I am a US citizen and have been in Spain (without leaving the EU) for 6 months, clearly longer than my tourist visa had allowed. I want to continue living in Spain and am in the process of obtaining a temporary residency...my question is that if I return to the US for a short (10 day) visit, and try to come back to Spain just thereafter, if it is likely that I will not be allowed re-entry at the airport.

I understand that technically I would not be permitted, but was wondering if anyone who has been in a similar situation has had success leaving and re-entering... (for what it's worth, the entry-stamp that I received from Spanish immigration is hardly visible in my passport)

 

leaving and re-entering Spain

Ok, I still haven't bought my tickets, but I have another idea.

What if I go to the U.S. from Portugal, and fly back into Portugal when I return (10 days later), then take the bus from Lisbon to Sevilla (that's where I am currently)? Perhaps at the airport in the U.S. they will not ask me for documentation on Spanish residence since I would be flying into another country?

Does anyone know if this would make a difference?

Thanks for your help, I am pretty desperate for any advice!!!

 

thanks for the reply. I have a complete understanding now of the rules for re-entry when leaving the Schengen territory. I guess the type of feedback I'm interested in receiving is perhaps along the lines of personal opinions, experiences, ideas...like maybe if someone has been in a similar situation...

has anyone been living illegaly in Spain and tried going home to a non-Schengen country, for a short stay, and then tried to re-enter Spain? If so, please let me know what happened (as a type of heads-up!!!)

Thanks in advance for any personal feedback!!!!!!!!!