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Original poster

Can't go to an EU country - where else for August?

98 replies

LittleGreyFluffyCat · 26/04/2022 16:58

I was planning to start researching and book a holiday in the South of France. Eldest DC just told me today that won't work for him, because he's already had his 90 days in Europe (gap year activities).

Brexit rules mean he can't go back into the EU "After Brexit, you can stay in the EU, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland without a visa for up to 90 days in a 180-day period."

I'm feeling stuck now! Anyone got any ideas? Ideal criteria:


  • Not so hot you can't do anything

  • Shortest flight possible (I hate flying)

  • Not super-expensive luxury prices, as budget as possible for non EU

OP posts:
jimboandthejetset · 26/04/2022 17:32

God Brexit is just an utter fucking shit shoe isn't it?
I have no idea how it works now, but is there any chance you're DS can get a visa?

Zazdar · 26/04/2022 17:34

There’s the Turkey owned half of Cyprus too…so Greek island but not Greece.

None of Cyprus is a Greek island.

bellac11 · 26/04/2022 17:36

What happens if you want or need to be there more than the 90 days can you get a holiday visa or something?

WindsweptNotInteresting · 26/04/2022 17:37

BlackAmericanoNoSugar · 26/04/2022 17:15

I've just had a look at this www.gov.uk/visit-eu-switzerland-norway-iceland-liechtenstein page which says that "There are different rules for Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania. They each have their own separate 90-day limits. The time you spend in other countries does not affect how long you can spend in each of these countries without a visa." So that opens up a few more countries for you.

If this is correct that they have different rules, I would definitely say Croatia, absolutely beautiful and not too far.

FairyCakeWings · 26/04/2022 17:38

What? I didn’t know this was a thing! 😭

Brexit is so very shit. I will never forgive the fuckers that took all this away from us and the countless future opportunities our children and grandchildren will miss out on.

Sorry OP. I would be happy with Turkey or Egypt or Morocco, but they will all be very hot in August.

rooinspace · 26/04/2022 17:41

I would look into a tourist visa for him - surely much cheaper than long haul flights for the whole family? Think it’s usually only a couple of hundred euros when we’ve done it

LetitiaLeghorn · 26/04/2022 17:42

Croatia was lovely. But hot and busy in July when we went. Montenegro is supposed to be the place to go. Still cheap and not been spoiled yet. But some hotels might still be a bit rough round the edges. My friend retired to Bulgaria, not far from Sofia and she loves it. It has beautiful beaches too. Personally, I'd use this as an opportunity to try somewhere different.

Thethingswedoforlove · 26/04/2022 17:50

pp have already said it but it is 90 days in one go and a max of 180 days in one year. So maybe EU is an option after all?

Original poster
LittleGreyFluffyCat · 26/04/2022 17:54

DS returning on May 31st, so only allowed back into Europe on Aug 30th which is too late (younger DS back to school early Sept)

OP posts:
Carriemac · 26/04/2022 17:56

Honestly how would they know?
But to be in the safe side , go to Ireland

BlackLambAndGreyFalcon · 26/04/2022 17:58

Carriemac · 26/04/2022 17:56

Honestly how would they know?
But to be in the safe side , go to Ireland

They would know because his passport would be stamped with the dates of entry and exit. And in my most recent experience, they do check!

Jalapinot · 26/04/2022 17:59

The northern part of Cyprus is not 'owned' by Turkey. It is also not actually a Greek island.

OP please don't spend your money on the illegally occupied northern part of Cyprus.

Channel Islands would be my recommendation.

mast0650 · 26/04/2022 18:00

Bugger! I hadn't realised it worked across countries like that!
Think it may have to be Turkey or stay in the UK.

mast0650 · 26/04/2022 18:02

Or Montenegro is nice I think? Bulgaria is also in the EU. Almost all of Europe is!

whenwilliwillibefamous · 26/04/2022 18:06

eeas.europa.eu/sites/default/files/visa_waiver_faqs_en.pdf

Is helpful

Kendodd · 26/04/2022 18:07

Another Brexit win!
Where are the stupid fuckers who voted for this.
Oh, I know, they're in parliament running the country.

miltonj · 26/04/2022 18:12

I don't think border control are checking. They certainly haven't for me. And I stayed in an eu country for longer than 90 days late last year because my residency was taking a long time to be processed. Has he had stamps in his passport? I can't imagine theyll be counting days and turn you away for what will presumably be a week or twos holiday. I think you'll get away with it!

mast0650 · 26/04/2022 18:13

I would also look into getting him a long stay visa for France or wherever he is visiting earlier. More hassle, but if you really prefer France to Croatia then it may be your best bet.

hellcatspanglelalala · 26/04/2022 18:21

miltonj · 26/04/2022 18:12

I don't think border control are checking. They certainly haven't for me. And I stayed in an eu country for longer than 90 days late last year because my residency was taking a long time to be processed. Has he had stamps in his passport? I can't imagine theyll be counting days and turn you away for what will presumably be a week or twos holiday. I think you'll get away with it!

I was about to add, I'm not convinced anyone is checking that closely. I know someone who travels regularly for work in Germany mon-fri and he's not had any issues (yet)

balalake · 26/04/2022 18:31

Would DS be gutted if you went without him?

Otherwise second the suggestion of the Channel Islands.

ginandtonicformeplease · 26/04/2022 18:35

Albania is beautiful and cheap.

SapereAude · 26/04/2022 18:39

Carriemac · 26/04/2022 17:56

Honestly how would they know?
But to be in the safe side , go to Ireland

Because of passport stamps and because his name will be flagged up. You know, that bit at the check in/gate/API when they pop your passport into the machine.
It tells you all kinds of things.

SapereAude · 26/04/2022 18:40

miltonj · 26/04/2022 18:12

I don't think border control are checking. They certainly haven't for me. And I stayed in an eu country for longer than 90 days late last year because my residency was taking a long time to be processed. Has he had stamps in his passport? I can't imagine theyll be counting days and turn you away for what will presumably be a week or twos holiday. I think you'll get away with it!

These laws came into force this year.

purplecorkheart · 26/04/2022 18:44

Ireland would be an option but a quite pricy one.

Yika · 26/04/2022 18:45

Isn’t it the Schengen area, rather than the whole EU? In which case you could go to Croatia but not norway…