and dangerous because it shows a fundamental lack of understanding reality). I know that's harsh, but people need to wake up!
Having said that, I've been very pleased with the health care I've received here in Scotland relative to that in the U.S. The U.S. system has a lot of flaws (too much gov't intervention and too great of a reliance on employer provided health insurance) that need to be addressed.
But part of the great thing about travel and living abroad is the wonderful opportunity to see how others live, challenge your viewpoint, and re-consider the best solutions to human problems!
RE
Edinburgh, UK 01/22/2008
work and healthcare in Italy
I actually agree with JJ. What happens is that most people, at least in Italy, Spain and France, take home only about 40% to 50% of what they earn. However, many people get paid 15 months for 12 months of work, in Italy 30 days holiday. All of my meds are free as are doctor visits unless I chose to see a private doctor. I have never had long waits either.
However, while the maternity leave is great for women, it is true that when a woman goes on leave, other workers pick up the slack, OR a young person is offered a terrible short term contract.
As well, for women in their 30s it is DIFFICULT to find work for a good company, because even though it is illegal for employers to ask about family life and your marital status, they will often discriminate against women in this age group based on the fear of hiring a person and them leaving the minute they get their contract. the problem in Italy is that many people really abuse the system, making it bad for people who actually work.
I live and work in Italy, but I am married, so I dont have to do all the illegal jobs like teaching english andf tour guiding. It doesnt matter anyway, at least for tour guiding here. It is run by the Mafia and they dont recognize American Univeristy degrees since the EU passed a law saying the tour licence in Italy was not standard to the EU, and that EU members with the appropriate degree have the right to work as guides(I mean in Art History, Archeology, or the classics) Italy is really one of the most corrupt places. So unless you are young and just want an adventure, I suggest avoiding the place. Most people between 25-40 make about 1200-1500 a month yet living expenses are very high.
SS
florence, LO ITALY 01/01/2008
Health Care
I disagree with JJ also. With my experience of the health care in the UK and with friends that live in the UK. My husband and daughter both had to be seen at a hospital (different trips) and we have never paid one cent. Our British friends say they don't have to pay doctor, hospital and only pay for certain meds.
Robin
USA 12/29/2007
to JJ about health care in Europe
I don't agree with you JJ, or i just agree partially.
In Europe they pay about 3-4% of the salary to the healthcare system, but then when they go to the doctor is FREE.Som of the meds are also free.
In the US we pay big bucks for the insurance which in many cases doesn't cover 100%.You might have deductable, or not inclused service.
A good movie about this is SICKO
Bea
Cleveland, OH USA 12/17/2007
Working in Europe
For recent college grads it is possible to be placed as an English language assistant in a European secondary school. The program is one of several sponsored by the U.S. gov't under the auspices of the Fulbright Commission. For example, my daughter had a great year in France, teaching 12 hours/week, getting an apartment (shared), and a stipend. She was also able to take classes for free at a local university. Google Fulbright programs to find out exact details.
<email>
USA 12/11/2007
Has anyone done the wwoof program (www.wwoof.org)? You work for room and board in organic farms around the world. I have been contemplating trying this in France but I'm skeptic of going to the middle of nowhere where I might find myself incommunicated, and wonder if this is a scam as well.
Or do you recommend any other program for someone willing to take some risk.
Thanks
Minerva
USA 12/08/2007
Teaching Overseas
I know several teachers who have gotten jobs working as civilians in the DODDS schools on military bases in Europe and Asia. The military will pay to move you over, you get an ID card so you have access to shopping and the post office on the base, and you get to live overseas while working. The downside is that you're making dollars and traveling on Euros but if you travel economically it can be done.
Mandi
Mannheim, Germany 11/06/2007
Work Adventures in Europe!
When I got to Greece and started volunteering at a Wildlife Sanctuary (on the island of Paros, where I stayed for free!!), it was the 6th country Id worked in if you include the USA, and when I returned home 7 months later after venturing through the rest of Europe, Id also worked in Italy and Spain too.
The problem for Americans is that youre probably not gonna be able to make money and work the legal way in Europe unless you posess some sort of EU passport, or are part of the commonwealth of Candada, Australia, and New Zealand. But there are sooo many (I could sit here forever typing and typing about all of them) work adventures ALL OVER EUROPE where you can have a blast living and working with them for free, with your room and board completely covered. In Europe alone, I stayed on two Greek islands working: one at an amazing wildlife sanctuary, and another at this crazy backpacker party resort. In Italy, I stayed in the most picturesque mountain village built into the hills, overlooking the lights of Nice and Monnaco at night, while helping to maintain the village during the day. I also worked on an organic farm right in the heart of gorgeous Tuscany, where I was really able to find innerpeace, learn about wine, dream away the day inside the grape vineyards, etc. And then in Spain, I participatd in a one-week Engish language for Spaniards program where we had a blast and did nothing but speak English, play games, etc., while staying in this beautiful (and free) Spanish villa way out in the hills.
