Most of our Boundless Families are able to enjoy up to 90 visa-free days in either Sintra, Syros or Tuscany. The perfect duration for one of our 3-month Experiences. But what happens if you want to stay longer in Europe? Visas (including Digital Nomad Visas) are one option, but what if there was an easier way? Well, now there is! Boundless Life Kotor holds the key.
Before we dive into the potential options for Boundless Life families to remain in Europe for longer, let’s go back to basics.
What is the Schengen Area?
Schengen refers to the EU passport-free zone that covers most European countries. It’s the largest free travel area in the world. The ‘area’ includes Portugal (Boundless Sintra), Greece (Boundless Syros), and Italy (Boundless Tuscany).
Depending on your passport type, you may or may not need a Schengen Visa to enter the zone.
What do I need to enter the Schengen Area?
All these country’s citizens can enter on a ‘visa waiver’ basis e.g. no Schengen Visa is required. This list includes the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.
(EU passport holders have complete freedom of movement within the zone of course!).
The citizens of these countries DO require a Schengen Visa before arriving in the zone.
How long can I stay in the Schengen Area?
You are allowed to enter and travel freely within the Schengen Area, which currently* comprises 27 European countries, for short stays up to 90 days within a rolling 180-day period, primarily for tourism or business purposes.
*as of March 2024.
So, does this mean I can stay in Italy for 90 days, and then Greece for 90 days back-to-back?
Afraid not! The 90-day limit per 180 days applies to the entire Schengen Area. Your passport will only be checked when you enter and exit the zone - even if you arrive in one Schengen country and leave from another.
So, for example, if you spend a full 90 days in Italy you will need to leave the entire Schengen area for a full 90 days before you will be able to re-enter.
Oh, that’s sad! I’d love to be able to stay longer in Europe with my family 😟
Ah ha! Now we are getting to the good part…
Montenegro is NOT currently part of the Schengen Area! Many passports will qualify for stays of up to 90 days visa-free. 😃
What does this mean? It means Boundless Kotor is unlocking the potential for your family to spend even more time discovering Europe with Boundless Life!
Here are some examples of what this could look like:
- 3-Month Experience in Montenegro Jan-Mar + 3-Month Experience in Syros Apr-June.
- An entire academic year in Europe! Tuscany Sep-Nov, Montenegro Jan-Mar, and Syros Apr-June. For December, you have options! Either spend the festive period at home OR take the ultimate festive 4-Week Getaway to Boundless Bali.
- Families booking 3x 3-Month Experiences (9 months’ stay total) qualify for special discounts:
- 50% off our December Getaway (Bali, anyone?!)
- 15% off all Extracurricular Activities and our Boundless Experiences.
All of our European locations offer something unique but with the reassuring benefit of the same Boundless Life experience wherever you choose to go. This includes a consistent educational approach and curriculum across all our Education Centres.
If you are ready for a journey through Europe worthy of Odysseus get in touch! From July 2024, Kotor will be your key to unlocking the ultimate European experience for your family.
