U.S. citizen re-entering Spain as tourist after student visa expires — anyone done this?
Hi everyone,
I’m a U.S. citizen currently studying in Spain with a student visa that expires on July 15.
I will be leaving the Schengen Area before it expires and staying in Albania from June 30–July 25. My plan is to fly back to Madrid on July 25 and then fly from Spain back to the U.S. on July 26 (so I would only be in Spain for one night).
Here’s where I’m confused: when I went to the foreigners office in Spain, the man there told me that after my student visa/TIE expires, I cannot re-enter Spain as a tourist for 90 days. He said because I’m not renewing my visa, I also cannot get a regreso.
But from everything I’ve read online, U.S. citizens can usually enter Schengen as tourists for 90/180 days after a student stay ends, especially if they leave Schengen first.
Has anyone actually experienced this situation???
Were you able to re-enter Spain as a tourist after your student visa expired?
I keep getting very mixed information and would really appreciate hearing real experiences. Thank you!