Theres so much to see and do in life and people spend too much time worrying how to make money doing it. Just get out there and live your passions, even if you have to go broke doing it!
Amy Rood <email>
Monroe, WA USA 10/17/2007
I did live and work in europe for a little while. It was a great experience however there are misconceptions such as that europe has "free" healthcare. After paying the taxes, the healthcare is not free but quite expensive, just like the US. You just pay a different way, that's all. Also, while long vacations and year long maternity/paternity leaves for both men/women sound good, the people left behind have to do the extra work. Just something to think about.
JJ
USA 10/16/2007
If you're uncertain about working in Europe, try a TEFL course on for size. Because you're living in a city and are constantly busy on the course, you can get a feel for life outside of the tourist realm. I taught English in Prague and loved it, although Kate is right - the taxes are higher, although this depends on the school at which you teach. If you're like me, though, and traveled abroad without health insurance, finding a school that offers Czech health insurance was important. For example, all of my blood tests were free and I got a three-month prescription filled for 40 cents.
My parents did the TEFL course in Prague, as well, and stayed for three months. What a great chance to see a fabulous city from a completely different lens!
Try teflworldwideprague.com for a great TEFL course.
Amanda
TN USA 10/07/2007
There are a lot of good reasons to work in Europe. It's a different life and not for everyone, but has a lot to recommend it. Taxes are higher, but you get a lot for them even if you aren't a citizen. Long term benefits like pensions and free education can sometimes only be earned after a set period of residence, but most benefits are available to all legal residents - citizens or not. Where medical care is socialized, it's almost always available free to all residents. Other benefits accrue once you've been resident long enough to qualify for permanent residence and/or a passport.
And work benefits are generally much better in Europe - often you start with twice as much vacation time as a comparable job in the US, there's guaranteed maternity leave of up to a year depending on the country (and usually two weeks or more for the father) and average working hours are shorter.
Kate
Scotland 08/27/2007
work in europe?
anyone from the U.S. who wants to work in europe needs to have their head examined. 50-70% total tax rates? anyone who fogs a mirror qualifies for some sort of welfare givaway (except you, the non-citizen of course).
Retire there or at least spend time there in retirement on and off. Maybe. But work (and pay their taxes)? no thanks.
brian
USA 08/16/2007
I would NOT overstay a tourist visa. These days with increased security issues, immigration is getting very strict and the penalty for getting caught can be very severe. It could prevent you from ever being allowed to enter the EU again.
Your passport IS scanned each time you enter (and sometimes exit) from the EU and/or Schengen Union, and they will stop you if you've overstayed. Most countries are also requiring biometric passports and visas, so it's very easy to spot people who overstay after entering on a legal passport.
Ditto for working illegally. Doing so not only flouts the law, it harms those of us who spend time and money working/studying legally - the more money they have to spend taking care of overstayers and illegal workers, the more they raise the fees for persons on legal visas. And we do resent having to pay for selfish people who can't be bothered to obey the law.
As to entering or leaving the EU/Schengen Union - after 3 (or 6 months in some countries) you must leave the whole Schengen Union for, I think, at least 180 days before entering again.
Kate
UK 08/02/2007
Working in France
First of all I beleive in being 103% researched and approach the whole thing with: If I do find a job, cool! If I dont, meh! I read about so many people who just sell everthing and head off to Europe thinking they will wing it when they get there. If you have less than 6 mos. I would look for work but not rely on it. Gone are the days when "english" was needed and working in the black was done (see note below). Now with many a willing Britons flocking over and not to mention immigration problems and competition, most employers, even small foreign ones don't want the hassle or the worry about hiring an illeagal foreigner. That being said, it is still being done, and it is the way I have worked and traveled for the last 11 years. A couple of notes though:
1. I am assuming that most reading this are a.)American and b.) not looking for a job transfer with a professional company (that really is the best way.)
2. Psst.. I didn't tell you this but don't worry about your tourist visa. I lived in France for 2 years on tourist Visa, no one ever cared I mean who are they to know if you crossed the border or not. Yes you need a l.t. visa for finding a house officially but it's just as easier to find a sublet or room to share. 5 Years of working and living in France and I never needed a visa.
