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In Europe's Schengen area , your passport must be valid for at least six months at the time of your entry. At present, the Schengen area includes most European Union (EU) countries, except for Cyprus and Ireland.

If you are transiting through Canada or the United Kingdom (UK) enroute to the Schengen area : your passport must be valid for at least six months, even though Canada and the UK do not themselves have the six-month rule. If your passport will expire within six months, airlines may not let you board your onward flight to Europe.

Traveling in Europe

If you plan to travel in Europe, you need to know about the Schengen Borders Agreement, which allows you to move freely within a number of countries without border checks. Tourists, exchange students, and people visiting for business from certain countries, like the United States, can travel in the Schengen area for up to 90 days. The Schengen area includes most EU countries, except for Cyprus and Ireland. It also includes four non-EU countries: Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.

Before you travel to the Schengen area, we recommend you do the following:

• Check the expiration date on your passport book carefully before traveling to Europe. Ensure your passport book is valid for at least six months when you enter the Schengen area. This is especially important for minors under age 16 as their passports are only valid for five years. In contrast, U.S. citizen adults aged 16 and older receive passports that are valid for 10 years.
• Always carry your passport book with you when traveling to another country in the Schengen area. Even if there is no border check at that time, officials may reinstate border controls without notice.
• Be prepared to explain your purpose of travel.
• Be prepared to provide proof of sufficient financial resources for the visit.
• Comply with other entry requirements for each country you will visit or transit.

On our Country Information pages , you can find passport validity requirements and other important information for your destination country. If your passport does not meet the Schengen requirements, you may be:

• Refused boarding by the airline at your point of origin or while transferring planes.
• Denied entry when you arrive in the Schengen area, regardless of how long you will stay.

An immigration official will determine if you qualify for visa-free entry to the Schengen area when you first cross any external Schengen border. You will have to present your passport at that time. The officer may deny your entry if you do not qualify.

You should also check passport validity requirements if traveling onward from the Schengen area to a country outside the Schengen area. You can find this information in our Country Information pages.

HOW LONG CAN I REMAIN?

• With a valid U.S. passport book, you can stay up to 90 days in the Schengen area for tourism or business during any 180-day period. You must wait an additional 90 days before applying to re-enter the Schengen area.
• If you plan to stay in the Schengen area longer than three months, contact the embassy of the country where you plan to spend the majority of your time and apply for a visa.

Countries in the Schengen area may reinstate temporary internal or external border control without notice. U.S. citizens should carry their U.S. passport book at all times when entering or leaving the Schengen area. They should also bring it when traveling between Schengen countries.

How can the U.S. government help me if border officials do not let me enter?

• We can give you the contact information of foreign embassies of the countries you wish to visit.
• We can provide information about hiring an English-speaking foreign attorney overseas if you choose to do so.
• Note: We cannot influence a foreign government’s decision about allowing you to enter. We cannot intervene in another country’s criminal or administrative procedures.

What countries are members of the Schengen Borders Agreement?

Click on the country name for more information.

Bulgaria (entering in March 2024)

Czech Republic

Liechtenstein

Netherlands

Romania (entering in March 2024)

Switzerland

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
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Travelling to the EU and Schengen area

You do not need a visa for short trips to the EU or countries in the Schengen area if both of the following apply:

• you’re staying for 90 days or less in a 180-day period
• you’re visiting as a tourist or for certain other reasons

Other reasons include:

• studying a short course
• getting medical treatment
• travelling for business for your UK employer, for example to attend a business meeting or conference
• journalism or other media activities

Check the entry requirements of the country you’re visiting to find out what you can and cannot do during your stay.

These rules do not apply to travelling and working in Ireland .

Travelling to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period

You can travel to more than one country in a 180-day period. How long you can stay in each country depends on whether or not it’s in the Schengen area.

The countries in the Schengen area are:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Your total stay in the Schengen area must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. It does not matter how many countries you visit. The 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’.

To work out if your stay is within the 90 day limit, use the following steps.

Check the date you plan to leave the Schengen area on your next trip.

Count back 180 days from that date to get the start of the 180-day period.

Add up the number of days you have already spent in the Schengen area in that 180-day period (you can use the dates stamped in your passport showing when you entered and left a country).

Work out how many days you will spend in the Schengen area on your next trip. Add this number to the number of days you worked out in step 3.

Check that the total number of days is not more than 90.

Travelling to Cyprus

Cyprus is not in the Schengen area. You can stay up to 90 days in a 180-day period in Cyprus without a visa.

Any time you spend in the Schengen area does not affect the number of days you can spend in Cyprus.

When you may need a visa

​​You may need a visa or permit if you want to either:

• stay for more than 90 days

If you’re travelling for work, check the rules for the country you’re visiting .

If you’re travelling for another reason or staying longer than 90 days, check the entry requirements for the country you’re visiting .

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Schengen area

The Schengen area is made up of 27 European countries that agreed to create common entry and exit requirements in order to remove the need for internal borders. As long as Schengen area entry requirements are met, the agreement allows foreigners to travel freely between participating countries without having to go through border controls (some exceptions apply, see below).

Schengen area countries

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Entry/exit requirements

The Schengen area has common rules about visas and controls at external borders and has abolished checks within its internal borders. However, some Schengen area countries may require you to register with local authorities shortly after you arrive, particularly when you are staying in private accommodations.

Canadians do not need a visa to travel to countries within the Schengen area for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. If you leave the Schengen area and return within the same 180-day period, the previous stay will count against the permitted 90 days.

If you plan to stay for longer than 90 days in any 180-day period, you must contact the  high commission or embassy  of the country or countries to which you are travelling and obtain the appropriate visa before you travel. If you do not obtain the appropriate visa and you stay longer than the permitted 90 days in the Schengen area, you may be fined or deported.

It is important to get your passport stamped when you first enter the Schengen area. If you do not have an entry stamp from your first Schengen port of entry, you may have problems if you encounter the local police (or other authorities) anywhere in the Schengen area during your visit or with immigration officials at the time of departure.

The European Commission’s  Migration and Home Affairs  web page provides more information and a calculator to help you to find the number of visa-free permitted travel days you have left in the Schengen area, taking into account your previous stays there.

