I live in the US and am going to Spain in January to study at a language school for 3 months in Malaga.  I would like to travel a little after that.  According to the Spanish Consulate in L.A., I probably would not be able to get a visa (they say it will take 4-6 months) before I leave.

What happens to me if I stay longer than 90 days without a visa?  Is there some way to avoid a problem?

Thanks!

nan,
what is your citizenship?

Sorry - I’m a US citizen.

thanks

nan,
us passport holders, can enter spain without a visa and stay for 90 per semester.
if you stay longer than that and the police happens to ask you your documentation and sees your overstaying your visa waiver, they have the obligation to start the process por your eventual deportation. when you receive the deportation order the judge may order your arrest or give you 15 days to leave the country. either way you are banned from entering the country for a period of time.

Thanks so much for the information!