90 days visit visa exit date

Schengen Visa Calculator

Schengen calculator.

• The Schengen visa calculator is a tool allowing you to find out how much time is left on your visa and determine if you are in compliance with the ’90 days/180-day’ rule.
• You can access our Schengen calculator online on our website on every page.

To use the Schengen calculator:

• Enter your “ Date of Entry ” in the Schengen area, followed by “ Date of Exit ” in the second box.
• Click “ Calculate ”. The boxes will display the “ No. of Days ” on your trip, the number of days in your “ Schengen Days Calculation ”, and (if applicable) the number of “ Overstay Days ”.
• If you are considering a multiple-entry visa, you can click “ Add ” to enter the entry and exit days for another trip.
• For example, if you input the entry date 01/01/2021 (January 1 st , 2021) and the exit date 30/04/2021 (April 30 th , 2021) in the calculator, the result will read: “No. of Days”: 120, Schengen Days Calculation: 120 of 90 days, Overstay Days: 30. Because you are only allowed to spend 90 days in the Schengen area, and your proposed stay is for 120 days, it would result in you overstaying your visa by 30 days.
• Armed with this information, you can then alter your trip accordingly so that your intended visit does not result in you overstaying your visa.

Please note, do not take for granted from the resulting calculation that you will be allowed to stay in the Schengen area during the period it describes. The calculator is not an official source/authority for Schengen stays, it is merely a guide. 

Overstaying Your Schengen Visa   

• It’s up to you to make sure that you do not overstay your short-term Schengen visa. This can be more complicated than you would think, especially if you possess a multiple-entry visa and are entering and exiting the Schengen area more than twice throughout your visa validity period.
• You must not stay more than 90 days .
• You must not stay past the “UNTIL” date on your visa sticker .
• These two principles can occasionally be in conflict, especially if you have a multiple-entry visa. When you are making multiple entries to the Schengen area, it can be confusing to remember how much time you have actually spent in the area.
• At some point, you may find yourself in a situation where you have more days left on your visa (i.e. your total time spent in the Schengen area is under 90 days) but are nearing your necessary date of departure. In all cases whatsoever, however, you must leave the Schengen area on or before your prescribed “UNTIL” date located on your visa sticker- even if you have spent under 90 days in the Schengen area.
• Because of this, it is critical that you know how to read your visa sticker and are aware of the date you need to exit the Schengen area.
• Please note, you are not required to enter the Schengen area on the exact “From” date on your visa sticker. However, please keep in mind that if you enter the Schengen area on a date following the “From” date, the day you truly entered the area will become your true date of entry, and your reference point for determining how many days you have stayed in the area (and how many days you have left on your visa).
• the period of time on your visa sticker between “FROM…UNTIL” often exceeds 90 days (DURATION OF STAY). This is intended to allow you to better plan your dates of arrival and departure to/from the Schengen area/territory. It does NOT mean that your visa is valid for that entire period-i.e. for more than 90 days.

Schengen visa calculator: The 90/180 rule

• If you have a short-stay Schengen visa, you may not stay in the Schengen area for more than 90 days within a 180-day period; this principle is commonly known as the 90/180 rule, and it applies to everyone who has a short-stay Schengen visa-without exception.
• This rule is easily understood in connection with single-entry Schengen visas. If, for example, you have a single-entry Schengen visa, and you enter the Schengen area on January 1 st , 2020, you must leave the Schengen area on or before March 30 th , 2020; a period of 90 days.
• You must be particularly mindful of the 90/180 rule if you have a multiple-entry Schengen visa. For example, say you have a multiple-entry Schengen visa that is valid FROM January 1 st, 2023 UNTIL June 30 th , 2023. Say you stay in the Schengen area for 30 days after entering, leave, return to the area after 50 days, stay for 15, and leave again for 100 days. Technically, you will have only spent 45 days in the Schengen area, well under the 90-day limitation. However, because your visa validity end date (next to “UNTIL” on your visa) is June 30 th , 2020, you will have exceeded your visa validity period, and you cannot re-enter the Schengen area with the same visa.
• The 90/180 rule also applies to people who would seek to get another Schengen visa once their first visa expires (i.e. in order to stay longer than 90 days). This rule has the practical effect of preventing people from forming a kind of long-term Schengen visa out of multiple short-term ones. Say, for example, that you have a Schengen visa valid for 90 days within a 6-month period, and you spend 90 days in the Schengen area. If you attempt to get a new Schengen visa after staying 90 days within that 180-day period, you must wait until the rest of your original 180-day period has expired (it began from your day of first entry) so that when you receive your new visa, you will begin a new period of 180 days.
• A good way of making sure you do not overstay your multiple entry visa is by referencing the entry/exit stamps in your passport, which will be stamped with the date every time you enter and exit the Schengen area.
• Monetary fine.
• Instant deportation.
• Multi-year ban from the Schengen area.
• You will likely be denied a Schengen visa the next time you try to apply for one. In determining whether or not to grant you a Schengen visa, your consulate will look at your past history to determine if you have ever overstayed your Schengen visa. All information pertaining to your Schengen visa history is stored in the Schengen Information System (SIS). Therefore, overstaying a Schengen visa will almost certainly negatively affect any future Schengen visas you apply for.

Schengen Visa Calculator FAQs:

How do i calculate my schengen days.

To calculate your Schengen days, follow these steps:

Determine the start date of your Schengen visa or the date you entered the Schengen area if you are visa-exempt.

Count each day that you are physically present in any Schengen country, including the day you arrived and the day you depart.

Exclude days when you are in a country that is not part of the Schengen area.

If you have multiple entries and exits, make sure to include all of the days you were present in the Schengen area, even if you left and returned later.

Do not count days when you are transiting through a Schengen country without leaving the airport.

If you have a multiple-entry Schengen visa, make sure you do not exceed the maximum number of days allowed in any 180-day period.

How are Schengen visa days counted?

Schengen visa days are counted in the same way as Schengen days for visa-exempt travelers. Here are the key things to keep in mind when counting Schengen visa days:

Your Schengen visa will have a validity period, which is the period during which you can enter the Schengen area. This validity period is typically indicated on the visa sticker in your passport.

Once you enter the Schengen area, you can stay for a certain number of days, which is also indicated on the visa sticker. This is known as the “duration of stay” or “maximum stay”.

To calculate your Schengen visa days, you should start counting from the day you enter the Schengen area, including that day. The last day of your allowed stay is the day before the visa expires.

You can leave and re-enter the Schengen area during the validity period of your visa, but you must make sure that you do not exceed the maximum number of days allowed during any 180-day period.

If you have a multiple-entry visa, each time you enter the Schengen area, the clock starts again on the maximum number of days you can stay.

Keep in mind that if you overstay your Schengen visa, you may face serious consequences, such as being fined, deported, or banned from entering the Schengen area in the future.

It’s important to keep track of your Schengen visa days and plan your travels accordingly to avoid any issues.

If you are applying for a Schengen Visa, Travel Medical Insurance is mandatory. To simplify your application process, Insurte, partners with leading European Insurance Companies operating under EU regulations provide Travel Medical Insurances. If you wish to proceed, please click below:

Schengen Visa Calculator

The Schengen Area agreement permits non-EU passport holders entry to the region for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This tool ensures you have not, or will not, overstay your 90-day allowance.

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About Schengen Calc

The Schengen Area is an area comprising 26 European states that have officially abolished passport and all other types of border control at their mutual borders. Twenty-two of the twenty-eight European Union (EU) member states participate in the Schengen Area. The law permits non-EU residents to enter for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Read more on Wikipedia .

By entering your trip details above, this calculator will determine whether you have / will stay more than the allowed 90 days within any 180-day period.

About The Creator

I'm Shane Reustle and I created Schengen Calc after struggling to quickly calculate my total stay duration after multiple trips around Europe. I hope you find the tool useful!

Schengen Calculator

Online tool for planning trips to the Schengen Zone in accordance with the 90/180 days rule.