The Schengen Borders Code allows member states to temporarily reintroduce internal border controls if there is a serious threat to public policy or internal security. Canadians wishing to enter a Schengen area country that has reintroduced internal border controls could be required to present a passport, valid for at least three months from the time of expected departure from that country. For more information, visit the European Union’s  Temporary Reintroduction of Border Control web page.

• Factsheet: What is Schengen? , European Commission
• Schengen, Borders and Visa , European Commission

Rules for Entering the Schengen Area: First Point of Entry

Once you get your Schengen visa, you can travel to the Schengen Area within the dates specified on your visa sticker. But… which country should you enter first? Does it have to be the same country which issued your visa? What if you have a layover in a different country?

• First Point of Entry – The first Schengen country you enter after getting a Schengen visa.
• Primary Destination – The Schengen country in which you will spend the majority of your time or in which you have your main purpose of visit.
• Main Purpose of Visit – The main reason why you are travelling to the Schengen Area (e.g., tourism, to attend a conference, for a business meeting, etc).

What is the First Point of Entry to the Schengen Area?

The first point of entry is the first Schengen country you enter when travelling to the Schengen Area. This could be your primary destination or a country you are transiting through on your way to your primary destination.

In essence, it is the Schengen country which will stamp your passport on arrival.

Should I Enter Schengen Through the Country Which Issued My Visa?

For example:

Let’s say you are travelling from New York, USA, to Rome, Italy where you will spend a vacation. However, first, you have to make a connecting flight in Frankfurt, Germany. So even though your primary destination is Italy, your first point of entry is Germany because that’s where you landed when you first entered the Schengen Area, and that’s where your passport will be stamped.

When you travel from Germany to Italy, your passport will not be stamped again with an Italian stamp because there are no border checks among Schengen countries. You will only receive another (exit) stamp after you leave Schengen altogether.

What If I Have A Multiple-Entry Visa?

If you have a multiple-entry visa, the rules of the first entry point are only valid for the very first entry to Schengen.

As long as you have your entry and exit stamps of your first trip, and your visa is still valid, you can enter the Schengen Area through any country in your subsequent trips.

What If I Don’t Enter My Primary Destination At All?

If you do not enter the country you stated as your primary destination during the visa application, you may face problems when you try to apply for another Schengen visa in the future. The consular officers will want to know why there is no stamp for your primary destination, and may ask for proof that you actually entered the country.

Will I Face Problems When I Exit If I Don't Enter the Schengen Country Which Issued My Visa?

When you exit the Schengen area, the border authorities may ask you why there is no stamp for your primary destination on your passport. If you did visit that country, you can let them know how you travelled there, and present any flight, train, or bus tickets which you used during your trip, and tell them why you had to enter through a different country.

Although there will most likely not be any problems during your exit, you may face problems for future visa applications.

Does the First Point of Entry Determine Where to Apply for a Schengen Visa?

The first point of entry determines where to submit your application in the following instances:

• You will only visit (and enter) one Schengen country – in which case, you apply at the Embassy or Consulate of that country.
• You will visit multiple Schengen countries for the same duration of time – in which case, you apply at the Embassy/Consulate of the Schengen country you will visit first.

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Schengen Area - Travel Guidance

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Visas and entry requirements in europe and the schengen area.

This page is for Australians travelling to Europe.

Read this page to learn about:

• the Schengen Area
• entry and exit to the Schengen Area
• other European countries with visa waivers
• non-Schengen European countries

The Australian Government doesn't issue visas for other countries. We can't provide final information on border rules. Ask your destination's high commission, embassy or consulate for details before you travel.

The Schengen Area

The Schengen Area is made up of 27 European countries with common border rules. It lets travellers move freely between member countries without

• going through border controls
• getting a visa for each country.

The members of the Schengen Area are:

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• The Netherlands
• Switzerland

Bulgaria  and  Romania  partially joined the Schengen area on 31 March.  Border checks should have ceased for air or sea travel  between Bulgaria, Romania, and other Schengen Area countries. Checks are still undertaken for land-based travel. Stays in Bulgaria and Romania now count towards your total visa-free stay in the Schengen Area (see below).

Entry and exit in the Schengen Area

Australians can travel visa-free in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. Your travel must be for:

• business purposes
• visiting friends and family
• tourism and holidays
• cultural and sports events
• official visit
• medical reasons
• short-term study

Apply at the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country where you'll stay the longest. If you're staying for the same length of time in each country, apply at the embassy of the country you'll visit first.

You'll need to apply for a visa if:

• you're planning to stay for more than 90 days
• your reason for travel changes, and you no longer qualify for visa-free travel.

You'll need to apply outside the country you want a visa for.

Calculating your 90/180 days

Calculating your visa-free days can be complicated. The European Commission provides a calculator to help you track your visa-free days .

• The 180 days isn't fixed in time. It's calculated backwards from today.
• Your 90 days are calculated from your first day in the Schengen Area within the 180 days.
• If you leave and return within 180 days, your last stay will count towards the 90-day maximum.
• If you use up your visa-free days, you must leave until you accumulate more or apply for a visa.
• You may be fined or banned from the Schengen Area if you overstay your 90 days.

Example You arrive in Spain on 18 March. You fly to the UK on 21 April and stay there until the 29th. On 30 April, you travel to Greece and stay until 23 June. Your trip was 97 days, but only 90 were in the Schengen Area. You can't re-enter the Area until at least 14 September, when the Spanish leg of your trip falls outside your 180 days. If you re-enter on 14 September, you can only stay another 35 days as your time in Greece still counts towards your current 90 days. If you re-enter on 22 September, you can stay another 90 days, as you haven't been in the Area in the past 180 days .

Entering and exiting the Schengen Area

You must show a valid passport when entering the Schengen Area.

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave.

Make sure you get a clear entry stamp in your passport when you enter the Schengen Area for the first time. Without a stamp, you could be fined or detained.

Some countries need you to register within 3 days of arrival.

See our destination-specific travel advice for entry and exit details for each country. Check the European Commission for information on temporary border controls .

These visa rules only apply when travelling on your Australian passport . If you're a dual national travelling on your other passport, check the rules for that nationality.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is an electronic security system. It will do a security check before you can enter participating European countries . ETIAS is expected to start in mid-2025 if the new system is working.

