How do you count days on a Schengen visa?

How to Calculate Days on a Schengen Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Schengen Visa, a vital travel document for entry into the Schengen Area of Europe, is subject to a 180-day rolling validity period. Understanding how to count days on a Schengen visa is crucial to avoid overstaying and potential penalties.

Step 1: Determine the Rolling 180-Day Period

• The 180-day rolling period begins 180 days prior to your intended departure date from the Schengen Area.

Step 2: Review Your Passport Stamps

• Gather all passport stamps that document your entries and exits into the Schengen Area within the past 180 days.

Step 3: Count Days Spent Within the Schengen Area

• Tally the total number of days you have spent within the Schengen Area during the 180-day rolling period. Each day of entry and exit counts as one day.

Step 4: Calculate Remaining Permissible Stay

• Subtract the total days spent within the Schengen Area (from Step 3) from 180 days.
• The result represents your remaining permissible stay in the Schengen Area.

Example:

• Intended departure date: June 15, 2023
• 180 days prior to departure: December 19, 2022
• Passport stamps indicate:
  • Entry into Schengen Area on March 1, 2023: 10 days spent
  • Entry into Schengen Area on April 12, 2023: 15 days spent
• Total days spent within the 180-day rolling period: 25 days (10 days + 15 days)
• Remaining permissible stay: 155 days (180 days – 25 days)

Additional Notes:

• The 180-day rolling period applies to all Schengen Area countries combined.
• It’s important to always carry your passport with you while traveling within the Schengen Area.
• Overstaying your Schengen visa can result in fines, deportation, and a ban on future Schengen visas.
• This method of calculation applies to short-stay Schengen visas (up to 90 days within 180 days).

By following these steps, you can accurately count days on a Schengen visa and ensure compliance with the visa regulations.