Schengen 90/180 Rule - How Long Can I Stay in Europe? (2024)

Holders of Schengen visas are entitled to visit their primary destination and other countries in the Schengen Area without the need for individual visas. Every year, millions of non-EU citizens head toward Europe for different reasons. But, whether you plan to enter Europe for tourism, work, or study purposes, it is important that every traveler understands the concept of the 90/180 rule.

Understanding the complexity of the 90/180 rule is essential for planning extended visits, ensuring compliance with visa requirements, and avoiding potential penalties or immigration issues.

What Is the 90/180 Day Rule?

The 90/180-day rule is a Schengen policy that applies to non-EU/EEA nationals visiting the Schengen Area. This rule determines the maximum amount of time such individuals can spend within the Schengen Area during a specific period. As such, the 90/180-day rule exists to monitor short-stay visitors to make sure that no one overstays in the Schengen countries and ends up staying illegally.

Does the 90/180-Day Rule Apply to All EU Countries?

The 90/180-day rule applies to all 29 member states of the Schengen Area only. This includes the following EU countries:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Czechia
• Croatia
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

How Long Can I Stay in Europe According to the 90/180 Rule?

According to the 90/180-day rule, non-EU/EEA nationals can stay in EU member states of the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. The rule applies to cumulative stays within the Schengen Area and is calculated backward from the date of entry. It means that once you enter the Schengen Area, you can stay for up to 90 days within a rolling 180-day period.

How Does the 90/180 Day Rule Work?

The 90-day part of the rule is fairly simple— you’re only allowed to stay in the Schengen Area for 90 days from when you enter. So, let’s say you entered the Schengen zone on January 1st of 2022; you’re allowed to stay for only 90 days from that date until 31 March 2022. The same logic applies to any calendar year, as long as you count your 90 days correctly.

The 180-day portion of the rule is the most confusing for most visitors, and many get it wrong, resulting in them overstaying. The 180 days are calculated as a rolling period which you can count backward from your entry or exit date in the Schengen. Basically, count back 180 days and see how many of those days you’ve spent in the Schengen zone; if you’re over 90 days, you’ve broken the 90/180-day rule.

You can correctly calculate the number of days in the Schengen area by using the Schengen short-stay visa calculator.

Who Does the 90/180 Day Rule Affect?

The 90/180 rule affects non-European Union (EU) and non-European Economic Area (EEA) nationals who can enter the Schengen Area without a visa and individuals with a multiple-entry Schengen visa that is valid for more than 90 days. The rule also applies to nationals of countries eligible for ETIAS once it launches in May 2025.

The 90/180 rule does not apply to European Union citizens, citizens of European Economic Area countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), or citizens of Switzerland.

How Do I Calculate My 90 Days?

Here is how you can calculate your 90-day limit within the Schengen Area, to have a better understanding of the 90/180-day rule.

Can I Visit More Than One European Country During My 90-Day Visit to the Schengen Area?

Yes, you can visit multiple European countries during your 90-day visit to the Schengen Area. However, it is important to keep in mind that the 90-day limit applies to the cumulative total of your stay in the entire Schengen Area.

This means that, as you travel between countries, the days spent in each country count towards the 90-day limit. So, manage your time to ensure that the total number of days in different EU countries does not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period.

Do I Need to Reapply for a New Schengen Visa if I Want to Enter the Schengen Area Again?

If your visa is still valid, you don’t need to re-apply for a Schengen visa. However, you need to keep in mind the following things:

• If you’ve used your 90 days consecutively, i.e., spend a total of 90 days from the moment you entered the Schengen area within the zone within a 180-day period— you need to wait another 90 days before you can re-enter.
• If you haven’t used your 90 days completely within a 180-day period, you can re-enter the Schengen zone and stay for the remaining days without applying for another visa as long as it is still valid.

*You need to reapply for a new Schengen Visa only after your previous Schengen Visa has expired to be allowed entry into the Schengen Area.

Do I Have to Stay for 90 Consecutive Days?

No, you do not have to stay in the Schengen Area for 90 consecutive days. The 90-day limit refers to the maximum cumulative duration of your stay within any 180-day period. It does not require you to stay continuously for the full 90 days.

This means that you can stay for a few days, then leave the Schengen area and enter again, as long as you don’t overstay 90 days within a 180-day period. However, if you stay for 90 days consecutively, you can’t enter the Schengen area again until 90 days have passed.

Can I Stay in Europe for 6 Months?

No, if your Schengen visa is valid for a duration of 90 days, you cannot stay in Europe for 6 months. You can stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period, which people consider a “six-month” period, but your visa is still valid for only 90 days.

However, if you plan to stay in Europe for 6 months or longer, you would generally need to obtain a long-stay visa or a residence permit from a specific Schengen country.

What Happens When I Have Used Up My 90 Days?

Once you have used up your maximum allowed stay of 90 days within the 180-day period in the Schengen Area, you must leave the Schengen Area and remain outside for at least 90 consecutive days before you can re-enter again.

The 90/180-day rule is strictly enforced, and exceeding the maximum stay allowed can have consequences. This is why it’s important to know how the 90/180 days rule functions to avoid unintentional overstays.

What Are the Penalties for Overstaying in the Schengen Area?

Overstaying in the Schengen Area, exceeding the maximum allowed stay under the 90/180-day rule, can lead to various penalties and consequences, such as:

• Immediate deportation. If you overstay and are caught by immigration authorities, you may be subject to deportation (being removed from the country by the authorities) to your home country.
• Overstaying your authorized period can result in financial penalties. The amount of the fine may vary depending on the country and the duration of the overstay.
• Possible ban from the Schengen area. You may be prohibited from re-entering the Schengen Area for a certain period of time. The length of the ban can vary depending on the seriousness of the overstay.

Do I Need to Follow the 90/180 Day Rule in all European Countries?

The 90/180-day rule does not apply to Ireland and the following countries that have yet to join the Schengen area:

• Cyprus

Tips on the 90/180-Day Rule

Here are some tips on the 90/180-day rule to help you navigate the 90/180-day rule effectively during your visit to the Schengen Area:

• Familiarize yourself with the 90/180-day rule.
• Keep track of entry and exit dates to calculate your days in the Schengen Area.
• Divide your time between countries to maximize your 90-day limit.
• Maintain records of travel history as evidence of compliance.
• Regularly check entry dates and calculate days spent within the Schengen Area.
• Take advantage of visa-free agreements between countries.
• Explore options for longer stays, and apply for a long-stay visa or residence permit if needed.
• Refer to embassy or consulate websites for up-to-date visa requirements.