You won't need an ETIAS for EU countries who aren't taking part in the program.

Other European countries with visa waivers

There are other European countries where you can travel visa-free. Travel to these countries does not count towards your 90 days for Schengen Area travel.

Countries can change their border rules at short notice. Before you travel, ask your destination's nearest embassy or consulate for the latest rules.

Visa waiver agreements with Australia

Australia has visa waiver agreements with several countries in the Schengen Area. These agreements may allow you to spend 60 to 90 days in the country for tourism.

Visa waiver agreement countries include:

Using visa waiver agreements with Schengen visa-free arrangements is complex. Each country operates the visa waiver in its own way.

Most countries need you to use the visa waiver at the end of your Schengen Area travel.

Visa-free tourism programs in non-Schengen countries

Some European countries outside the Schengen Area allow you to enter visa-free for tourism. Most let you stay up to 90 days. Some are for longer. See our country advisories for details on border rules.

• Bosnia & Herzegovina
• North Macedonia (Republic of North Macedonia)
• United Kingdom

Non-Schengen European countries

Many European countries are not part of the Schengen Area. Non-Schengen countries have their own border rules. These countries include:

Ask these countries' high commission, embassy or consulate for visa information.

• General advice on  visas .
• Before you go, get the right travel insurance .
• Read about Australia's 11 reciprocal health care agreements .
• The Schengen Area explained

Related content

Many Australians hold two or more nationalities. If you're travelling to the country of your other nationality, find out how your citizenship can impact you.

Foreign governments often require you to get a visa before they let you enter. This page provides general advice and information about visas overseas.

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The Schengen Area

Introduction, visas and borders in the schengen area, european travel information and authorisation system (etias), policing and security, asylum seekers and people with international protection status, further information.

The Schengen Area is the name given to a region of Europe where there are no border checks between countries.

Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area, which means that if you travel to the Schengen Area from Ireland, you pass through an immigration checkpoint and have to show your passport or national identity card.

The following European Union countries are not part of the Schengen Area:

The United Kingdom is also not part of the Schengen Area.

The Schengen Area was created following the Schengen Agreement, named after the village in Luxemburg where it was signed in 1985. The Schengen Convention, which followed in 1990, set out more details on the operation of the borderless area.

Ireland takes part in some of the policing co-operation agreements that are part of the Schengen Agreement - see ‘Policing and security’ below for more information.

There are no border checks between the Schengen countries. You only pass through border checks at the external border of the Schengen Area.

For example, if you are traveling from Romania (which is outside Schengen) to Hungary (which is inside Schengen), you will be checked by border officials at the border. You could then travel from Hungary to Austria, and on to Germany and France without passing through another border check, because those countries are all within the Schengen Area. If you then travel from France to Ireland, you would pass an immigration checkpoint, because you are leaving the Schengen Area.

The Visa Information System (VIS) allows Schengen member states to share visa information. Each Schengen country has the same rules about entry and short stay visas.

If you are not a citizen of an EEA member state (the EU plus Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein), you may need a visa to travel to Ireland , even if you have a Schengen visa.

If you are a non-EEA citizen and you currently live in Ireland, you may need a Schengen visa to travel to the Schengen Area, even if you have a valid Irish Residence Permit (IRP). You should check with the embassy of the country you plan to visit.

Where do I apply for a Schengen visa?

You only need to make one visa application for your visit, even if you plan to travel to more than one country in the Schengen Area. There are rules about which country’s embassy you should make your visa application to:

• If you are visiting one country in the Schengen Area, you should apply to the embassy of the country you plan to visit
• If you are visiting more than one country, you should make your application to the embassy of the country where you plan to spend the most time
• If you are spending the same amount of time in more than one country, you should apply to the embassy of the country where you are going first

Free movement of people

The Schengen Agreement does not affect the rights of EEA citizens to live and work in other EEA countries. This is covered by EU directives and regulations on the free movement of people .

You should note that many countries in the EEA require their own citizens and visitors to carry some form of identification. You should carry your passport or national identity card as you could be asked to prove that you have a legal right to be in the Schengen Area.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is due to start in 2025. People from countries outside the EU and EEA who do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Area, will need to get an ETIAS before they travel. This system will be similar to the ESTA system for travelling to the United States.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will cover travel to the Schengen Area and to:

If approved, your ETIAS is valid for 3 years or until your passport expires. You can move freely within the Schengen Area (and to the countries above) after your arrival, for up to 90 days.

Applicants will need to pay a fee and apply online giving some basic personal information.

The Schengen Agreement also means that member states co-ordinate security and policing activities. These include:

Cross-border surveillance

Hot pursuit.

• The Schengen Information System (SIS)

The European Border Surveillance System ( EUROSUR ) is used by Schengen member states (and Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia) to co-ordinate and exchange information. It aims to stop cross-border crime.

Under the Schengen Agreement, police who are in active pursuit of a criminal can continue their pursuit into a neighbouring country provided that country is also in the Schengen Area.

Schengen Information System (SIS)

EU member states use the Schengen Information System (SIS) to share information about security and border management. Countries can issue a SIS alert about a person or object, which also includes information about what to do if that person or object has been found.

Ireland is connected to SIS. This means that Ireland can send and receive alerts on people and objects. These alerts are used to help trace missing people, people who are wanted by the police in a member state, and/or objects that are missing or stolen.

You can get more information about SIS on garda.ie . You can get information on the right to access your personal information held on SIS from the Data Protection Commission. You can read more about these rights on the website of the European Data Protection Board .

Asylum Seekers

Asylum seekers cannot move freely within the Schengen Area. This is because they must stay in the country where they have lodged their application for international protection. The Dublin III Regulations set out the rules on where a claim for international protection asylum should be made within the European Union.

Refugees and subsidiary protection

If you have refugee or subsidiary protection status , you can move freely within the Schengen area and stay for up to 90 days. If you wish to live in another country in the Schengen area (or another part of the EEA), you have to make an application for residence to that country’s embassy before traveling there. You may also need a work permit if you want to take up employment.

