
Schengen’s 90/180-Day Rule Explained
Schengen’s 90/180-day rule determines how long non-EU/EEA travelers can stay in the Schengen Zone without a visa (or on a multiple-entry Schengen visa).
Basic Rule:
•You can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period in Schengen.
• The 180-day period is a rolling window, meaning you must always count backwards 180 days from any given date to check how many days you have already used.
•The rule applies regardless of the number of entries and exits during that period.
Key Points to Remember
1. Rolling 180-Day Window
The 180-day period is not fixed (e.g., it does not reset on January 1st or July 1st). Instead, it moves with each day you stay in (or plan to enter) Schengen.
Example:
• You enter Schengen on March 1 and stay for 30 days (until March 30).
• You return on June 1 and stay for 60 days (until July 30). •Your total stay is 90 days within 180 days (March 1-July 30).
• If you leave on July 30, you must remain outside Schengen until at least September 28, when enough days (from March) fall outside the 180-day window.
2. Exiting Schengen Does NOT Reset the Count
Even if you leave Schengen, your 90-day allowance continues to be tracked within the 180-day window. You must ensure you do not exceed 90 total days within any 180-day period.
3. The Rule Applies to Visa-Free and Multiple-Entry Visa Holders
•Travelers from countries that do not require a visa (e.g., U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia) must follow the 90/180-day rule.
•Holders of a multiple-entry Schengen visa must also comply unless their visa specifies otherwise.
4. Consequences of Overstaying
• Fines
•Deportation
•Entry bans (typically 1 to 5 years)
•Difficulties obtaining future Schengen visas
Some countries (like Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland) are stricter in enforcing penalties, while others (like Spain or Greece) may be more lenient for short overstays.
How to Calculate Your Stay
Use a Schengen visa calculator (available on official EU websites) to track your days.
Quick Manual Check:
1. Look backwards 180 days from today’s date.
2. Count how many days you have already spent in Schengen during this period.
3. If the total is less than 90 days, you can stay until you reach 90.
4. If you’ve used 90 days, you must leave and wait until earlier days fall outside the 180-day window before re-entering.
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