• Click on dates to add your past and/or future trips
• The number below the date indicates how many days you can stay in the Schengen Zone as of that date
• Be mindful of the date showing '0' days remaining - your latest departure date should be the day prior to it.
• To delete a trip click on it and press the 'Trash' icon next to the month name.
• For your convenience, all your trips are stored locally in your browser. This means you'll find all your information ready for review or further editing when you return to the page.

Understanding the 90/180 Days Rule: Calculating Your Allowed Stay Length Correctly

The 90/180 day rule says that visitors are allowed a maximum stay of 90 days within any given 180-day period. Despite its seemingly straightforward definition, accurately calculating your allowed stay length under this rule can prove quite challenging, and often it isn't as intuitive as it appears.

Let's unpack this with a practical example:

Assume you've been traveling in the Schengen Area from January 1 to February 28, a total of 59 days. You plan to re-enter the Schengen zone on June 1. At first glance, you might believe that you've spent 59 days in the area within the preceding 180-day period, leaving you with 31 days for your upcoming stay. However, this is a misconception.

In reality, if you enter on June 1, you can remain for up to 90 days without contravening the 90/180 rule. This is because the 180-day window moves dynamically with your stay, causing days from your earlier visit to start falling outside this period. Thus, as you stay, one day is added while another day drops out of this window, maintaining a balance. It's as if you're on a seesaw, where within every rolling 180-day period from the day of your stay, you've spent exactly 90 days in the Schengen Area, but not more. This means that your stay may actually extend longer than you initially thought.

The Schengen Calculator is a tool that ensures you don't breach the 90/180-day rule during your future stay. It does this by finding the longest possible period under the rule and displays this information under the corresponding date in the calendar. This tool makes it significantly easier to plan your travels without worrying about unintentionally violating the 90/180 rule. Keywords: 90/180 day rule, calculating stay length, Schengen Area, Schengen Calculator, travel rules, maximum stay, stay planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the schengen 90/180 days rule work.

The 90/180 days rule in the Schengen area means that non-EEA visitors can only stay for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. It's important to understand that this 180-day window is continuously moving, as it shifts forward one day at a time. This means that to determine your remaining days allowed in the Schengen area, you cannot simply subtract the number of days spent within the last 180 days from 90 on the date of entry. Instead, you must consider how the moving 180-day window affects your total days spent in the Schengen area for each day of your planned stay. The length of your stay is determined by finding the longest period of consequtive days in which you have not exceeded the 90/180 days rule. Calculating the remaining days under the 90/180 days rule in the Schengen area can be quite challenging to do in your head, given the nature of the rolling 180-day window. Fortunately, there's a helpful tool called the Schengen 90/180 days calculator that simplifies this process. This free online tool automatically accounts for the moving window and helps you accurately determine your remaining days in the Schengen area, ensuring you stay compliant with the 90/180 days rule.

I see that allowed days can change rapidly on two near dates. Why it is so?

It is possible that on one date the number of allowed days is, lets say 50, but on the next day it can become 90. This happens because starting from next day one of your past trips could completely stop affecting your stay length. Because 180 days window is moving with your stay, days from past trip start to fall out of it. So, one day is added, one is deducted, the total stays the same and past trip with all its days is no longer adding "counted" days.

How can I check that the number of days is correct? I did the calculation by myself and got different result.

You can proof check the result using Official EU calculator: https://ec.europa.eu/assets/home/visa-calculator/calculator.htm

SCHENGEN VISA CALCULATOR

90/180 days rule – calculate your legal short-stay days in schengen area, – schengen calculator..

For visa-free visitors, duration of stay in the Schengen countries is up to 90 days over 180 days in retrospect. If you frequently visit these countries, in order to avoid a nightmare you have to check whether you have violated the EU requirement for a maximum of 90 days, considering the last 180 days. Schengen Visa Calculator helps you plan and control your travels without visa overstay. Calculate how long you can stay in Schengen area without visa overstay, if you are a visa-free visitor. Visa Calculator Overstaying Schengen visa can result in a number of consequences: unpleasant interviews, fines, deportation, entry ban. Visa Calculator helps you count your travel days and informs your number of remaining days in Schengen area without overstay.

Please enter your last six months of travel dates to the Schengen countries in chronological order while you plan your next visits.

Date of Entry

Date of exit, days of stay, days of stay in the last 180 day, last day to stay.

You can use Schengen Visa Calculator in all countries where “90/180 days” rule exist. Easy to use and reliable Schengen calculator

Schengen Visa Calculator helps all third-country nationals (TCNs) to check their status and travel plans within the 90/180-day rule.

Schengen Visa Calculator also helps for all wishing States to monitor and record electronically all their visitors' entries and exits on border gates according to the Entry Exit System (EES).

Reminder: The calculator is a helping tool only, it does not constitute a right to stay for a period resulting from its calculation. It is always for the Member States’ competent authorities (in particular for the border guards) to implement the provisions and make a decision on the length of the authorised stay or on the overstay.

As a result of calculations if you have noticed any technical inconvenience or error in the website, and/or your valuable suggestions on developments your reports to schengenstay [@] gmail.com will be appreciated.

Schengen map and the Schengen States

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Schengen Visa Calculator (90/180)

Service description:, inside/outside country, how to use:.

• A passenger who has not previously visited UAE with a Schengen visa:
• The (Outside Country) option must be used, the date of the planned visit.
• Enter the planned entry and departure date to calculate the length of stay for each visit, and to know the remaining of the 90 days.
• A traveller who previously visited UAE with a Schengen visa during the past 180 days:
• The (Outside Country) option must be used to record the date of the next visit.
• Enter the date of entry and departure during the 180-day period preceding the date of the planned visit, in order to know the remaining period of the 90 days, so that he can visit and stay in UAE without exceeding the allowed stay period.
• A traveller who entered UAE with a Schengen visa and wants to know the allowed stay period:
• The (Inside Country) option must be used.
• Enter the date of entry and date of departure within the 180-day period preceding the date of entry, in addition to the current date of entry and then enter the date of planned departure, in order to know the remaining period of the 90 days, and to ensure that the allowed stay period is not exceeded.

For more information, please contact us

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• Immigration

Schengen 90/180 Rule Explained

Imagine a travel chessboard, where each move requires careful planning and precision. that's exactly what navigating the schengen 90/180 rule is like for non-eu citizens eager to explore europe's splendors. the rule is your itinerary's best friend and quite possibly, a complex challenge to grasp fully. designed to keep short-term visits just that, this pivotal policy helps both adventurers and authorities ensure that stays within this zone are joyful and legally sound..

Key Takeaways:

• Schengen 90/180 rule applies to non-EU citizens, limiting stays to specific periods to prevent overstaying.
• Understanding this rule is crucial to avoid visa violations , penalties, and immigration complications.
• Compliance with the 90/180 rule is vital for planning extended stays or visits to Schengen countries.

Are you dreaming of sipping espresso in an Italian piazza, exploring the art-laden streets of Paris, or navigating the scenic fjords of Norway? If a European adventure is on your horizon, there’s a crucial piece of the puzzle you’ll need to fit in place before you pack your bags—the Schengen 90/180 rule. This regulation could very well be the invisible line between a memorable journey and an unexpected hurdle, as it dictates how long you can stay and roam freely within the enchanting borders of the Schengen Area, which encompasses many European countries.

Imagine a travel chessboard, where each move requires careful planning and precision. That’s exactly what navigating the Schengen 90/180 rule is like for non-EU citizens eager to explore Europe’s splendors. The rule is your itinerary’s best friend and quite possibly, a complex challenge to grasp fully. Designed to keep short-term visits just that, this pivotal policy helps both adventurers and authorities ensure that stays within this zone are joyful and legally sound.

So, whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or a first-time visitor with your eyes set on the old continent’s rich culture and history, understanding this rule is your first step toward a hassle-free European escapade. Let’s dive into the details and make sure your European journey is as smooth as a glide down the Venetian canals.

Understanding the Schengen 90/180 Rule

Navigating the regulations for visiting the Schengen Area is crucial for all non-EU travelers. The Schengen visa permits tourists, students, and business professionals to travel to their main destination and explore other Schengen countries without getting separate visas for each, under the 90/180 rule. Each year, millions of people from outside the EU leverage this opportunity for diverse purposes.

