You can typically stay in Europe's Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa, assuming you are a citizen of a country that has a visa waiver agreement with the Schengen countries.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
The 90/180 Rule Explained
The "90/180 rule" is crucial to understanding how long you can stay in the Schengen Area without a visa. It means:
- Maximum Stay: You can stay for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period.
- Rolling Period: The 180-day period isn't fixed. It's a "rolling" period, meaning it looks back 180 days from each day of your stay. This means you need to continuously calculate your days in the Schengen Area.
- Schengen Area: The Schengen Area comprises 29 European countries that have abolished border controls between each other.
What Countries are Included?
As of November 2024, the Schengen Area includes:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria*
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania*
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
*Bulgaria and Romania are partially in the Schengen Area. While air and sea border checks have been lifted, land border checks remain in place.
Who Does This Rule Apply To?
This rule applies to citizens of countries that do not require a visa for short stays in the Schengen Area. A list of these countries is usually available on the website of the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit, as well as on official EU websites.
What Activities are Allowed?
The 90-day visa-free stay is generally for tourism, business trips, or short-term study. Working or engaging in other activities that require a longer stay usually necessitates a visa or residence permit.
How to Calculate Your Stay
It's your responsibility to track your days within the Schengen Area. Tools and calculators are available online to assist with this. Be accurate, as overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and difficulty entering the Schengen Area in the future.
Important Considerations:
- Non-Schengen EU Countries: The 90/180 rule only applies to the Schengen Area. If you plan to visit countries in Europe that are not part of the Schengen Area (e.g., Ireland, Cyprus), different rules may apply. Check their individual visa requirements.
- Visas and Residence Permits: If you plan to stay longer than 90 days or for purposes other than tourism/business, you will likely need to apply for a visa or residence permit from the specific country where you intend to stay. Contact the relevant embassy or consulate for details.
- Border Crossing: When crossing borders, keep proof of when you entered the Schengen Area (e.g., plane tickets, passport stamps).
In summary:
The general rule is a maximum stay of 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen area. Always verify your individual visa requirements based on your nationality and the specific countries you intend to visit. Overstaying this limit has consequences, so accurate tracking is essential.
