Staying in Schengen beyond work VISA for tourism

I have a 10 month work VISA to stay in Poland until a certain date (I am a US citizen). I was thinking of leaving Poland just days prior to the expiration- but then going to a few other Schengen countries and spend some of that hard earned money. But my work Visa will by then be expired.

Can you get a simple 90 day tourist VISA after your work VISA and how?

Just to be clear- my work VISA is for Poland, but I will be staying in other EU countries after it expires. Then I will go back to the US.

Thanks

I don't know how this differs to Australian VISAs but my housemate has to leave Schengen to go to the UK, but she is flying out and back in on the same day. She is however working in Poland but doesn't have a visa, and we have been told this is ok foor her to leave and return so quickly as it was organised for her by the company.

I would think that the same would apply to you?

What terrible advice she has been given! It used to be possible - but now that Poland has joined Schengen, the 'any 90 days in every 180 day period' rule applies for tourist visa waivers - the clock isn't reset by simply going to the UK and back. I'd strongly recommends she receives professional help - she runs a real risk of being refused re-entry if she does a trip to the UK and back. My company deals with this sort of thing - lindenia.net


Yes - you can. There's a provision in Schengen law that means that after a visa has expired, *if* you are entitled to the 90 day visa free period, then you can travel freely as a tourist. If you need more information, feel free to contact me.

Thank you so much! I'll pass the info on, she is very scared at the possibility of ending up in England with nothing but a piece of hand luggage.

Cheers! :)

The problem is that she'll probably be readmitted (the rules are clear - you're allowed 90 days in every 180 day period, starting from the first day of entry) - but she won't 'reset' the clock and will start to overstay her tourist stamp. Or of course, if she's in her final week, they'll see this and may very well refuse entry if it's obvious that she's trying a 'visa run'.

The most important advice I can give is that she needs to sort it out - if she gets found out for overstaying, then a ban from the entire Schengen zone will follow - which isn't nice!

stupid website>> look at the list of Schengen countries schengenvisa.cc updated March 09, but gee didnt PL join in Dec 07??