Do I need a Visa?

Given that the AUD$ is doing so well against the EU$ these days, Europe seems to be the most logical place to go.

I’ve been doing some reading of European travel, and the Schengen Agreement only allows travel for Australian’s for up to 90 days. Once the 90 day period expires, you must spend at least 90 following days outside of the Schengen zone before you can gain re-entry.

This kind of sucks when you are trying to plan a long-term travel experience. But, if I plan the trip out right, it should be fine, since there are plenty of countries in the EU that aren’t in the Schengen Agreement (yet).

For example: I’ve found that there are several visas I am eligible for in the UK. Which means I can live and work anywhere in the UK for a couple of years, using it as my base for a long-term travel adventure.

These are my options:

• Youth Mobility Visa — 2 year working visa for those aged 18 – 30
• Highly Skilled Visa — 3 year working visa for those who meet the criteria (my degree means that I do… yay!)

I think I will go for the Youth Mobility Visa (YMV), since I am only 2 years off 30 anyway, might as well go for it now. I can always get a highly skilled visa another time.

The YMV is only awarded within 3 months of the intended travel date, so I guess the next step is to decide when to go!