You can read more about:

• Documents you need to travel in Europe
• The legal basis for Eurosur
• The legal basis for Frontex
• Schengen Convention

Related documents

• Common Travel Area between Ireland and the UK This page discusses the Common Travel Area between Ireland and the UK, an area which is not specifically provided for in legislation. 1698.8026
• The euro area The euro is the national currency of 19 EU member states. This document explains how it operates. 1405.5409
• Living together and marriage: what are the legal differences? If your relationship ends, your rights can depend on whether you and your partner are married or not. Find out more. 1260.3109

If you have a question about this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

You can also contact your local Citizens Information Centre .

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An Easy Guide to the 90/180 Rule for the Schengen Area in Europe

Last Updated: April 5, 2023

*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. for more info.

If you’re here, you’re probably (like many travellers) attempting to navigate the confusing rules of the European Schengen Area. 

I mean, what is the 90/180 rule? How do you count the 90 days once you’re in Europe? When does the 90 day allowance ‘reset’? All valid questions, my friend, so let me help by explaining things so clearly, even a drunk corgi would get them.

Below is my easy breezy guide to understanding the Schengen Area, its confusing 90/180 day rule, and all the ways you can use it to legally stay in Europe far longer than 3 months.

Beware: I’m only speaking from my own research and personal experience a very privileged (Canadian) passport holder, so if you have more specific questions (especially related to applying for a visa), I am not your girl. I hope you find this general overview helpful though!

If you’re visiting Europe soon, be sure to also check out these posts:

• How to Find the Cheapest Flights to Europe
• The Cheapest Ways to Travel Around Europe
• The Best Travel Apps for Europe
• How to Avoid Pickpockets in Europe
• 40+ One Week Itineraries for Europe You’ll Want to Steal ASAP
• How to Pack for Europe in the Summer
• How to Pack for Europe in the Winter

Save this Guide to the Schengen Area 90/180 Rule for Later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

First: What is the Schengen Area?

A lot of first time visitors mistakenly assume there are no passport controls throughout Europe. This is untrue, and only applies to a select group of 27 countries in Europe known as the Schengen Area.

The name comes from the small Luxembourgish village of Schengen, where the agreement establishing the original Schengen Area (initially just France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg) were first signed back in 1985.

Today, the Schengen Area encompasses a 27 country “area without internal border controls “ spread across over 4 million square kilometres.

Practically speaking, for travellers this means that once you enter the Schengen Area, you have free movement within Schengen countries, and won’t need to get your passport checked every time you cross the border (unless in extenuating circumstances). If you leave a Schengen Area country to go to a non-Schengen country however, passport control will proceed as usual.

This is why the maximum amount of time you’re allowed to stay (e.g. through a visa or through a visa waiver program) will apply to the entire Schengen Area and not just for one single country. In many cases, the allowance is 90 days out of every 180 days, AKA the 90/180 rule.

This is why many long-term travellers in Europe will strategically mix Schengen and non-Schengen countries to legally extend their time on the continent further… but more on this later!

List of Schengen Countries

As of 2023, the countries belonging to the Schengen Zone include…

• Liechtenstein
• The Netherlands
• Switzerland 

To re-iterate: You will typically only go through passport control upon your entry to the Schengen Zone, and upon exit as well, so if you are simply travelling between any of these countries, then you will not need to go through passport control each time.

How Long You Can Stay in the Schengen Area

For many passport holders (including Canadians, Americans, Brits, and Australians, plus over 50 other countries ), we are granted a visa exemption for tourism, and do not need to apply for a special Schengen visa.

This means that we are allowed to enter the Schengen Zone with just our passports. Generally, under these circumstances, we are allowed to stay for 90 days within a 180 day timeframe.

For other passport holders ( see here for a full list ), they must apply for a Schengen Visa in advance. The short stay Schengen Visas (Type C) used for tourism are typically issued for 90 days within a 180 day time frame.

But what exactly does “90 days within a 180 day time frame” even mean?

As taken from the official europa.eu website , “You can stay 90 days in any 180-day period within the Schengen area”, and the following things must be taken into account:

• Your date of entry = your first day of stay in the Schengen Area
• Your date of exit = your last day of stay in the Schengen territory
• The 180-day period is a moving window, “based on the approach of looking backwards at each day of the stay”

Confusing, right? The easiest way I can explain it is this: when you leave the Schengen Zone, you basically need to be able to look back on the past 180 days and say you have not exceeded a 90 day stay within this period.

If you have, then you may be subjected to certain penalties like a fine, deportation or even a ‘re-entry ban’.

How to Easily Calculate the Number of Days You’ve Been in the Schengen Area

The official Europa.eu website has a calculator you can use here that helps calculate for you, which allows you to create an account (so you can go back and edit dates as you see fit). 

Common Misconceptions About the Schengen Area

While the 90/180 Day rule doesn’t sound too complicated once you get the hang of it, there are a few common misconceptions that trip people up, so I want to quickly cover them to ensure you don’t make the same mistake.

First of all, contrary to popular belief, your 90 day allowance doesn’t just reset every time you leave the Schengen Zone.

For example, if you spend 30 days in the Schengen Zone and then go home to your non-Schengen country for 60 days, you do NOT get a fresh 90 days again the next time you re-enter. Those first 30 days you spent still count, so plan a trip assuming you have a new 90 days to work with.

Remember, what’s important is picturing yourself on your departure date exiting the Schengen Zone and looking back on the past 180 days. If you were in the Schengen Zone more than 90 days during that 180 day period, then that’s when you’ve overstayed and are potentially subject to penalties.

Another common mistake is when people simplify the 90/180 Schengen Area rule to “three months out of 6 months”. This simplification doesn’t really work since different months have a different number of days, so remember to count days, rather than months.

Lastly, remember that the Schengen Zone and the EU are not the same thing. Despite significant overlap, not all EU countries are in the Schengen Zone, and there are some non-EU countries in the Schengen Zone as well, so be sure to triple check before assuming a country’s Schengen status.

90/180 Schengen Rule with Extenuating Circumstances (e.g. Student Visas)

Now you might be wondering how the 90/180 day works when you have an overlapping visa, or other extenuating circumstances.

This was exactly my predicament when I did my Study Abroad, for which I had a student visa. I wanted to go backpacking after my semester, so how long would I have? What happens with the 90/180 day rule when you have a student visa? Does the 90 days automatically kick in after your student visa expires? Do you have to cross the border and come back in first?