What Is the Schengen 90/180 Rule?

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Finland blue card: requirements and application guide, finland work visa: requirements, application process, and faqs.

This rule stipulates that:

• You can stay 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Zone.

Comprehending this rule is vital for several reasons:

• Long-Term Planning: It helps in planning out lengthy visits across Europe.
• Compliance: Ensures adherence to visa limitations , thus avoiding legal issues.
• Avoid Penalties: Non-compliance can result in fines or entry bans, which hampers future travel opportunities to the Schengen countries.

Understanding the 90/180 Day Rule in the Schengen Area

The 90/180-day rule is a critical policy for non-EU/EEA nationals planning to visit the Schengen Area. It essentially governs how long you can stay in these countries during a given period without requiring a long-term visa.

What Does the 90/180-Day Rule Mean?

This rule allows non-EU/EEA citizens to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The primary aim of this rule is to:

• Monitor the duration of stay of short-term visitors
• Prevent illegal stays following the expiration of the allowed 90 days

According to the rule:

• The “180-day period” refers to any 180 days, not necessarily tied to the calendar year or any specific dates. This rolling period looks back at the last 180 days from each day of your stay.
• Visitors must count their days of stay to ensure they do not exceed the permitted 90 days.

Key Points to Remember

When planning a trip to the Schengen Area, keep the following in mind to adhere to this rule:

• Count Your Travel Days : Every day you are in the Schengen zone counts towards the 90-day limit, including the day of arrival and departure.
• Track Your Stays : Maintain a clear record of your entries and exits from Schengen countries. This record can help in efficiently tracking your days to avoid overstaying.

You can use our Tool to calculate your stay.

Useful Resources

For more detailed information or specific inquiries, visiting official immigration websites can be immensely helpful. Here are a couple of resources:

• Schengen Visa Info
• European Commission – Migration and Home Affairs

This rule is pivotal in managing the flow of tourists and short-term visitors, ensuring that their stays remain legal and within the designated durations allowed by their visas or visa-free privileges. Remember, the correct understanding and application of the 90/180-day rule will make for a hassle-free visit to the beautiful Schengen Area.

Understanding the 90/180-Day Rule in the Schengen Area

The 90/180-day rule is applicable exclusively to the 29 member nations of the Schengen Area. This regulation is vital for non-EU citizens who are considering travel or stay within these countries. It means that you can stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period in any Schengen country. Here are the EU countries where this rule applies:

• Czechia (Czech Republic)
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland

When planning a visit to these countries, it’s important to track your days to comply with the 90/180-day rule.

Understanding the 90/180 Rule for Staying in the Schengen Area

Non-EU/EEA nationals who wish to visit the Schengen Area need to be familiar with the 90/180-day rule. This rule states that you can stay for up to 90 days within any period of 180 days. This applies across all member states of the Schengen Area.

How the 90/180 Day Rule Functions:

• The 90-Day Limit: When you enter any country within the Schengen Area, you can remain there for up to 90 days. For example, if your entry date is January 1, 2022, you can stay until March 31, 2022. This 90-day period is fixed, regardless of the calendar year.
• The 180-Day Calculation: This is where it gets a bit complex. You must calculate 180 days backward from either your entry or exit date in the Schengen Area. Within this rolling 180-day window, you should not have been in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days.

Practical Example:

If you arrived in the Schengen Area on January 1, 2022, and plan to leave on March 31, 2022, you would:

• Count 180 days backward from March 31, 2022.
• Ensure that you have not stayed more than 90 days within this period.

Avoiding Overstays: It’s crucial to track your stays accurately within the Schengen Area to avoid overstaying. Overstaying can lead to penalties or future entry denials.

For more information on the 90/180 rule and how it may affect your travels, reliable resources include:

• European Commission – Migration and Home Affairs: Schengen Borders Code
• Your Home Country’s Foreign Affairs Website: Often provides travel advice and resources for entering the Schengen zone.

By keeping these guidelines in mind and planning your travels accordingly, you can ensure a pleasant and lawful trip across the Schengen Area.

Understanding the Impact 90/180 Day Rule

Who is impacted by the rule.

The 90/180 Day Rule is essential for various travelers, primarily affecting:

• Non-EU/EEA Nationals: This includes individuals from countries outside the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) who can visit the Schengen Area visa-free.
• Holders of Long-Term Schengen Visas: Those with a multiple-entry Schengen visa valid for more than 90 days are also subject to this rule.
• Future ETIAS Registrants: Starting May 2025, nationals from countries that qualify for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will also need to adhere to this rule.

For further details on visa policies and the upcoming ETIAS, you can visit the official Schengen visa information portal and the ETIAS official site .

Who is Exempt from the Rule?

The 90/180 Day Rule does not apply to:

• EU Citizens: If you are a citizen of any EU member state, this rule does not impact your travel within the union.
• EEA Nationals: Citizens of Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein enjoy exemption from this rule.
• Swiss Nationals: Similarly, citizens of Switzerland are not subject to this rule.

These exclusions ensure free movement rights for citizens within the European Union and associated EEA countries, as outlined in various agreements and conventions making up the backbone of EU law regarding freedom of movement.

By understanding these guidelines, non-EU/EEA travelers can plan their visits to the Schengen Area while ensuring compliance with its visa rules, ultimately aiding a hassle-free travel experience. For more details on specific cases and personal circumstances, you might want to consult directly with the EU immigration portal .

Navigating the 90/180-day rule for the Schengen Zone can be complex. To clarify how this works, let’s break down the calculation with two practical examples. Remember, the essence of this rule is that you can stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area.

Example 1: Year-Long Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa

Your Visa Validity:

• Valid from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023

Travel Dates and Calculations:

• January 10-20, 2023: You spend 10 days in the Schengen Zone.
• March 1-30, 2023: You add another 30 days, reaching 40 days total.
• May 1-June 9, 2023: Another 40 days spent, totaling 80 days.

Assessing Your Remaining Days:

• June 10, 2023: You have 10 days left within the current 180-day period.
• June 30, 2023: A shift in the 180-day window grants you 20 more days as earlier days exit the window.

Example 2: Multiple Entries Within Six Months

Schedule of Stays:

• January 1, 2023: Enter the Schengen Area; the 180-day period starts.
• February 15, 2023: Leave after 45 days.
• March 10, 2023: Re-enter; total days now 55.
• April 1, 2023: Depart; total days reach 70.
• May 15, 2023: Re-enter; tally now at 80 days.
• June 30, 2023: Departure with 90 days fully utilized.
• July 1, 2023: A new 180-day period begins.

Further Resources and Tools

• For a detailed explanation and the official guidelines on the Schengen 90/180-day rule, you can visit the European Commission’s official website or use our short-stay visa calculator.
• Remember, keeping an accurate count of your days is essential to avoid overstaying and possible fines or entry bans.

By understanding these rules and keeping track of your stay accurately, you’ll ensure a worry-free travel experience within the Schengen Area.

Re-Entering the Schengen Area

Visa validity and entry rules.

If your Schengen visa is still valid, re-entering does not necessarily require a new visa application, but you must consider the following:

• 90-Day Usage : If you have already spent 90 consecutive days in the Schengen area, you must wait another 90 days outside of it before re-entering.
• Remaining Days : If you have days left from the 90-day limit within the 180-day period and your visa is still valid, you can re-enter to use the remaining days.

Applying for a New Visa

A new Schengen visa application is only necessary under these conditions:

• Visa Expiry : Apply for a new visa if your previous one has expired and you wish to re-enter the Schengen Area.

For the application process and more details, visit the official Schengen Visa application guide.

By respecting these guidelines and planning your journey accordingly, you can enjoy a seamless travel experience across the European Schengen Zone.

