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Europe Visa Check

Schengen 90/180 Day Rule

How to calculate your allowed stay in the Schengen Area

Quick Facts

The 90/180-day rule limits short stays in the Schengen Area to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period. All 30 Schengen countries count together — not individually.

Max Stay 90 days
Period 180 days rolling
Scope All 30 countries
Method Rolling window
90
Maximum stay
180
Rolling period

Understanding the Rule

The Schengen 90/180 day rule is the cornerstone of short-stay limits in Europe. It states that non-EU visitors can stay in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day rolling period.

This rule applies to everyone who isn't an EU citizen — whether you're traveling visa-free with ETIAS, on a Schengen visa, or from a visa-exempt country. The key word is rolling: this isn't a calendar-based reset on January 1st. Instead, it's calculated backwards from any given day.

How to Calculate Your Days

  1. 1

    Pick your reference date

    Start with the day you want to check (e.g., your planned entry date or current date).

  2. 2

    Count back 180 days

    Look at the 180-day window ending on your reference date. This is your calculation period.

  3. 3

    Add up all days spent in Schengen

    Count every day you were physically present in any Schengen country during those 180 days. Both entry and exit days count as full days.

  4. 4

    Check against the 90-day limit

    If your total is under 90 days, you can stay for the difference. If it's at or over 90, you cannot enter legally.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Thinking it resets on January 1: The 90/180 rule doesn't follow the calendar year — it's always a rolling 180-day window.

Confusing with per-visit limits: You could make one 90-day trip or ten 9-day trips — what matters is the total within 180 days.

Forgetting that entry and exit days both count: If you arrive on Monday and leave on Wednesday, that's 3 days, not 2.

Calculate Your Days

Don't do the math manually — use our free calculator to track your trips, see remaining days, and plan future travel without risking overstay.

Open Schengen Calculator

Key Facts About the Rule

🌍
Applies to All 30 countries Schengen + associated states
📅
Day counting Entry + exit Both count as full days
🔄
Reset date None Rolling window, no fixed reset
👤
Who it affects Non-EU visitors Visa-free, ETIAS, and visa holders

Practical Examples

Example 1: Single long trip
You spend 60 days in France from March 1 to April 29. On April 29, looking back 180 days, you've used 60 days. You have 30 days remaining that you could use immediately, or save for later.

Example 2: Multiple short trips
You visit Germany for 14 days in January, Spain for 21 days in March, and Italy for 10 days in April. By late April, you've used 45 days in the last 180 days, leaving 45 days available.

Example 3: Reaching the limit
You stayed 90 days straight from January 1 to March 31. On April 1, you must leave. You cannot re-enter until July 1 — that's when your first day (January 1) finally drops out of the 180-day window.

Who Does This Rule Apply To?

  • Visa-free visitors: Citizens of countries like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan who don't need a visa for short stays
  • ETIAS holders: From late 2026, visa-exempt travelers will need ETIAS but still follow the 90/180 rule
  • Schengen visa holders: Even with a visa, you're limited to 90 days in 180 days (unless you have a long-stay visa)
  • Third-country nationals: Anyone who isn't an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen

Related Guides

Schengen Calculator

Track your days and plan future trips

Overstay Consequences

What happens if you exceed the limit

All Schengen Countries

Full list of 30 member states

90/180 Rule FAQs

Does the 90-day limit reset on January 1?
No. The 90/180 rule uses a rolling window, not a calendar year. You must always look back 180 days from the current date to calculate your remaining days.
Do days in the UK, Ireland, or Cyprus count toward my 90 days?
No. The UK and Ireland are not part of the Schengen Area. Cyprus is an EU member but doesn't fully implement Schengen border controls, so time there typically doesn't count — though this can vary. When in doubt, only count time in the 30 full Schengen members.
Can I stay 90 days, leave for a day, and come back for another 90?
No. Leaving for just one day doesn't reset your count. You need to wait until enough days drop out of your 180-day window. After a full 90-day stay, you'd need to wait about 90 days outside Schengen before you can stay another 90 days.
What happens if I overstay the 90-day limit?
Overstaying can result in fines, entry bans (1-5 years), deportation, and difficulties obtaining future visas. The consequences vary by country but are serious. See our overstay guide for details.
Is the rule the same for Schengen visa holders?
Yes. Whether you're visa-free or have a Schengen visa, the 90/180 day limit applies equally. A Schengen visa doesn't give you more time — it just allows you to enter if your nationality requires one.

Related Information

ETIAS Guide Schengen Visa Guide UK Travel Requirements Check Your Requirements

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