Extended stay in Finland for frustrated US Citizen...

[PennyC]

Just had a rather frustrating phone call w/ the Finnish embassy in Washington DC. I called to inquire about staying in Finland for 6 months on an extended tourist visa. I don't wish to work or study; simply to spend time with a family member in need. The agent told me that no such visa exists, and that there was no use in requesting a stay beyond the usual 90 days in 6 months tourist visa. She said I should try the migration bureau. I find this extremely hard to believe - how do, for example, retirees who travel throughout Europe for months on end get visas? Is it possible I was misinformed? Should I try an alternative channel? Any insights are welcome. Thank you!

[archigabe]

It might be possible for you to leave finland for another E.U country for a day at the end of three months and re-enter to restart the clock.

[Dawie]

It might be possible for you to leave finland for another E.U country for a day at the end of three months and re-enter to restart the clock.

That won't work because the OP will still be in violation of the 90 days in 6 months rule, no matter how many times she leaves Finland or the EU.

Penny, calling the Finnish embassy in Washington won't help, they can only help American citizens in America. If you are already in Finland then, as they say, you need to contact the migration bureau within Finland. They deal with migration issues for foreigners who already IN Finland. You might find someone sympathetic to your problem, but don't count on it.

Unfortunately the American government's treatment of foreigners in America hasn't done any favours for Americans in foreign countries.