How the 90/180 rule works
On any day you spend in the Schengen Area, look back 180 days including that day. Count every day you were in any of the 29 Schengen countries. If the total is more than 90, you’ve overstayed. Arrival and departure days both count.
The window moves every day, so days you spent six months ago drop out one at a time. That’s why the last day you can stay depends on your whole travel history, not only on your current trip.
Who it applies to
Visa-free visitors such as UK, US, Canadian and Australian citizens, and holders of short-stay Schengen visas. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens have freedom of movement and no day limit. Long-stay visas and residence permits are counted separately by the country that issued them.
Questions
How does the 90/180 rule work?
On any day you spend in the Schengen Area, look back 180 days including that day. Every day you were in any of the 29 Schengen countries in that window counts, and the total may not go over 90.
Do arrival and departure days count?
Yes. Both the day you enter and the day you leave count as full days in the Schengen Area.
Are Cyprus and Ireland part of the 90 days?
No. Cyprus and Ireland are EU members but not in the Schengen Area, so their days count separately.
Is the EU tracking my days now?
Yes. The Entry/Exit System has registered entries and exits at every Schengen border since 10 April 2026 and flags overstays automatically.
Read more: the EU Entry/Exit System explained · Schengen Area rules by passport