I was so panicked and nervous that I read every single Reddit thread in the deep trenches of the Internet, reached out to MANY people, including the Canadian consulate in Munich, who firstly misunderstood my question then ghosted me when I clarified… and even still I couldn’t get an answer for the life of me.

The annoying thing is it really depends on the particular passport officer that you have that day.

The most official feedback I received though was when I was actually at the German border, leaving. I figured might as well try to get an official answer while I was there, and (no joke) the first passport officer paused, thought about it for a long time, and then had to call a superior on the phone and chat about it for 5 minutes.

In the end, he told me that the 90/180 day allowance would only kick in after I RE-ENTERED the Schengen Area after leaving on my student visa.

So, there you have it – the official word from a German passport control officer back in 2016.

If you want to be on the safe side then, assuming you plan to stay an extra 90 days in the Schengen Area after another visa of yours expires, you should ensure that you leave the Schengen Area before that visa and come back in with a new entry stamp that proves when you entered the Schengen Zone.

This way, there is official proof of your 90 days kicking in, and you don’t need to be a blubbering ball of anxiety like me.

How Strict Are They in Enforcing the 90/180 Rule?

As someone who has spent a LOT of time weaving in and out of the Schengen Area, I have one thing to say: everything comes down to the passport control officer you have on that day.

I’ve read a lot of generalizations about passport control in different countries, saying things like “Oh, well they’re stricter in countries like Germany but less strict in countries like Spain” and I really don’t think this kind of dialogue is helpful, because at the end of the day, it depends 100% on the individual passport control officer.

In every country, you’ll have some passport control officers who flip through every single page of your passport to identify stamps and do the math, while there will also be others who barely look and just stamp you in/out. It’s down to the individual, so don’t assume that they won’t check because you’re going to a ‘chiller’ country – it doesn’t work like that.

In any case, I would never recommend overstaying your Schengen allowance. While the odds of you getting caught and blacklisted from re-entering aren’t super high, I’m just not willing to take that risk.

It’s important to note as well that they don’t care if you did it on purpose or by accident. Overstaying = overstaying in their books, so while you could maybe play up the uninformed tourist bit, the likelihood that it will help (again) comes down to how your passport control officer is feeling that day.

So, in sum: don’t overstay your 90 days! Instead, empower yourself by learning the rules, and planning your trip in a way that ensures you never overstay.

On that note, let’s talk about…

How to Use the 90/180 Day Schengen Area Rule to Legally Stay in Europe Longer

Now that you understand the whole ’90 days in 180 days’ thing, how can you use this knowledge to your advantage?

Well, if you’re planning on travelling around Europe for more than 90 days, what you can do is create an itinerary that includes both Schengen and non-Schengen countries. This is one of my top Europe backpacking tips for first-timers.

For example, let’s say you wanted to spend 90 days in the Schengen Zone, plus 10 days in the UK, 10 days in Ireland, and 10 days in Bulgaria. That could help you extend your trip to 120 days total.

If you were crafty about it, you could even continue doing this indefinitely for an ultra-long Europe trip.

I spent a while hopping in and out of the Schengen Zone when I first started dating my boyfriend, and wasn’t (yet) ready to commit to a full visa in Germany.

Having done it, the upside of this strategy is you get to visit a lot of really amazing countries that (in my opinion) don’t get nearly the amount of love they deserve from overseas visitors.

I’ve written in the past about all the cool things you can do in Bulgaria for instance, or about all the best places to visit in England besides London.

Another bonus is many non-Schengen countries (with the exception of the UK and Ireland) tend to be more affordable destinations than their Schengen counterparts, which helps you stretch your travel budget further as well.

And if you’re worried about doing this – don’t be! So long as you get your calculations correct, there is nothing legally wrong with you hopping in and out of the Schengen Zone to extend your stay as a tourist.

Take it from me – I’m the kind of person who is a nervous wreck in my peaceful day to day life, so can you imagine what an utter wreck I am at border controls?

The kind of wreck that used to travel with a detailed spreadsheet of all her travel dates, just to show passport control officers ‘just in case’. The kind of wreck who has read the rules so thoroughly that she picks fights with airline employees about them…… and wins.

So, yes, I do know a thing or two about the Schengen Area. And I can tell you there’s no need to worry, so long as you understand the rules and know your rights as a traveller.

Any more questions about the Schengen Area 90/180 Day Rule?

Let me know in the comments. I hope you found this post helpful!

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• Immigration

Schengen 90/180 Rule Explained

Imagine a travel chessboard, where each move requires careful planning and precision. that's exactly what navigating the schengen 90/180 rule is like for non-eu citizens eager to explore europe's splendors. the rule is your itinerary's best friend and quite possibly, a complex challenge to grasp fully. designed to keep short-term visits just that, this pivotal policy helps both adventurers and authorities ensure that stays within this zone are joyful and legally sound..

Key Takeaways:

• Schengen 90/180 rule applies to non-EU citizens, limiting stays to specific periods to prevent overstaying.
• Understanding this rule is crucial to avoid visa violations , penalties, and immigration complications.
• Compliance with the 90/180 rule is vital for planning extended stays or visits to Schengen countries.

Are you dreaming of sipping espresso in an Italian piazza, exploring the art-laden streets of Paris, or navigating the scenic fjords of Norway? If a European adventure is on your horizon, there’s a crucial piece of the puzzle you’ll need to fit in place before you pack your bags—the Schengen 90/180 rule. This regulation could very well be the invisible line between a memorable journey and an unexpected hurdle, as it dictates how long you can stay and roam freely within the enchanting borders of the Schengen Area, which encompasses many European countries.

Imagine a travel chessboard, where each move requires careful planning and precision. That’s exactly what navigating the Schengen 90/180 rule is like for non-EU citizens eager to explore Europe’s splendors. The rule is your itinerary’s best friend and quite possibly, a complex challenge to grasp fully. Designed to keep short-term visits just that, this pivotal policy helps both adventurers and authorities ensure that stays within this zone are joyful and legally sound.

So, whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or a first-time visitor with your eyes set on the old continent’s rich culture and history, understanding this rule is your first step toward a hassle-free European escapade. Let’s dive into the details and make sure your European journey is as smooth as a glide down the Venetian canals.

