Understanding the Schengen 90/180 Rule
The 90/180-day rule is the most important regulation for short-stay travelers to the Schengen Area. Understanding it is crucial to avoid fines, deportation, or bans from re-entering Europe.
The 90/180 Rule
Non-EU/EEA nationals can stay in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period.
How the "Rolling Window" Works
The 180-day window is a moving timeframe. To check if you are legal on any specific day, you must count back 180 days from that day.
1Key Takeaways
- The 180-day period is rolling (it moves with you).
- It looks backwards from today (or your planned exit date).
- Both entry and exit days count as full days.
- Travel between Schengen countries does not stop the clock.
2Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't assume it resets on January 1st. It doesn't.
- Don't forget to count entry and exit days. Even if you arrive at 11:50 PM, that counts as Day 1.
- Don't confuse Schengen with Europe. The UK, Ireland, Cyprus, and some Balkan countries are not in Schengen (yet).
3Why Use a Calculator?
Manual calculation is difficult and prone to error. The rolling window makes it hard to keep track of your allowance manually.
Plan Your Trip with Confidence
Use our free Schengen Calculator to automatically track your days and avoid overstays.
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