What questions does Passport Control ask when you leave a country?

Question

I didnt get my passport stamped or scanned in a couple recent countries I've visited and I'm worried about when I leave for the US since I have no proof of how long I've been in Europe. What will they ask me? What do I have to answer by law? I am a US citizen.

Answer 1

You have 90 days in the Schengen area. As long as you haven't overstayed, they're not likely to ask you a thing, and are probably only going to stamp your passport as you head out. If they do have questions, just answer truthfully as you would do in any other country.

Answer 2

Your passport most likely was scanned.  If you are in the Schengen region, only matters when you entered the region, not your movements within it.  No real questions are asked when you leave if you have not overstayed.  If they do ask questions, you have to answer all of them truthfully, as you would have to in the US.

Answer 3

In my experience -- and I've traveled a lot -- no one ever asks you anything when you EXIT a country. It's when you enter a country that they may ask you what the purpose of your visit is (assuming you are not a citizen of that country), etc.

But since you are a US citizen returning to the US, well, as a US citizen you have the freedom to stay outside of the USA for as long as you wish -- for your entire life if you so desire.

The only thing the immigration officers at your point of entry into the US might want to say is "welcome back."

Answer 4

Don't worry about them asking you anything when you leave. It's the return trip where you'll get the 3rd degree.