Do I Have to Stay for 90 Consecutive Days in the Schengen Area? The short answer is no; the 90-day limit in the Schengen Area does not require consecutive stays. Here’s how it works:

• You are allowed a cumulative total of 90 days within any 180-day period.
• This allows for multiple entries and exits; however, the total number of days spent in the Schengen Area should not exceed 90 days within this half-year period.
• If you do choose to stay for 90 consecutive days, you must then wait another 90 days outside of the Schengen Area before you can re-enter.

Can I Stay in Europe for 6 Months on a Schengen Visa? Unfortunately, a standard Schengen visa does not permit a 6-month continuous stay:

• A typical Schengen visa allows for up to 90 days of travel within a 180-day timeframe.
• Although this period spans roughly six months, the actual permitted stay is limited to 90 days.
• For stays longer than 90 days, you would need to apply for a long-stay visa or a residence permit from the specific Schengen country you intend to stay in. More details on long-stay visas and residence permits can be found on the Schengen Visa Info website.

What Happens When I Have Used Up My 90 Days? Once you reach the limit of 90 days within 180 days in the Schengen Area, here’s what you need to know:

• You must exit the Schengen Area and cannot return until at least 90 days have passed since your departure.
• The 90/180-day rule is enforced rigorously, and failing to comply can result in penalties or bans on future entry into the Schengen Area.
• Monitoring the number of days stayed is crucial to avoiding these problems.

For further information and to ensure compliance with these rules, visit the official European Commission Migration and Home Affairs page.

By adhering to these guidelines, travelers can enjoy their visit without any legal inconveniences related to overstaying.

Understanding the Penalties for Overstaying in the Schengen Area

Overstaying in the Schengen Area can have serious implications. If you exceed the maximum allowed stay under the 90/180-day rule, you may face the following consequences:

• Immediate Deportation: Being caught overstaying could lead to deportation, meaning you could be forcefully sent back to your country by immigration authorities.
• Financial Penalties: Depending on the country within the Schengen Area and the length of your overstay, you could be fined.
• Entry Ban: Overstayers may be banned from re-entering the Schengen Area for a certain period. The duration of this ban varies based on the severity of the overstay.

Is the 90/180-Day Rule Applicable in All European Countries?

It’s important to note that the 90/180-day rule does not apply to Ireland and certain European countries that are not part of the Schengen Agreement:

Navigating the 90/180-Day Rule: Tips for Travelers

To adhere to the 90/180-day rule and avoid the penalties of overstaying, consider these practical tips:

• Understand the Rule: Thoroughly familiarize yourself with how the 90/180-day rule works.
• Track Travel Dates: Keep a close record of your entry and exit dates to accurately count your days in the Schengen Area.
• Plan Your Visits: Strategically plan your trips to distribute your stays within the 90-day limit.
• Keep Travel Documents: Maintain documentation of your travels as proof of compliance.
• Regular Checks: Frequently review your travel dates to ensure you remain within the allowed days.
• Utilize Visa-Free Agreements: Explore and leverage any agreements your home country might have with Schengen countries that allow or extend visa-free travel.
• Explore Longer Stay Options: If you need to extend your stay, explore options for a long-stay visa or a residence permit through the intended country’s embassy or consulate.
• Stay Updated: Always refer to embassy or consulate websites for the most current visa requirements and travel advisories.

By managing your stays within these guidelines, you can ensure a worry-free visit to the Schengen Area. Remember, compliance with immigration rules not only keeps your travels smooth but also protects you from potentially severe penalties. For more detailed information on visa processes and regulations, visiting the official immigration websites of the respective countries is advisable.

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An Easy Guide to the 90/180 Rule for the Schengen Area in Europe

Last Updated: April 5, 2023

*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. for more info.

If you’re here, you’re probably (like many travellers) attempting to navigate the confusing rules of the European Schengen Area. 

I mean, what is the 90/180 rule? How do you count the 90 days once you’re in Europe? When does the 90 day allowance ‘reset’? All valid questions, my friend, so let me help by explaining things so clearly, even a drunk corgi would get them.

Below is my easy breezy guide to understanding the Schengen Area, its confusing 90/180 day rule, and all the ways you can use it to legally stay in Europe far longer than 3 months.

Beware: I’m only speaking from my own research and personal experience a very privileged (Canadian) passport holder, so if you have more specific questions (especially related to applying for a visa), I am not your girl. I hope you find this general overview helpful though!

If you’re visiting Europe soon, be sure to also check out these posts:

• How to Find the Cheapest Flights to Europe
• The Cheapest Ways to Travel Around Europe
• The Best Travel Apps for Europe
• How to Avoid Pickpockets in Europe
• 40+ One Week Itineraries for Europe You’ll Want to Steal ASAP
• How to Pack for Europe in the Summer
• How to Pack for Europe in the Winter

Save this Guide to the Schengen Area 90/180 Rule for Later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

First: What is the Schengen Area?

A lot of first time visitors mistakenly assume there are no passport controls throughout Europe. This is untrue, and only applies to a select group of 27 countries in Europe known as the Schengen Area.

The name comes from the small Luxembourgish village of Schengen, where the agreement establishing the original Schengen Area (initially just France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg) were first signed back in 1985.

Today, the Schengen Area encompasses a 27 country “area without internal border controls “ spread across over 4 million square kilometres.

Practically speaking, for travellers this means that once you enter the Schengen Area, you have free movement within Schengen countries, and won’t need to get your passport checked every time you cross the border (unless in extenuating circumstances). If you leave a Schengen Area country to go to a non-Schengen country however, passport control will proceed as usual.

This is why the maximum amount of time you’re allowed to stay (e.g. through a visa or through a visa waiver program) will apply to the entire Schengen Area and not just for one single country. In many cases, the allowance is 90 days out of every 180 days, AKA the 90/180 rule.

This is why many long-term travellers in Europe will strategically mix Schengen and non-Schengen countries to legally extend their time on the continent further… but more on this later!

List of Schengen Countries

As of 2023, the countries belonging to the Schengen Zone include…

• Liechtenstein
• The Netherlands
• Switzerland 

To re-iterate: You will typically only go through passport control upon your entry to the Schengen Zone, and upon exit as well, so if you are simply travelling between any of these countries, then you will not need to go through passport control each time.

How Long You Can Stay in the Schengen Area

For many passport holders (including Canadians, Americans, Brits, and Australians, plus over 50 other countries ), we are granted a visa exemption for tourism, and do not need to apply for a special Schengen visa.

This means that we are allowed to enter the Schengen Zone with just our passports. Generally, under these circumstances, we are allowed to stay for 90 days within a 180 day timeframe.

For other passport holders ( see here for a full list ), they must apply for a Schengen Visa in advance. The short stay Schengen Visas (Type C) used for tourism are typically issued for 90 days within a 180 day time frame.

But what exactly does “90 days within a 180 day time frame” even mean?

As taken from the official europa.eu website , “You can stay 90 days in any 180-day period within the Schengen area”, and the following things must be taken into account:

• Your date of entry = your first day of stay in the Schengen Area
• Your date of exit = your last day of stay in the Schengen territory
• The 180-day period is a moving window, “based on the approach of looking backwards at each day of the stay”

Confusing, right? The easiest way I can explain it is this: when you leave the Schengen Zone, you basically need to be able to look back on the past 180 days and say you have not exceeded a 90 day stay within this period.

If you have, then you may be subjected to certain penalties like a fine, deportation or even a ‘re-entry ban’.

How to Easily Calculate the Number of Days You’ve Been in the Schengen Area

The official Europa.eu website has a calculator you can use here that helps calculate for you, which allows you to create an account (so you can go back and edit dates as you see fit). 

Common Misconceptions About the Schengen Area

While the 90/180 Day rule doesn’t sound too complicated once you get the hang of it, there are a few common misconceptions that trip people up, so I want to quickly cover them to ensure you don’t make the same mistake.

First of all, contrary to popular belief, your 90 day allowance doesn’t just reset every time you leave the Schengen Zone.

For example, if you spend 30 days in the Schengen Zone and then go home to your non-Schengen country for 60 days, you do NOT get a fresh 90 days again the next time you re-enter. Those first 30 days you spent still count, so plan a trip assuming you have a new 90 days to work with.

