SPIEGEL INTERVIEW WITH EU JUSTICE COMMISSIONER

[Eagle]

David, that's interesting and very relevant information for all of us here! With the computer networking available these days, it shouldn't be difficult to keep track of entry & exit of visitors from the various EU countries.

Of course, I suppose the big question is how much it would cost to implement such a system? The first scenario that comes to mind is the ridiculous data system that was developed for our gun registry here. It was supposed to cost a few hundred million dollars, but the actual cost is now well over a billion, and the darn thing still isn't working right!

[WillTravel]

You can combine the UK, Europe in the Schengen zone, and Europe out of the Schengen zone if you want to stay more than 90 days, but you'll have to be mindful of the total limits for each.

[Eagle]

As I recall, the rules state that visitors must spend a minimum amount of time outside the Schengen zone before they are eligible to return. I can't recall the details though, so would have to check.

[Eagle]

David, I've been thinking about this "Entry / Exit" control system and I'm wondering what the motivation might be for this??? All countries seem to be clamoring for tourist dollars these days, so it would seem counter productive to limit the length of time that tourists can stay. If there was (for example) a six month rule, I'm sure tourists would be spending their dollars in one of the Schengen countries.

I suppose for the very wealthy, there's always going to be a "loophole" to allow them to stay as long as they want.

Will have to ponder this some more.

Cheers!