I write today seeking advice for a British friend of mine who is currently visiting Portugal and seems poised to exceed the standard 90-day visa-free stay for UK citizens within the Schengen zone.
Despite my advice, he seems rather nonchalant about the issue, thinking it won't pose a problem for him. However, I'm quite concerned about the possible repercussions he might face, such as penalties or a ban on re-entering the Schengen area.
So, I was hoping if anyone here could share their knowledge or experiences on the matter:
- Do Portuguese immigration officials routinely check the passport stamps upon departure?
- Are they strict about the 90-day rule and do they impose severe penalties for overstays?
- Are UK citizens, in particular, at a risk of a ban from re-entering the Schengen zone in case of overstays?
Any insights you could provide on this matter would be immensely helpful.