Remember, what’s important is picturing yourself on your departure date exiting the Schengen Zone and looking back on the past 180 days. If you were in the Schengen Zone more than 90 days during that 180 day period, then that’s when you’ve overstayed and are potentially subject to penalties.

Another common mistake is when people simplify the 90/180 Schengen Area rule to “three months out of 6 months”. This simplification doesn’t really work since different months have a different number of days, so remember to count days, rather than months.

Lastly, remember that the Schengen Zone and the EU are not the same thing. Despite significant overlap, not all EU countries are in the Schengen Zone, and there are some non-EU countries in the Schengen Zone as well, so be sure to triple check before assuming a country’s Schengen status.

90/180 Schengen Rule with Extenuating Circumstances (e.g. Student Visas)

Now you might be wondering how the 90/180 day works when you have an overlapping visa, or other extenuating circumstances.

This was exactly my predicament when I did my Study Abroad, for which I had a student visa. I wanted to go backpacking after my semester, so how long would I have? What happens with the 90/180 day rule when you have a student visa? Does the 90 days automatically kick in after your student visa expires? Do you have to cross the border and come back in first?

I was so panicked and nervous that I read every single Reddit thread in the deep trenches of the Internet, reached out to MANY people, including the Canadian consulate in Munich, who firstly misunderstood my question then ghosted me when I clarified… and even still I couldn’t get an answer for the life of me.

The annoying thing is it really depends on the particular passport officer that you have that day.

The most official feedback I received though was when I was actually at the German border, leaving. I figured might as well try to get an official answer while I was there, and (no joke) the first passport officer paused, thought about it for a long time, and then had to call a superior on the phone and chat about it for 5 minutes.

In the end, he told me that the 90/180 day allowance would only kick in after I RE-ENTERED the Schengen Area after leaving on my student visa.

So, there you have it – the official word from a German passport control officer back in 2016.

If you want to be on the safe side then, assuming you plan to stay an extra 90 days in the Schengen Area after another visa of yours expires, you should ensure that you leave the Schengen Area before that visa and come back in with a new entry stamp that proves when you entered the Schengen Zone.

This way, there is official proof of your 90 days kicking in, and you don’t need to be a blubbering ball of anxiety like me.

How Strict Are They in Enforcing the 90/180 Rule?

As someone who has spent a LOT of time weaving in and out of the Schengen Area, I have one thing to say: everything comes down to the passport control officer you have on that day.

I’ve read a lot of generalizations about passport control in different countries, saying things like “Oh, well they’re stricter in countries like Germany but less strict in countries like Spain” and I really don’t think this kind of dialogue is helpful, because at the end of the day, it depends 100% on the individual passport control officer.

In every country, you’ll have some passport control officers who flip through every single page of your passport to identify stamps and do the math, while there will also be others who barely look and just stamp you in/out. It’s down to the individual, so don’t assume that they won’t check because you’re going to a ‘chiller’ country – it doesn’t work like that.

In any case, I would never recommend overstaying your Schengen allowance. While the odds of you getting caught and blacklisted from re-entering aren’t super high, I’m just not willing to take that risk.

It’s important to note as well that they don’t care if you did it on purpose or by accident. Overstaying = overstaying in their books, so while you could maybe play up the uninformed tourist bit, the likelihood that it will help (again) comes down to how your passport control officer is feeling that day.

So, in sum: don’t overstay your 90 days! Instead, empower yourself by learning the rules, and planning your trip in a way that ensures you never overstay.

On that note, let’s talk about…

How to Use the 90/180 Day Schengen Area Rule to Legally Stay in Europe Longer

Now that you understand the whole ’90 days in 180 days’ thing, how can you use this knowledge to your advantage?

Well, if you’re planning on travelling around Europe for more than 90 days, what you can do is create an itinerary that includes both Schengen and non-Schengen countries. This is one of my top Europe backpacking tips for first-timers.

For example, let’s say you wanted to spend 90 days in the Schengen Zone, plus 10 days in the UK, 10 days in Ireland, and 10 days in Bulgaria. That could help you extend your trip to 120 days total.

If you were crafty about it, you could even continue doing this indefinitely for an ultra-long Europe trip.

I spent a while hopping in and out of the Schengen Zone when I first started dating my boyfriend, and wasn’t (yet) ready to commit to a full visa in Germany.

Having done it, the upside of this strategy is you get to visit a lot of really amazing countries that (in my opinion) don’t get nearly the amount of love they deserve from overseas visitors.

I’ve written in the past about all the cool things you can do in Bulgaria for instance, or about all the best places to visit in England besides London.

Another bonus is many non-Schengen countries (with the exception of the UK and Ireland) tend to be more affordable destinations than their Schengen counterparts, which helps you stretch your travel budget further as well.

And if you’re worried about doing this – don’t be! So long as you get your calculations correct, there is nothing legally wrong with you hopping in and out of the Schengen Zone to extend your stay as a tourist.

Take it from me – I’m the kind of person who is a nervous wreck in my peaceful day to day life, so can you imagine what an utter wreck I am at border controls?

The kind of wreck that used to travel with a detailed spreadsheet of all her travel dates, just to show passport control officers ‘just in case’. The kind of wreck who has read the rules so thoroughly that she picks fights with airline employees about them…… and wins.

So, yes, I do know a thing or two about the Schengen Area. And I can tell you there’s no need to worry, so long as you understand the rules and know your rights as a traveller.

Any more questions about the Schengen Area 90/180 Day Rule?

Let me know in the comments. I hope you found this post helpful!

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Schengen Visa application: Itinerary and the 90/180 rule example

Embark on your European dream with ease and confidence! Navigating the Schengen Visa application can be daunting, but with the right guidance, your journey through Europe's heart can be as smooth as the Seine River.

At iVisa, we've honed our expertise to make your Schengen visa application a breeze, especially regarding the pivotal aspect of your itinerary and how to plan around the so-called 90/180 rule .

Understanding the 90/180 rule in the Schengen Zone

The first thing to learn is how to plan your trip according to the 90/180 rule .

The Schengen Visa allows you to explore the Schengen area for a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period .

How does the 90/180 rule work?

Let's clear up some confusion about this rule to help you plan your trip:

Calculation: The 180-day reference period isn't fixed. It's a moving window based on the current date and the past 180 days . Calculate the days you've spent in the country based on the last 180 days from today.

Counting days: Every day you spend in the Schengen Area counts towards the 90 days, including the day of arrival and departure.

Examples of Schengen itineraries and the 90/180 rule

Here are some example itineraries for visa applicants adhering to the 90/180 rule in the Schengen Zone:

• Short stays (single-entry):

A tourist plans a 3-week trip to France and Italy. They spend 21 days in total in the Schengen Area. This counts as 21 days out of their 90-day limit.

• Extended travels (multiple-entry):

A traveler visits Germany for 10 days, leaves for the UK (non-Schengen), and returns after 20 days to spend another 30 days in Spain. Both stays are counted separately, totaling 40 days of their 90-day limit.

• Maximizing your stay (multiple-entry):

An individual plans a European itinerary, entering the Schengen Zone on June 1st and staying until August 29th (90 days). They must leave the Schengen Area by August 29th and cannot return until 180 days after their initial entry on June 1st.

Tips for planning your Schengen Visa itinerary

When applying for your Schengen visa, your itinerary is more than just a plan, it's a narrative of your journey that you must submit during your visa application.

Ensure it includes:

Entry and exit dates: Clearly outline your arrival and departure dates, adhering to the 90/180 rule, including a return flight or transport ticket.

Accommodation details: Whether it's a cozy Airbnb in Amsterdam, a friend or family member's house in Paris, or a boutique hotel in Bratislava, include where you'll be staying and submit any booking confirmations.

Travel plans: Highlight the countries and cities you plan to visit. Dreaming of exploring the fjords of Norway or the beaches of Greece? Let your travel itinerary reflect that and include any transportation options you plan to use, such as flight tickets.

The importance of a return flight ticket for your Schengen Visa application

Your application must include proof of a round-trip or onward flight itinerary , showcasing your commitment to return home after your European escapade.