3. Can you interview in the language, No, then unless you are working for English speakers in a business for english speakers don't plan on finding a normal job. and Bi-lingual means Fluent/native speakers.
4. Scrungy backpackers need not apply, even in their grubbies Europeans dress better than your average 20-30 year old so keep that in mind.
5. Teaching English is sketchy at best. If you do land a true job it won't pay the rent, and you probably will be forced to shell out a lot for expences. In western Europe English is taught in grade school, it's possible but don't rely on it.
That being said here is(from my experience, mostly France) some of your best bets.
* Are you a true club scener? Can you network and talk your way into any situation, situations with tight social circles and that rely on networking is a good way to get your foot in the door.
*Small entrepreneurship, start your own business. Lawn care, weeding, dog walking, cooking, scrapbooking, courier, web page building, personal shopper; you name it. Babysitting and teaching English are over saturated. But if you have a unique skill use it.
*Go to where there are large conclaves of English speakers the community there will probably have more contacts.
*Hospitality industry - private yachts (my start), barge crew, chalet hosts etc.. (Keep in mind that this is a very competitive industry and requires some sort of training and certification (which can be obtained for a fee)
*Networking within the trades - Once when i was staying in Paris I approached some good restaurants saying that I wanted to swap conversation English/French about food ( I am a chef). I had a couple of takers and really improved my professional French. Well then I got into a P___g contest, as chefs are wont to do, and next thing you know I was proving that I could cook, despite being a woman and an american. Next thing, I was being asked to cover this shift, help with prep here, then there. etc....
*Last but not least marriage/PACS-ing. Even then it is not immediate. You have to apply for a work visa (in most countries). I have been told on other boards by several people that you can get a work visat(in France) with a PACS. I have no first hand knowledge of that.
I am sure that many people will have contradictory experiences and knowledge. Hopefully this provides one view.
MiamMiam <email>
Olympia, WA USA 07/15/2007
tourist visa
After your 3 months are up on a tourist's visa can't you just leave the country for a weekend or so and get it renewed on the way back in, or does it have to be a longer period of time than a couple of days?
Steve
CA USA 07/14/2007
Teacher Exchange
If you are a full-time teacher, k thru community college, you may be eligible for a Fulbright Exchange, sponsored by the U.S. government. Exchanges are for six weeks, a semester, or a full year. Most of the positions are in Europe; but there some in Africa and Latin America, as well. For a booklet giving all the details, e-mail: fulbright@grad.usda.gov. My husband and I agree that we never had a more enjoyable year than the one we spent in London when I did an exchange there.
Rosalyn <email>
Berkeley, CA USA 07/13/2007
I emigrated to Czech
I am Ukrainian and just emigrated to Czech Republic. Its great!!! I studied Czech language for 3 months on language courses 5 hours each day and then found a job as receptionist in hotel. Really happy. if you have any questions write me to kitayanochka2003@yahoo.co.uk
Yana <email>
Praha, Columb USA 06/12/2007
I don't think your plans are going to work. As a tourist, you are limited to 3 months within the Schengen Union (basically Western Europe except the UK and Ireland) - your passport is stamped and swiped at your 'port' of entry, so they can tell if you overstay. After that you must leave for set period of time (several months I think). You can do 6 months in the UK and possibly six months in another EU country if you get an extended tourist visa before you leave.
Any job MUST be secured before you go to Europe because work permits have to applied for by the employer, and often then an additional residency permit secured, before you leave the US (the cost of which can be $500-1000). In addition, employers cannot give you a job unless there is no EU citizen who can fill the job. Which means that you have to have specialized skills and be worth the extra hassle- any entry level jobs will go to EU citizens without a doubt. Working without a work permit is illegal and these days the punishments can be very strict. There are programs for students just out of university, but you don't always have a lot of choice as to where your placement will be.
As to expense - especially if you are on an extended tourist visa, since you cannot work, you will be expected to show a proof of enough money to cover all living, medical, food etc. expenses for the duration of your trip. Remember that the dollar is very weak in Europe - you'd need to check with someone living in the country you intend to live in to find out about living expenses and the ease of getting housing/bank account.
Thus I think you will need to re-consider your plans. Depending on where you friend will be (Italy? France?), 3 months is probably going to be the longest you can live there, and only if you have a fair amount of savings.
Kate
Scotland 05/26/2007
Working In Europe
You can apply on the www.usajobs.com website for US Government jobs overseas. Myself, I was in the US Army and spent over 3 years in Europe.
