Whether you’re visiting Europe for the first time or you’re already a seasoned traveler, it’s important to know about the many rules surrounding international travel to ensure nothing interferes with your plans.
Many European countries are part of the Schengen Area, which doesn’t require American visitors to have a visa for entry. But, there’s a caveat! American travelers are only allowed to spend 90 days in a 180-day period in the 29 Schengen states without a visa.
What countries are Schengen states?
Countries in the Schengen Area include: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
What is the Schengen Area 90/180-day rule?
Non-EU/EEA nationals are allowed to spend 90 days in a 180-day period in the Schengen Area without a visa—just your passport will do! However, in 2025 all Americans looking to travel to many European countries will need to apply for an ETIAS for entry, similar to the ESTA for many Europeans visiting the U.S.
Who does the 90/180-day rule affect?
The Schengen 90/180-day rule most commonly impacts non-EU/EAA nationals who often frequent the Schengen Area throughout the year or are planning a major, extended visit.
How is the 90/180-day rule calculated?
A travelers 90 days are calculated backwards from their date of entry into a Schengen state. Remember the 180-days are a rolling period. Note, the rule still applies if you are not staying a consecutive 90 days within the 180-day period.
For example, if you spend 25 days in a Schengen state beginning May 20th, 2024 to June 8th, 2024, then another 40 days between July 4th, 2024 to August 12th, 2024, by August 13th, 2024 you’ll still have 25 days left to remain in the Schengen Area. But, by October 21st, 2024 you have 50 days leftover to spend in a Schengen state because if you count backwards 180 days, the May visit no longer counts.
There’s even a special calculator to help you!
What if you want to stay in Schengen states longer than 90 days?
If you wish to stay in a Schengen state longer than the allotted 90 days within a 180-day period, you will need to apply for a visa.