Even embassies and consulates understand that it's unreasonable to expect applicants to purchase complete airline tickets upfront. They often advise getting a ticket with a 'free cancellation' option if you do decide to book in advance.

The European Union's visa consulate guidelines state: "A round trip reservation or itinerary with dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from the Schengen state is required. Some Schengen authorities accept the itinerary when applying for the visa but request the original air ticket when collecting the visa."

Using a dummy flight ticket for your Schengen Visa application

A dummy ticket, sometimes called a fake ticket or dummy booking , is essentially a mock flight reservation. People often use these as a stand-in for proof of onward travel in various situations like visa applications, immigration requirements, or other travel-related needs without buying a real ticket.

These mock tickets can be generated through different online tools or services, providing what appear to be flight reservation confirmations. Based on our experience, we strongly recommend avoiding fake flight itinerary generators for creating dummy tickets . These aren't only fraudulent but can also jeopardize your visa application and put you at risk of being denied boarding.

Writing a cover letter including an itinerary for Schengen Visa applications

Let's delve into how to write a cover letter effectively and include a sample itinerary for a Schengen visa application .

This is a crucial part of the application process, as it provides context to your travel plans and ensures that you comply with regulations like the 90/180 rule.

Purpose of the Schengen Visa cover letter

The cover letter serves as a personalized explanation of your travel intent, itinerary, and plans during your stay in the Schengen Area.

It acts as a formal introduction and supports your application by providing details that may not be clear from the application form alone.

What to include in your Schengen Visa cover letter

Here are some essential details to include in your cover letter :

Personal information: Start with your name, date of birth, and contact details.

Proof of ties to your home country: Explain your reasons for returning, like employment, family, or educational commitments.

Financial means: Mention your financial arrangements for the trip, indicating you have sufficient funds to cover your stay and details about your employment.

Closing statement: Conclude by affirming the accuracy of the information provided and your intent to abide by the Schengen rules.

Reason for traveling: Include why you want to visit a Schengen country.

Other info: If you were unable to submit any of the required documents, explain why.

Travel dates: Start with your arrival and departure dates, ensuring they're within the stipulated 90-day limit in a 180-day period. Include your main transportation details, like flights or trains, especially those showing your entry into and exit from the Schengen area.

Accommodation and logistics: Provide details of your accommodations for each destination on your route. If you're staying with friends or relatives, include a letter of invitation from them. Also, outline your internal travel plans, showing how you intend to move between different Schengen countries or cities.

Schengen Visa cover letter example including itinerary

Here's a helpful guide with a sample cover letter for your Schengen Visa application. You can adapt this letter based on your personal info, situation, and reason for traveling.

Sample cover letter for a Schengen Tourist Visa

Incorporating this detailed itinerary helps visa officers better understand your travel plans, increasing the chances of a successful application.

[Current date]

[Destination of main destination country] Embassy

[Destination embassy address in the country of application]

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to apply for a Schengen visa for my upcoming visit to [country 1, country 2, etc.], planned for the period of [date, year until date, year]. I will travel [solo or indicate people in your travel group], primarily for [tourism, business, or other] purposes.

My itinerary includes exploring [famous landmarks in countries such as …]. Additionally, I am eager to experience [other landmarks or regions in the destination country].

During my trip, I also intend to visit [other country on itinerary] from [date until date] to meet a family member who resides in [town or city]. My accommodation during this time will be at my friend's residence. I will then travel to [next destination] to continue my tour, concluding in [last town/city] on [date, year].

I am currently employed at [name of company/organization] as a [job position], where I have been working for [number of years]. My annual salary is [salary amount]. Enclosed is a No Objection Certificate from my employer, granting me leave for this period.

I will be self-financing my travel and have attached proof of my financial capability to support myself during my stay.

Here is a detailed itinerary of my activities:

I have enclosed the following supporting visa application documents:

Schengen Visa Application Form

A copy of my passport

Flight and train ticket reservations

Schengen Visa Travel Health Insurance policy

Hotel reservation receipts

Letter of invitation from my family member

No Objection Certificate from my employer

Bank statements for the last six months

I trust that the information in this letter will be sufficient for a positive response to my application. Thank you for considering my request, and please feel free to reach out if you need any additional details.

Best regards,

[Your name]

[Your address]

[Your phone number]

[Your email address]

What else to expect during your Schengen Visa application

When applying for a Schengen Visa, it's important to be prepared for the entire process. Here's an overview of what you can expect:

Document verification: The consulate will thoroughly check all submitted documents, including your passport, application form, photos, travel insurance, flight itinerary, proof of accommodation, and financial means.

Interview: Most applicants must attend a visa interview. Expect questions about your trip, such as the purpose of your visit, your itinerary, and your ties to your home country.

If it's your first Schengen visa in the past five years, you must also provide biometric data (fingerprints and a digital photograph).

Here are some extra tips for a successful Schengen Visa interview.

Visa decision: After processing, you'll be informed of the decision. If your visa is approved, check the visa sticker for any errors and be aware of the validity period and the number of permitted entries.

Possible need for adaptability: Be prepared for possible changes. For example, travel restrictions or policy changes can affect visa processing. Remember, each Schengen state may have slightly different requirements or processes, so it's essential to check the specific requirements of the country you're applying to.

Being well-prepared and understanding what to expect can make your visa application process smoother and less stressful!

Need more info about the Schengen Visa requirements and itinerary?

If you have any questions, please contact our customer support team via online chat or WhatsApp . We're happy to help!

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Europe’s 90/180 Day Visa Rule Explained

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

You need a visa if you are British and want to spend more than three months in Europe without breaking the 90/180-day rule.

Brexit has ended the special arrangements that European Union membership offered British travellers.

Now, to stay for longer than 90 days in any 180-day period, expats need a visa – and to make sure visitors keep to the rules, their passports are date stamped on entry and exit.

Many expats opt for golden visas . But these have a lot of rules that need to be met before being issues.

Table of contents

The 90/180-day rule, how the 90-180 rule works, staying in europe for more than 90 days, how do i apply to visit the schengen zone, europe’s 90/180-day visa rule faq, related information.

Many travellers are confused by the 90/180-day rule agreed upon between the UK and the European Union.

The rule allows British travellers to spend up to 90 days visiting more than one country in any 180-day period.

The length of time travellers can stay depends on whether the country is within the Schengen visa-free travel zone.

The rule does not allow travellers to work in the place they are visiting.

The Schengen Zone covers most EU states, including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania are not in the Schengen Zone. Travellers can spend up to 90 days in 180 days in these countries, but the number of days does not count towards the 90/180 day Schengen Zone rule.

The rule says a stay cannot last more than 90 days in any 180-day rolling period. To check a visit is within the limit, try the following:

• Find the date you intend to leave the Schengen Zone on your next trip
• Trackback 180 days to find the date the 180-day period starts
• Count the number of days spent in the Schengen Zone during that 180-day period
• If you are making more than one trip in 180 days, add the number of days that trip lasts to the count above – it doesn’t matter if the trips are to different Schengen countries.

If the days in Europe add up to more than 90, you need to adjust your time in Europe or apply for a visa.

Once the 90-day cap is reached, a traveller must wait another 90 days before re-entering the Schengen Zone.

A frequent traveller had no trips to Europe in 2022, but several booked for 2023.

The first is a 10-day Schengen Zone visit starting from January 1. The relevant 180 days count back from the end of the visit (January 10), giving a score of 10 out of 180, so the trip is within the rule’s parameters.

The next trip is 30 days in the Schengen Zone from March 1, then seven days in Romania. The 180-day period now runs back from the end of the trip – April 7. The number of days in Europe for that 180-day period is now 47, but seven are excluded as they are outside the Schengen Zone to Romania.

The tally so far is 47 less seven, making 40 relevant days.

From June 1, the traveller spends another 30 days in the Schengen Zone. The 180-day period runs from January 2 until June 30, with 70 days spent in Europe.

Don’t forget the 90/180-day visa is for short stays. For anything longer, including tourist visits, travellers need q formal residence, work or study visa.