M. Hunter <email>
Mountain Top, PA USA 05/10/2007
some advice please...
ok...I have a friend that is going to europe for basketball(We are from the states). My friends and I are going to do the entourage thing and live with him, ect. I have some quick questions if anyone can help.
1)What do you recommend on work permit?
2)How long is my passport good for in the EU?
3) If i am going for about 6-7 months..How much money will I need?
Ryan
OC, CA USA 05/09/2007
I would point out that almost all the opportunities on www.liveworkplay.com are for temporary working holiday visas for Australian/NZ citizens under the age of 30.
There are few such opportunities for Americans or for people looking for permanent work permit type work.
Kate
Scotland 04/04/2007
WWOOF it!
How about volunteer work? World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) allows people from all over the world to work on a farm in exchange for free room and board. Check out their website: www.wwoof.org
Jenni
Oakland, CA USA 03/24/2007
Military Spouse Employment
FOr military spouses stationed abroad the rules for employment vary by country. In Italy you may purchase a work visa prior to entering the country. The traditional no-fee visa used by military spouses (Entering/Living in Italy) will enable the ability to work ONLY in US government jobs. Employment in the local economy is not allowed without the purchase of a standard work visa. To find US Government jobs for military spouses you can go to http://usajobs.gov.
Lissa
Italy 03/19/2007
Living & Working in Europe
I found a great website www.liveworkplay.com that has a visa section advising who can obtain a working holiday visa in which European countries.
Fiona Jones
USA 03/18/2007
For any work permit (working visa), you will have to check with country in which you want to work for the regulations. Most countries have very informative websites.
At least in the UK - and I presume in most countries - the company for which you are working must apply for the work permit - you can't do that on your own. So work permits are tied to a specific job and are for the length of the contract.
And as a non-EU citizen, you will only be considered if no EU applicant has the right skills for the job. Thus you're starting off at a disadvantage, but the level of that disadvatage depends on your professional skills and the needs of various countries.
So first you need to find a job...and unfortunately until you find someone who will hire you and get the work permit, there's not much you can do. Thus the best way to begin is to research where you want to live, then start looking for job ads and apply for jobs.
Kate
Scotland 01/17/2007
Working visa - if you have a UK passport (i.e. you are a UK citizen), you can work in any EU country. However, I don't know whether there are additional steps if you aren't a UK resident, in particular with regards to medical coverage. If you've not lived in the UK, you don't qualify for NHS health coverage, and thus I don't think for reciprocal care in other countries. All of us who live here can request EU Medical cards to show if we need medical care in the EU outside the UK, but I think you have to be resident in an EU country to request one since your home country reimburses the cost. So you might want to inquire about your eligibility/coverage in the EU and whether Australia has reciprocal arrangements with any countries - I'm pretty sure the do for at least the UK and Denmark.
Long trip -- As posted on the main forum, you can only stay within the Schengen Region (all the EU except UK & Ireland) for three months total. It certainly is possible to arrange to be in the UK or Eastern Europe for a period of time (not sure how long you have to leave) for one month out of four to stay within the regulations. It's vital to make sure that your passport is stamped when you first enter the Schengen region and when you leave the Schengen region so you have proof of the dates.
You can stay in the UK for up to six months on a US passport, but if you are going to be in Europe for at least three months, I think you would be well advised to find out whether you should get entry clearance (i.e. tourist visa) for the first country prior to leaving the US. You might also want to check the specific regulations for each countries because they do vary a bit.
Also, you will definately need to show very clear proof (bank statement) that you have enough funds to cover food, lodging, expenses and medical expenses for your entire trip. Especially for the UK, where they are very wary of what they call 'medical tourism', you should have proof of private medical insurance and if you have a pre-existing condition, proof of sufficient funds to cover any medication/treatment you will need.
It's also a very good idea to have your ticket home as proof when you will be leaving and that you will be leaving.
Have fun ya'll!
Kate
Scotland 01/09/2007
working visa
hey all, just a quick question. if i have a dual australian/uk passport, does that mean i am elligable to work in EU countries or just the UK? i am hoping to live and work in Europe for about a year. cheers, in advance!
chloe
australia 01/08/2007
Long Term Tourist Visa?
I'm a bit confused and haven't read all the down, but my husband and I are planning a multi-country trip to Europe lasting about 4 months. If we are only staying in a specific country for less than one month each, do we have to still apply for a long-term tourist visa?
Jennifer <email>
Charlotte, NC USA 01/08/2007