Location: Helsinki, Finland
Introduction:
Yes, it’s true. We overstayed our welcome in mainland Europe and we’ve been deported. We made some incorrect assumptions about travel around the European countries. We won’t bore you with all of the details but there’s a thing called the Schengen Agreement covering 26 countries in mainland Europe that limits foreigners to 90 days during the preceding 6 months. We would have gotten away undetected if we hadn’t decided to go to Russia but as we exited Finland, their immigration officials discovered that we had already exceeded the 90 day limit by 22 days.
They were willing to let us go on to Russia if we didn’t come back but we couldn’t stay in Russia more than 72 hours without a Russian Visa, which we didn’t have. So, after some lengthy negotiations and deliberations, they agreed to let us go to Russia and then deport us upon our return. They further agreed to let us fly to the UK rather than the US, as the UK is not part of the Schengen Agreement. As a result, we won’t be visiting Finland, Lithuania and Belgium as we’d planned and we’ll forfeit several pre-paid airfares.
To their credit, the Finland Immigration authorities agreed to waive the fines that we should have paid once they realized the financial losses that we would already incur. We accept full responsibility for not paying closer attention to the rules. At the same time, we find it illogical to penalize tourists who are contributing to the local economies. Arrgghhh! In the end, we booked a flight to the United Kingdom where we’re still welcome.
Sights Visited:
We were detained in the Finnish Border Guard office for over 4 hours while they processed the deportation paperwork. Fortunately, we could access the city’s free wifi to help pass the time.
Elizabeth found the hard bench in the border guard office to be soft enough for a nap.
Food & Drink:
Once we were stamped out of Finland by the airport passport control, we were able to grab a meal at “My City Helsinki” restaurant. You’ll have to watch Anthony Bourdain’s “No Reservations” show on Finland to learn more about Finland’s food and drink.
Transportation System:
At least, we got a free ride to the airport in the back of a Border Guard van.
Shout Out:
We extend our thanks to Jukka Rettomaa, the Chief Border Guard officer on duty, for showing some empathy and allowing us to salvage our cruise to St. Petersburg.
For Your Amusement:
Here we are pouting at the beginning of our detention.
Highlights: None this time.
Next Up:
We posted this real-time. Our next two posts will be on our recent visits to Switzerland and St. Petersburg that occurred before our deportation. Then, we’ll start covering the last leg of our journey in the UK. We’ve never really spent much time in England outside of London. Now, we have our chance to explore the rest of the country.
It´s completly crazy…i am so sorry for you…you must be so disappointed. I guess it changes all your projects. So you cant return in France?
Hi Helene!
We’ve been eating our share of French, Unpasteurized cheese to make up for not actually being there! Thanks for following and we hope you like our recent video with clips from our stay with you. We will definitely be in France again…but not for at least 6 months. 🙁
I don’t recall any such agreement when I was hopping all of the
place.This must be something new. I don’t see what benefit it is
to stop tourists from coming to their country.
Well. at least now you know what it feels like to be deported.
Hi Mom,
It is a feeling we hope not to experience again! Thanks for following. We’ll see you soon.
Love, Rich and Elizabeht
Like you, I don’t understand why they would limit the amount of time you spend in Europe. Too bad about losing the prepaid airfare. The border guards seemed to have treated you well and you’ll remember Finland for a long time!
Thanks Gwen! Yes, we agree with you and that’s why the Finland guards were friendly with us throughout the whole experience. We look forward to seeing you soon!