Understanding the Schengen 90/180 Rule

Navigating the regulations for visiting the Schengen Area is crucial for all non-EU travelers. The Schengen visa permits tourists, students, and business professionals to travel to their main destination and explore other Schengen countries without getting separate visas for each, under the 90/180 rule. Each year, millions of people from outside the EU leverage this opportunity for diverse purposes.

What Is the Schengen 90/180 Rule?

Also of Interest:

Understanding the july 2024 visa bulletin: a guide to u.s. immigration policies, do foreign youtubers need work authorization in the us.

This rule stipulates that:

• You can stay 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Zone.

Comprehending this rule is vital for several reasons:

• Long-Term Planning: It helps in planning out lengthy visits across Europe.
• Compliance: Ensures adherence to visa limitations , thus avoiding legal issues.
• Avoid Penalties: Non-compliance can result in fines or entry bans, which hampers future travel opportunities to the Schengen countries.

Understanding the 90/180 Day Rule in the Schengen Area

The 90/180-day rule is a critical policy for non-EU/EEA nationals planning to visit the Schengen Area. It essentially governs how long you can stay in these countries during a given period without requiring a long-term visa.

What Does the 90/180-Day Rule Mean?

This rule allows non-EU/EEA citizens to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The primary aim of this rule is to:

• Monitor the duration of stay of short-term visitors
• Prevent illegal stays following the expiration of the allowed 90 days

According to the rule:

• The “180-day period” refers to any 180 days, not necessarily tied to the calendar year or any specific dates. This rolling period looks back at the last 180 days from each day of your stay.
• Visitors must count their days of stay to ensure they do not exceed the permitted 90 days.

Key Points to Remember

When planning a trip to the Schengen Area, keep the following in mind to adhere to this rule:

• Count Your Travel Days : Every day you are in the Schengen zone counts towards the 90-day limit, including the day of arrival and departure.
• Track Your Stays : Maintain a clear record of your entries and exits from Schengen countries. This record can help in efficiently tracking your days to avoid overstaying.

You can use our Tool to calculate your stay.

Useful Resources

For more detailed information or specific inquiries, visiting official immigration websites can be immensely helpful. Here are a couple of resources:

• Schengen Visa Info
• European Commission – Migration and Home Affairs

This rule is pivotal in managing the flow of tourists and short-term visitors, ensuring that their stays remain legal and within the designated durations allowed by their visas or visa-free privileges. Remember, the correct understanding and application of the 90/180-day rule will make for a hassle-free visit to the beautiful Schengen Area.

Understanding the 90/180-Day Rule in the Schengen Area

The 90/180-day rule is applicable exclusively to the 29 member nations of the Schengen Area. This regulation is vital for non-EU citizens who are considering travel or stay within these countries. It means that you can stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period in any Schengen country. Here are the EU countries where this rule applies:

• Czechia (Czech Republic)
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland

When planning a visit to these countries, it’s important to track your days to comply with the 90/180-day rule.

Understanding the 90/180 Rule for Staying in the Schengen Area

Non-EU/EEA nationals who wish to visit the Schengen Area need to be familiar with the 90/180-day rule. This rule states that you can stay for up to 90 days within any period of 180 days. This applies across all member states of the Schengen Area.

How the 90/180 Day Rule Functions:

• The 90-Day Limit: When you enter any country within the Schengen Area, you can remain there for up to 90 days. For example, if your entry date is January 1, 2022, you can stay until March 31, 2022. This 90-day period is fixed, regardless of the calendar year.
• The 180-Day Calculation: This is where it gets a bit complex. You must calculate 180 days backward from either your entry or exit date in the Schengen Area. Within this rolling 180-day window, you should not have been in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days.

Practical Example:

If you arrived in the Schengen Area on January 1, 2022, and plan to leave on March 31, 2022, you would:

• Count 180 days backward from March 31, 2022.
• Ensure that you have not stayed more than 90 days within this period.

Avoiding Overstays: It’s crucial to track your stays accurately within the Schengen Area to avoid overstaying. Overstaying can lead to penalties or future entry denials.

For more information on the 90/180 rule and how it may affect your travels, reliable resources include:

• European Commission – Migration and Home Affairs: Schengen Borders Code
• Your Home Country’s Foreign Affairs Website: Often provides travel advice and resources for entering the Schengen zone.

By keeping these guidelines in mind and planning your travels accordingly, you can ensure a pleasant and lawful trip across the Schengen Area.

Understanding the Impact 90/180 Day Rule

Who is impacted by the rule.

The 90/180 Day Rule is essential for various travelers, primarily affecting:

• Non-EU/EEA Nationals: This includes individuals from countries outside the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) who can visit the Schengen Area visa-free.
• Holders of Long-Term Schengen Visas: Those with a multiple-entry Schengen visa valid for more than 90 days are also subject to this rule.
• Future ETIAS Registrants: Starting May 2025, nationals from countries that qualify for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will also need to adhere to this rule.

For further details on visa policies and the upcoming ETIAS, you can visit the official Schengen visa information portal and the ETIAS official site .

Who is Exempt from the Rule?

The 90/180 Day Rule does not apply to:

• EU Citizens: If you are a citizen of any EU member state, this rule does not impact your travel within the union.
• EEA Nationals: Citizens of Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein enjoy exemption from this rule.
• Swiss Nationals: Similarly, citizens of Switzerland are not subject to this rule.

These exclusions ensure free movement rights for citizens within the European Union and associated EEA countries, as outlined in various agreements and conventions making up the backbone of EU law regarding freedom of movement.

By understanding these guidelines, non-EU/EEA travelers can plan their visits to the Schengen Area while ensuring compliance with its visa rules, ultimately aiding a hassle-free travel experience. For more details on specific cases and personal circumstances, you might want to consult directly with the EU immigration portal .

Navigating the 90/180-day rule for the Schengen Zone can be complex. To clarify how this works, let’s break down the calculation with two practical examples. Remember, the essence of this rule is that you can stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area.

Example 1: Year-Long Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa

Your Visa Validity:

• Valid from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023

Travel Dates and Calculations:

• January 10-20, 2023: You spend 10 days in the Schengen Zone.
• March 1-30, 2023: You add another 30 days, reaching 40 days total.
• May 1-June 9, 2023: Another 40 days spent, totaling 80 days.

