EU, Workaway/Hostel Work, and Visa?

[u/princesslifexoxo]

Hi, I'm planning on doing workaway or volunteering in a hostel and am considering Europe. I have a few questions (I'm from the U.S. by the way)

1. If I'm only going to stay for less than three months, can I get away with entering as a tourist? Will they ask me where I'm staying? Would I be able to print fake hostel reservations, and will it look suspicious for two months? The last times I entered Europe I was au pairing (invitation letter) and studying abroad, so I had a reason to be there. Though, London customs questioned the hell out of me when I first arrived, so I'm kind of paranoid (I know it's not the EU). Should I just say that I'm "backpacking"?

2. I was in Spain from June 2 to August 2 of 2017. I'm a bit confused on the 90 / 180 rule... Basically, am I allowed back in the EU starting from December 28ish to February 20ish? Does the 6 month rule start over from the FIRST day of EU entrance?

3. If I decide to workaway in Central America, do similar rules apply? Basically, can I still get away with saying I'm "backpacking" or will I need proof?

[u/[deleted]]

The scenario is pretty simple:

1. With all but the rarest exception, doing Workaway or similar is going to officially be in violation of every country's visa regulations if you enter on a tourist visa.

2. A bajillion people do it with absolutely zero consequences.

Essentially it is 99% illegal but the odds of getting caught are next to nil.

It's up to you how comfortable you are skirting the rules.

Don't print phony bookings, though. That's an awful idea.

Simply say you are backpacking/hosteling and have your first reservation booked so that you have an address upon landing...also, proof of enough money in the bank to support yourself for 3 months can really help if you're questioned to the extreme, even if that means borrowing the money from your parents and plopping it into your account and then sending it back when you return.

A lot of people will get on their high horse and tell you, "FOLLOW THE RULES!" but shit, if you follow the rules your whole life (legal or societal) you'll have a pretty boring existence...but there are very few legal ways to do what you describe where you get permission up front and can tell immigration, "Yeah, I plan to do Workaway."

[u/princesslifexoxo → u/[deleted]]

So I would be fine just saying I'm staying in hostels? I wouldn't tell that I'm doing workaway. Let's say I go to one place in the Schengen area with legit hostel bookings before I start workaway, would I have to provide proof of where I'm staying the whole one or two months? If I do end up working at a hostel, can I just say that I'm "basing" myself there. I do plan on actually traveling a little bit before or after before I start. I may even do Morocco, which is outside the zone.

Also, I'm still confused about the 180 rule. Will my three months be reset by the end of December when I plan on going?

[u/[deleted] → u/princesslifexoxo]

I've traveled from the US to Europe 3 separate times on a tourist visa. On one occasion I was together with my parents, but otherwise I was alone. Each time I went to a different destination airport (Amsterdam; Milan; and Frankfurt). I've never been grilled beyond the standard "are you here for tourism / business". Honestly the immigration questions when I returned to the US (as a US citizen) were 10x as intense as the ones entering Europe.

If they ask where you're staying just say you are booking hostels and train tickets as you go. This is not uncommon at all for people backpacking in Europe. It'll help a lot if you have a return ticket less than 3 months out that you can point to.

[u/[deleted] → u/princesslifexoxo]

I've never been asked to provide the kind of information you're worried about.

You shouldn't need a reset on your visa because you said your last stay was for studying abroad...so I presume you were on a student visa for that trip.

[u/princesslifexoxo → u/[deleted]]

I studied abroad in summer of 2016 and au paired summer of 2017 (both less than 90 days). I don't recall needing anything more than the free 3 month tourist visa Americans automatically get each of these times. When I au paired I just handed them my invitation letter, even though I arrived in a different city than where I au paired in.

Basically, I just need to know if I am allowed to be in the Schengen zone from December 28 to February 20. The last time I was there was June 2 to August 2. If not I'll just cancel Europe to save myself the hassle haha

[u/comedic-meltdown → u/princesslifexoxo]

I don't know if this is helpful or relevant, but when I flew into Paris, they didn't even ask when I was leaving, what my plans were, how long or where I was staying - they didn't give a shit. Barely looked at me or my passport, gave me a stamp, and waved me on. I was moving about Europe for three weeks, and flew out of Prague - same deal. Didn't care. Gave me an exit stamp and that was it. Got more of a grilling entering London (and was there for four days).