What is a Schengen Area?
It is an agreed collective of European countries without internal borders which citizens and many non-EU nationals of 27 EU countries, staying legally in the EU, can freely circulate without being subjected to border checks.
For travellers transiting through or intending to stay in the Schengen area for a short period, the EU has established common visa rules, and an EU common visa policy is necessary.

How long can you stay in a Schengen Country?
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/6-month 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/6-month period.

The 90-day part of the rule is fairly simple— you’re only allowed to stay in the Schengen Area, either 1 or a mix of countries, for 90 days from when you enter. For example, you entered the Schengen zone on February 1st of 2024; you’re allowed to stay for 90 days from that date until April 30th, 2024. 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. Using the Schengen Visa Calculator is the safest way to be sure you don't overstay your welcome.

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