The list of requirements differs between countries, so find out the latest details from the consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting.

British travellers can find the latest advice on the UK government’s website .

ETIAS, a European Union body, runs the Schengen Zone visa process.

Visitors can check their visa eligibility and apply online for the documents through the ETIAS website .

The visa application fee is seven euros.

The Schengen Zone is a visa-free travel area compromising most European Union countries. Effectively, after crossing into one Schengen country, you can travel on to cross borders into any number of other Schengen countries without any restrictions.

The Schengen Zone covers most European Union states, including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

A visa is conditional permission granted by a government to a foreign visitor to enter, stay in or leave a country or territory.

A passport is a government-issued document verifying a traveller’s citizenship and identity. A visa is a temporary document placed within a passport confirming the holder can stay in another country for a specific time.

For stays beyond 180 days, travellers need permission to live, work or study in most European countries. Many governments consider six months (180 days) when residence kicks in and visitors become liable to pay taxes.

Outstaying the 90-day visa can lead to imposing one or more of: – Fines – Deportation – A ban from entering the Schengen Zone

The time limits apply to any days spent in the Schengen Zone, regardless of what happens. So, if a traveller lands at Calais and spends two days crossing France for Switzerland, where they have booked a 14-night stay, books the time as 18 days. That’s two days each way in France plus the stay in Switzerland.

Full-time students studying within the Schengen Zone must apply for a visa. Students visiting Europe for workshops, conferences or short-stay classes probably don’t but check the local consulate or embassy to be sure.

Schengen visas are OK if you visit Europe on business but do not intend to work while on your trip. Conferences, client meetings and site visits are OK without a work visa but you must still obey the 90/180-day rule.

Below is a list of related articles you may find of interest.

• European Economic Area Explained for Expats
• Gulf state changes family visa rules
• Tunisia Is No-Go Zone For Tourists And Expats
• New York Voted Best City For Business

2 thoughts on “Europe’s 90/180 Day Visa Rule Explained”

Everything I read relates to people using the full 90 days. Many won’t use the full amount. I was in Spain : 11/06/22 -18/03/22 7 days

31/10/22 – 29/11/22. 28 days

03/03/23 – 29/03/23. 27 days My question is can I return 10/10/23 – 18/11/23 for 34 days?

What if I live in Northern Ireland and have a British passport

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Admission to the United States and your Duration of Stay

Extension of stay, what if i decide to stay longer and am out-of-status with the department of homeland security.

Sometimes understanding the difference between the visa expiration date and the length of time you have permission to remain in the United States can be confusing. These are very different terms. Also review our “ What is a U.S. Visa ?” webpage.

• A U.S. visa in his/her passport gives a foreign citizen permission to apply to enter the United States. A visa by itself doesn’t authorize entry to the U.S.  A visa simply indicates that your application has been reviewed by a consular officer at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, and that the officer determined you’re eligible to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry for a specific purpose. The port-of-entry can be an airport, a seaport or a land border crossing.
• At the port-of-entry, a U.S. immigration officer of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) decides whether to allow you to enter and how long you can stay for any particular visit, as part of the Admission process. Only the U.S. immigration officer has the authority to permit you to enter the United States.

The visa expiration date is shown on the visa along with the visa issuance date. The time between visa issuance and expiration date is called your visa validity. The visa validity is the length of time you are permitted to travel to a port-of-entry in the United States.

Depending on your nationality, visas can be issued from a single entry (application) up to multiple/unlimited entries.

• A visa issued for a single entry (denoted on the visa under “Entries” with the number 1) is valid, or can be used from the date it is issued until the date it expires to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry one time.
• Applying for a new visa is not necessary if your visa has not expired and you have not exceeded the number of entries permitted on your visa.
• Multiple uses of a visa must be for the same purpose of travel allowable on the type of visa you have.

Please be aware, a visa does not guarantee entry to the United States. Additionally, the visa expiration date shown on your visa does not reflect how long you are authorized to stay within the United States. Entry and the length of authorized stay within the United States are determined by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer at the port-of-entry each time you travel.

It is important to note that there are circumstances which can serve to void or cancel the period of visa validity. If you overstay the end date of your authorized stay, as provided by the CBP officer at a port-of-entry, or United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), your visa will automatically void or cancel unless;

• You have filed an application in a timely manner for an extension of stay or a change of status;
• That application is pending and not frivolous;

If you have applied for adjustment of status to become a permanent resident (LPR, also called green card holder), you should contact USCIS regarding obtaining  Advance Parole  before leaving the United States.

Upon arriving at a port of entry, the CBP official will determine the length of your visit.

On the admission stamp or paper Form I-94, the U.S. immigration inspector records either an admitted-until date or "D/S" (duration of status). If your admission stamp or paper Form I-94 contains a specific date, then that is the date by which you must leave the United States. If you have D/S on your admission stamp or paper Form I-94, you may remain in the United States as long as you continue your course of studies, remain in your exchange program, or qualifying employment.  The admitted-until date or D/S notation, shown on your admission stamp or paper Form I-94 is the official record of your authorized length of stay in the United States. You cannot use the visa expiration date in determining or referring to your permitted length of stay in the United States.

Carefully review information about  international visitor admission  on the CBP Website.

If you came to the United States on a nonimmigrant visa and you want to extend your stay you must apply with USCIS before your authorized stay, denoted on your admission stamp or paper Form I-94, expires. It is recommended you apply well in advance of your expiration date. To learn more select  USCIS, How Do I Extend My Stay ?.

Important Note: Providing permission to enter and/or remain in the United States. to persons holding a nonimmigrant visa is not the responsibility of the Department of State, and therefore Visa Services is unable assist you in this regard. All inquiries must be directed to USCIS.

• You should carefully consider the dates of your authorized stay and make sure you are following the procedures. Failure to do so will cause you to be out-of-status.
• Staying beyond the period of time authorized, by the Department of Homeland Security, and out-of-status in the United States, is a violation of U.S. immigration laws, and may cause you to be ineligible for a visa in the future for return travel to the United States. If you overstay the end date of your authorized stay, as provided by the CBP officer at a port-of-entry, or United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), your visa will generally be automatically be voided or cancelled, as explained above. Select  Classes of Aliens Ineligible to Receive Visas  to learn more.

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How Long is the Schengen Visa Valid For? What Happens If I Overstay?

When traveling within the Schengen Area, it’s important to check your Schengen Visa’s validity to ensure you don’t have an expired visa. You will not be permitted to stay in Europe after the expiration of your Schengen Visa, unless you extend it.

How to get a Schengen visa? 

How long is the short-stay Schengen Visa valid for?

Short-stay Schengen Visas are only valid for a maximum of 3 months (90 days) within a six-month period .

Although multiple-entry visas are valid for longer periods - six months to five years - you may only spend 90 days (duration of stay on your visa sticker) i n the Schengen Area within a rolling 180-day period (known as its validity period).

The validity period of your visa indicates how long you can use your visa. The dates are mentioned on your visa sticker . It will have a ‘From’ date, from which you are permitted to enter the Schengen Area, and an ‘Until’ date - the date on which you must leave - the end of its validity period.

Validity period on different types of visas and the number of entries

A short-stay Schengen visa (type C) can be delivered for several types of entries. The validity period of your visa can depend on this criteria.

• A single-entry visa (« 1 » on the visa sticker) authorizes the holder to enter the Schengen area once and for a certain period of time. Once they leave the Schengen area, the validity of the visa expires, even if the authorized period to stay in the area is not yet over.  
• A double-entry visa (« 2 » on the sticker) authorizes its holder to enter the Schengen area twice during the validity period of the visa. It is therefore possible to leave the Schengen area and enter it again during that time. After the second exit, the visa expires.  
• A multiple-entry visa (“MULT” on the sticker): this multiple-entry visa allows its holder to enter and exit the Schengen area an unlimited number of times. This authorization remains valid for a maximum of 90 days over a 180 day period . It is possible to obtain a type C MULT Schengen visa with a validity period of 6 months to 5 years maximum . This visa is mostly granted to those who have valid reasons for travelling often to the Schengen area, who have no negative precedent in their visa history, who have a healthy financial situation in their country of origin and who truly intend on leaving the Schengen territory before the expiration date of their visa. 

