How to Get Tourist VISA

Hi A question I am sure has been asked many times before how do we get a tourist visa so we can stay for 9 weeks.ThanksKevin - @kevinfutter

Hi Kevin,

Yes, this question has been asked at least one thousand times LOL.

First of all, you do not have to get a tourist visa to stay for 9 weeks. Just stay for the 9 weeks and leave. No one will come searching for you. You will not be arrested and placed in jail at the airport. This is not America! You are European. You are allowed to enter visa-free. When you leave, the very worst thing that could happen is that you are asked to pay a fine which could be €25 to €50 for overstaying the 30 days. If you stay longer, lets say, a couple of years without a visa, the find could reach €150. And you can return anytime you please. Your past overstay will not be held against you. You will be welcomed back with open arms and a smile, no matter how many times you overstay. They simply want you here and paying your euros...after all, it's a poor country.

Of course, if you insist on officially extending your tourist visa, you will have to do the following:

1) Wait until AFTER the 30 days has expired; if you try to renew before the 30 days are up, they will send you off to return another day. You cannot apply for an extension if you already have a visa in effect.

2)  Gather: a) your passport AND a copy of your passport ID page; b) your return flight reservation or ticket (you don't need an actual ticket as sometimes you don't really know your return date...just a reservation is sufficient even if you might change the travel date later); c) proof that you have a place to stay such as your hotel reservation; d) a bank or credit card statement showing that you are a rich European with money to burn.

3) Take those documents to the DEF (immigration division of the police department) and indicate that you wish to extend your vistors visa. Full out the form they give you and submit with your documents. And pay the fee of €25.

4) You may be told to return to get the extension stamped in your passport, so be prepared to leave a contact number where you can be reached (although they will never call).

Which island will you be visiting? Be aware, that if it is Sal, you will be treated roughly and rudely by the DEF officers. I think they take a delight in making tourists feel uncomfortable. So ask yourself this: "Would I prefer to gather all these documents, pay €25, be roughed up by the immigration police, and have to keep going back to see if my visa extension is ready, OR, would I rather just pay the €25 when I leave and not be bothered with all this useless bureaucracy? Personally, based on their behavior, I think that DEF would rather you just pay the fine at the airport instead of giving them so much work to do processing all your documents just for a simple visa extension.

Best regards,

Angelo

Thanks for taking the time to reply sounds like the relax and enjoy holiday and leave is the route to take.

thanks