Schengen entry ban - is there something you could do about it?
- Mar 11
- 1 min read
It is no secret the Estonian Police and Border Guard like to give lengthy Schengen entry bans without hesitation when it comes to for example overstays.
Often this is done automatically without any consideration, at least it appears so.
There have been some recent court cases in Estonia that have highlighted the fact that Schengen entry bans should not be given out lightly. Every case needs to be considered based on their circumstances and entry bans are usually grounded when there is a clear threat to the safety or public order of a member state. Just being careless about counting the allowed days of staying in a ember state is not a sufficient ground. Just fulfilling the obligation to leave the Schengen area should be considered enough.
What if a ban has been given out already? Estonian laws allow to apply for changing the term of the ban or shortening it - the application should be made to the Police and Border Guard. In light of the case law these application could be successful.
In case you need assistance, please contact us at info@expatlegalestonia.com
This post really clarified how entry bans can sometimes feel arbitrary, which hit home for me, I once miscalculated my allowed days and panicked. I ended up researching options and even considered having someone take my online class for me while handling the paperwork, which gave me time to focus on the application itself. Seeing that bans can be reviewed case by case made me realize it’s worth carefully presenting your circumstances rather than assuming the decision is final.