How does the 90 day Schengen rule work?

Understanding the 90-Day Schengen Rule

The Schengen Area, comprising 26 European countries, operates under a common visa policy that allows citizens and non-EU residents to travel freely within the region. However, there are limitations on the duration of such travel known as the 90-day Schengen rule.

What is the 90-Day Schengen Rule?

The 90-day Schengen rule restricts non-EU citizens from staying in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days within a 180-day period. This 180-day period is a rolling count, meaning it resets every 180 days.

How the Rule Works

Upon entry into any Schengen country, the 180-day count commences. During this period, individuals can make multiple entries and exits into the Schengen Area, but the combined duration of their stays cannot exceed 90 days.

For example, if an individual enters the Schengen Area on January 1st and stays for 30 days, they can re-enter on April 1st and stay for an additional 60 days (totaling 90 days within the 180-day period). However, after June 30th, they will need to wait 90 days before re-entering the Schengen Area.

Exceptions to the Rule

There are a few exceptions to the 90-day rule, including:

• Holding a long-stay visa or residence permit
• Being a citizen of an EU or EFTA country
• Studying or working in a Schengen country for longer than 90 days

Consequences of Overstaying

Overstaying the 90-day Schengen rule can result in:

• Fines
• Deportation
• Denial of future Schengen visas

It’s important to note that the 90-day rule applies to all non-EU citizens, regardless of their nationality or the type of visa they hold. To avoid any potential issues, travelers should carefully plan their itineraries and ensure they comply with the规定.