The 90/180-day rule is a key regulation for travelers to the Schengen Area. It limits the amount of time non-EU nationals can spend in the region without a visa. Here's a simple breakdown to help you understand and comply with this rule.
What Is the 90/180-Day Rule?
You can stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This is a rolling window, not a fixed calendar period.
90 days = Maximum number of days you can stay
180 days = The time frame that keeps moving as each new day arrives
This means that for every day you are in the Schengen Area, you need to look back 180 days and make sure you've not stayed more than 90 days in that time frame.
Example Scenario
Let’s say:
You entered on January 1 and stayed for 30 days (until Jan 30)
You left for 10 days, then returned on February 10 for another 40 days
You left again and returned on April 5
To check if you’re still within the 90-day limit, you’d look back 180 days from April 5 and sum all the days you were inside the Schengen Area.
Why It Matters
Overstaying can lead to:
Fines
Deportation
Bans on re-entry to Schengen countries
Even a few days over the limit can cause serious issues.
Tools to Help You
Manually calculating your allowed stay can be confusing. That’s why we created the Schengen Area Calculator – an interactive tool that:
Tracks your stays
Alerts you to potential violations
Shows remaining days based on your travel history
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming it's based on calendar months (it’s not)
Thinking you get 90 days per country (it's for the entire Schengen Area)
Overlapping stays and not properly counting each entry/exit
Final Tips
Keep records of flights, stamps, and accommodations
Always check your remaining days before booking another trip
Use our calculator regularly to stay compliant
Want more guidance? Visit our Visa Guide or check the FAQ.