However the rule remains the same: no stay exceeding 90 days in the Schengen area over a 180 day period . 

What happens if I overstay my Schengen Visa?

The first thing to know is that now, with computerized visa checks in place across the Schengen Area, an overstayed visa never goes unnoticed. Immigration authorities have registered in their databases every person that enters and leaves, and if you overstay, even for just one day, it will be recorded. Authorities will also punish you whether your overstay beyond your Schengen Visa’s validity was intentional or unintentional. You could receive a fine, immediate deportation or even get banned from entering the Schengen Area for a period. It is also important to remember that the 90/180 day rule also applies to countries with a visa waiver agreement with the Schengen Area.

How long can I stay in Europe after Brexit?

Since the U.K. left the EU, British passport holders traveling to the EU, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland have been subject to the same EU rules of entry and stay for third-country citizens – so you can stay for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period.

Consequences of overstaying in Schengen Zone

Each Schengen state applies different penalties for overstaying beyond your Schengen Visa’s validity, and the sanctions you will face will depend on the country you are caught in. For example, Germany is known to have the strictest immigration laws in the Schengen Area.

Will I face deportation? 

If you are caught staying illegally in Europe, and are not in the process of leaving of your own accord, you will face deportation. You may be deported immediately, or if caught flouting rules by taking paid work or engaging in criminality, you may be taken into custody and face a trial that could result in prison time or a fine. You will then be deported after serving your punishment. Deportation is almost always followed by further sanctions like a travel ban except in the most minor cases of overstaying your Schengen Visa’s validity.

Future travel bans for overstaying your Schengen Visa’s validity

If you face a fine or deportation, you are likely to be banned from traveling to the Schengen Area for a period of time. Even those who escape these sanctions could face a ban - while overstaying is also likely to affect your chances of getting a Schengen Visa in the future.

What fine could I face?

The most regular penalty for overstaying a Schengen Visa’s validity is a fine that will be applied by the member state where you are caught. These vary depending on each state - but will be more expensive the longer you overstay and lack mitigating circumstances.

Could I face a ban from entering the Schengen Area?

This sanction is most commonly applied to those overstaying their Schengen Visa’s validity and working or engaging in illegality. You can be banned for three years, or in some cases, even longer.

Are there ever no consequences to overstaying a Schengen Visa?

Minors or those requiring a caretaker may not face sanctions, or if you are incapacitated by an illness or injury. But in these cases, you are advised to apply for an extension.

Applying for an extension to your Schengen Visa validity

If you wish to apply for a Schengen Visa extension , you need to decide which reason you wish to use to apply for renewal and apply before the expiration of your current visa. If you apply after your visa expires, even just a day later, then you will be deported for overstaying your visa, whatever your reasons.

To do this you will need your passport, which must have the current visa under which you entered the Schengen Area, an application form for a short-stay Schengen Visa extension , a photo that fulfills the visa photo requirements, proof of income that demonstrates you can support yourself during your extended stay, travel and medical insurance covering the whole Schengen Area for the duration of your Schengen Visa extension , as well as documents proving your need to get an extension.

Related topics on Schengen visa

• What are the documents required for a Schengen Visa?
• What type of Schengen visa do I need?
• How long does it take to get a Schengen visa?
• How much does a Schengen visa cost?
• How to extend a Schengen visa?
• How can I track my Schengen visa status?
• What are the first port of entry rules for Schengen visa?
• Which countries are the easiest to obtain a Schengen visa from?
• What changes in 2022 for the new Schengen visa?
• What is ETIAS?
• How do I read a Schengen Visa sticker and number?
• Do I need biometric data for Schengen visa?
• What do I need to know about renewing a Schengen visa?
• How to stay and work in the Schengen area after a student visa ?

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Schengen Visa validity

I’ve accidentally overstayed my schengen visa - can i get an extension.

No. If you’ve overstayed your visa you should leave the Schengen Area immediately to avoid deportation.

I think I am in danger of overstaying - how much does it cost to extend my Schengen Visa?

The cost is the same as your initial visa - €80 for adults and €40 for minors.

What is a short term Schengen Visa?

The Schengen short-stay visa allows you to enter and remain in a country in the Schengen Area for a maximum period of 90 days - or multiple stays totaling 90 days within a  180-day period. 

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The 90/180 Day Rule for Schengen Visas; What Is It and How Does it Work?

In this article, we’ll explore the term 90 days in any 180-day period. This will help you to understand this particular term when applying for a Schengen visa and to ensure you don’t break it.

What is the 90/180 rule and how does it work?

If you have traveled to any of the countries in the Schengen Area or are in the process of making an application for a Schengen visa , you will probably have come across the term “90 days in any 180-day period.” What this means is that with a valid Schengen visa, you are permitted to enter and stay in any of the European countries for a maximum of 90 days every 180 days. When you enter, the 180-day period starts. If you stay in the Schengen Area for 90 days, you will not be able to enter again until a new 180-day period begins. 

When applying for a new Schengen visa, there will be questions regarding previous travel on the application form. If you have entered any of the Schengen countries in the past, you will be obliged to declare this in order for the embassy to know if the 90-day / 180-day rule is met. If you have never applied for a Schengen visa in the past, you will be permitted to stay for the maximum of 90 days. If you have had a visa in the past and you are within the same 180-day period, you will only be permitted to stay for as many days as is left up to 90 days. 

Who needs to follow the rule?

Any traveler wishing to enter and stay in the following countries, will need to follow the 90-day / 180-day period rule:

• Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

The 90-day / 180-day rule applies to:

• All nationals who are non-EU citizens who are permitted to enter the Schengen Area without a visa.
• All nationals who are in possession of a multiple entry Schengen visa

“90 days in any 180-day period” rule explained

In order to understand fully what the 90 days in any 180-day period means, we have to look at two things:

Staying in the Schengen Area for 90 days

Using your 90 days within any 180 days.

Entry to any country within the Schengen Area will be day 1 of your 90 days. If you go to one country, you will remain for however many days (up to 90 days) and the day you leave will be considered your last day in the Schengen Area. However, if you go to more than one country, the number of days you remain will be the total for all countries visited. For example, if you visit Greece for 15 days, then 15 days in Italy, and 15 days in the Netherlands, you will have spent a total of 45 days in the Schengen Area and you will have 45 days remaining.

The 90 days you are allowed to stay in any country in the Schengen Area is within any 180-day period. The idea of “any” means that the 180 days keep moving – each day spent in the Schengen Area affects this longer period. To calculate whether you have complied with the 90-day /180-day rule, the 180-day period is calculated by going backwards to your entry and/or exit dates. This calculation will determine the total number of days spent in the Schengen Area, how many days remain, and the duration of any new visa being granted. For example, if you enter the Schengen Area on 01 January 2023, you would then count 180 days backwards from this date and work out how many days you have already spent in the Schengen Area. If it’s been 30 days, you will have another 60 days left. If this is your first time traveling to any of the countries in the Schengen Area, you will have the full 90 days.

Staying more than 90 days

If you are granted a short-stay visa, you will be permitted to stay in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period. If you stay longer than 90 days, you will have broken the 90-day / 180-day period rule. This also means that you could be fined, deported, or banned from entering the Schengen Area in the future. Just because you may be able to leave Europe without being noticed by the immigration authorities, doesn’t mean they will not know. As your passport is scanned in airports, the entry and exit dates are registered, so the length of stay will be easily detected and it could result in a rejected visa application in the future. 

If you know you are going to be in any of the Schengen countries for longer than 90 days, you must be in possession of a national visa .  

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  RAHUL A.| MAY.14.2024

Timeline update for France Visa, applied through VFS Global Houston.

I used visareservation.com to secure an appointment and to procure a valid itinerary. They were a breeze to work with and highly responsive. Highly recommend.

Appt: 25th May Visa stamped: 31st May Passport received: 2nd June

  SHRUTHI K.| JUN.02.2022

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