Assessing Your Remaining Days:

• June 10, 2023: You have 10 days left within the current 180-day period.
• June 30, 2023: A shift in the 180-day window grants you 20 more days as earlier days exit the window.

Example 2: Multiple Entries Within Six Months

Schedule of Stays:

• January 1, 2023: Enter the Schengen Area; the 180-day period starts.
• February 15, 2023: Leave after 45 days.
• March 10, 2023: Re-enter; total days now 55.
• April 1, 2023: Depart; total days reach 70.
• May 15, 2023: Re-enter; tally now at 80 days.
• June 30, 2023: Departure with 90 days fully utilized.
• July 1, 2023: A new 180-day period begins.

Further Resources and Tools

• For a detailed explanation and the official guidelines on the Schengen 90/180-day rule, you can visit the European Commission’s official website or use our short-stay visa calculator.
• Remember, keeping an accurate count of your days is essential to avoid overstaying and possible fines or entry bans.

By understanding these rules and keeping track of your stay accurately, you’ll ensure a worry-free travel experience within the Schengen Area.

Re-Entering the Schengen Area

Visa validity and entry rules.

If your Schengen visa is still valid, re-entering does not necessarily require a new visa application, but you must consider the following:

• 90-Day Usage : If you have already spent 90 consecutive days in the Schengen area, you must wait another 90 days outside of it before re-entering.
• Remaining Days : If you have days left from the 90-day limit within the 180-day period and your visa is still valid, you can re-enter to use the remaining days.

Applying for a New Visa

A new Schengen visa application is only necessary under these conditions:

• Visa Expiry : Apply for a new visa if your previous one has expired and you wish to re-enter the Schengen Area.

For the application process and more details, visit the official Schengen Visa application guide.

By respecting these guidelines and planning your journey accordingly, you can enjoy a seamless travel experience across the European Schengen Zone.

Do I Have to Stay for 90 Consecutive Days in the Schengen Area? The short answer is no; the 90-day limit in the Schengen Area does not require consecutive stays. Here’s how it works:

• You are allowed a cumulative total of 90 days within any 180-day period.
• This allows for multiple entries and exits; however, the total number of days spent in the Schengen Area should not exceed 90 days within this half-year period.
• If you do choose to stay for 90 consecutive days, you must then wait another 90 days outside of the Schengen Area before you can re-enter.

Can I Stay in Europe for 6 Months on a Schengen Visa? Unfortunately, a standard Schengen visa does not permit a 6-month continuous stay:

• A typical Schengen visa allows for up to 90 days of travel within a 180-day timeframe.
• Although this period spans roughly six months, the actual permitted stay is limited to 90 days.
• For stays longer than 90 days, you would need to apply for a long-stay visa or a residence permit from the specific Schengen country you intend to stay in. More details on long-stay visas and residence permits can be found on the Schengen Visa Info website.

What Happens When I Have Used Up My 90 Days? Once you reach the limit of 90 days within 180 days in the Schengen Area, here’s what you need to know:

• You must exit the Schengen Area and cannot return until at least 90 days have passed since your departure.
• The 90/180-day rule is enforced rigorously, and failing to comply can result in penalties or bans on future entry into the Schengen Area.
• Monitoring the number of days stayed is crucial to avoiding these problems.

For further information and to ensure compliance with these rules, visit the official European Commission Migration and Home Affairs page.

By adhering to these guidelines, travelers can enjoy their visit without any legal inconveniences related to overstaying.

Understanding the Penalties for Overstaying in the Schengen Area

Overstaying in the Schengen Area can have serious implications. If you exceed the maximum allowed stay under the 90/180-day rule, you may face the following consequences:

• Immediate Deportation: Being caught overstaying could lead to deportation, meaning you could be forcefully sent back to your country by immigration authorities.
• Financial Penalties: Depending on the country within the Schengen Area and the length of your overstay, you could be fined.
• Entry Ban: Overstayers may be banned from re-entering the Schengen Area for a certain period. The duration of this ban varies based on the severity of the overstay.

Is the 90/180-Day Rule Applicable in All European Countries?

It’s important to note that the 90/180-day rule does not apply to Ireland and certain European countries that are not part of the Schengen Agreement:

Navigating the 90/180-Day Rule: Tips for Travelers

To adhere to the 90/180-day rule and avoid the penalties of overstaying, consider these practical tips:

• Understand the Rule: Thoroughly familiarize yourself with how the 90/180-day rule works.
• Track Travel Dates: Keep a close record of your entry and exit dates to accurately count your days in the Schengen Area.
• Plan Your Visits: Strategically plan your trips to distribute your stays within the 90-day limit.
• Keep Travel Documents: Maintain documentation of your travels as proof of compliance.
• Regular Checks: Frequently review your travel dates to ensure you remain within the allowed days.
• Utilize Visa-Free Agreements: Explore and leverage any agreements your home country might have with Schengen countries that allow or extend visa-free travel.
• Explore Longer Stay Options: If you need to extend your stay, explore options for a long-stay visa or a residence permit through the intended country’s embassy or consulate.
• Stay Updated: Always refer to embassy or consulate websites for the most current visa requirements and travel advisories.

By managing your stays within these guidelines, you can ensure a worry-free visit to the Schengen Area. Remember, compliance with immigration rules not only keeps your travels smooth but also protects you from potentially severe penalties. For more detailed information on visa processes and regulations, visiting the official immigration websites of the respective countries is advisable.

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How to (Legally) Stay in Europe for More Than 90 Days

When I planned my move to Sweden a few years ago, I tried to figure out how to get past the 90-day limit placed on tourist visas in the Schengen Area. This is a problem encountered by thousands of travelers every year and a question that regularly (especially this time of year) pops up in my inbox.

“How can I stay in Europe for more than 90 days?”

It’s a simple question with a very complicated answer.

I always knew it was complicated, but until I started researching how to stay there longer, I never knew just how complicated.

Fortunately, in the process of this research, I came to learn there are a few ways to stay in Europe longer than 90 days; they just aren’t well known.

This post will teach you the options for staying in Europe over 90 days as well as give you tips on how to move to Europe. But first a few things:

It’s important to note that Europe isn’t just one place — there are varying visa rules throughout the continent. When people talk about the “90-day limit,” they’re talking about restrictions on the Schengen Area, which is the visa policy that governs 27 countries in Europe. It includes most of the European Union as well as a few non-EU countries.

Note: While I call it the “Schengen Visa,” it’s not an actual visa you necessarily need to apply for. Depending on your residency status and country of citizenship, you may need to apply in advance for a Schengen Visa, however, those with an American passport do not need to apply in advance.

However, it should be noted that as of 2025, visitors from 60 countries (including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada) will need to apply for an online ETIAS, which is essentially a visa waiver, when entering the 23 EU member states and 4 non-EU countries of the Schengen. It is valid for 90 days within a 180-day period.

You can apply and pay online up to 96 hours beforehand. It is similar to the US version of ESTA (or the eTA in Canada). ETIAS cost 7 EUR for those 18-70 years old and are free for those under 18 years or over 70.

If you come from a country that requires you to get a Schengen visa you will not need to apply for ETIAS. It’s one or the other. Learn more here . (The ETIAS was originally set to launch in 2024, but has been pushed back.)

Table of Contents

• What is the Schengen Visa?

Part 1: Staying or Moving to Europe the Easy Way

Part 2: staying in the schengen area past 90 days.

• Take Advantage of the Bilateral Agreement
• Working Holiday Visas
• Long-Term-Stay Visas
• Student Visas
• Freelancer Visas
• Marriage Visas

What is the Schengen visa?

The Schengen visa is a 90-day tourist visa for Schengen Area countries, which are:

• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland

  Additionally, there are several microstates that are de facto members of the Schengen Area. These are Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City.

These Schengen countries have a border-free visa agreement that lets residents move throughout the Area without needing to show their passports every time they cross a border. Essentially, it’s as if they’re one country, and you can move as freely as you want.

Citizens of many countries are allowed to enter the Schengen Area without having to get a visa beforehand. Your passport simply gets stamped upon your arrival and departure from Europe. You’re allowed to enter and leave from any country you want — they don’t have to be the same.

Here is a map of the countries with visa waivers that can enter the Schengen without requiring a visa in advance.

Most visitors (including Americans) are allowed to spend 90 days in the Schengen Area in every 180-day period. The easiest way to think of it is that you can visit for 3 months and then you have to leave for 3 months before you can return.

However, you can also bounce back and forth between Schengen and non-Schengen countries — you just need to keep track of all your dates of entry/exit.

When I visit Europe, I fly in and out of different countries all the time. Your first entry in the 180-day period is when your 90-day counter starts. These days don’t need to be consecutive — the total is cumulative. Once day 181 hits, the count resets itself.

For example, if I come to the Schengen Area in January and stay for 60 days and then come back in June for 10 days, that counts as 70 days in 180 days. Only days you are in the zone during the period count. If you go on January 1st and stay 90 straight days, you have to leave and technically can’t come back until July 1st.

If you’re doing a lot of bouncing around, use the EU’s Schengen visa calculator . Simply input all your travel dates and it’ll tell you how many days you have remaining.

However, not all travelers are allowed such freedom.

Citizens from many countries need to apply for a Schengen visa ahead of time. You’ll be required to fill out paperwork beforehand and fly in and out of the country for which your visa is issued.

Even then, you still might not be granted a visa. Spoiler alert: citizens from African and Asian countries get screwed.

So, with that being said, how DO you stay in Europe longer? How do you get around that rule? Let me break it down for you.  

Most non-Schengen countries such as Moldova , Ireland , and some Balkan countries allow you to stay for up to 60 or 90 days. Albania even lets Americans stay up to a year!

So, all you need to do to stay in Europe longer than 3 months is spend 90 days in the Schengen Area and then visit the UK, go to the Balkans, drink wine in Moldova, and have a pint in Ireland. If you align your schedule right, you can easily be out of the Schengen Area for 90 days and then head back into the Schengen Area with a brand new Schengen visa.

Years ago, to get around this limit, I spent three months in Bulgaria , Romania , Ukraine , and England as I waited for my clock to reset.

After that, I headed back into the Schengen area for Oktoberfest .

If you want to travel the continent for a long time without having to go through the various visa processes described below, vary your travel by visiting non-Schengen countries. There are plenty of countries to choose from while you wait for your Schengen Visa clock to reset. This is the easy, hassle-free way of doing things.

—-> Need more tips for Europe? Visit my destination guide and get in-depth information on what to see and do and how to save money .  

After all, the Schengen Area spans 27 countries and visiting so many destinations in 90 days can be a little rushed (you would have an average of just 3.5 days per country).

If you want to stay longer to travel, live, learn a language, or fall in love, then the “move around” option suggested above isn’t going to work for you. You need something else.

Luckily, there are a few ways to do this — and I can’t stress enough the importance of the word “few.” Because staying more than 90 days in the Schengen Area isn’t easy.

First, let’s understand the rule:

The Schengen law states that you can’t stay in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days. If you do, you’re subject to a fine and possibly deportation and being banned from re-entering the Schengen Area. How that rule is enforced, though, varies greatly from one country to another. Overstaying by a day might not be the end of the world, however, some countries do not mess around with visitors overstaying.

For example, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland, and Scandinavian countries are all very strict about entry and exit rules. If you overstay your tourist visit, there’s a good chance they’ll pull you aside. Two Australians I know were detained leaving Switzerland due to overstaying their visa by two weeks. They were allowed to go with just a warning, but they missed their flights and had to book new flights.

I know of someone who overstayed by six months, tried to leave from Amsterdam, and now has an “illegal immigrant” stamp on her passport. In order to enter Europe again, she must apply for a visa at an embassy and be preapproved:

I made the mistake of attempting to leave from the Netherlands after overstaying a Schengen visa and was caught. I overstayed by about a month, and they hand-drew some sort of insignia in my passport to note my overstay. They told me I’d have to contact the IND and find out if I would be able to enter the Schengen states again.

Another blogger told me this happened to them too so don’t overstay your visa!

That being said, if you leave from Greece , France , Italy , or Spain you may be less likely to encounter an issue, provided you (a) haven’t stayed over too long and (b) didn’t catch the immigration officer on a bad day.

When I left Greece, no one even looked at my passport. One of my friends met a guy in France, fell in love, and decided not to leave. A year later, when she finally did, the French officials didn’t even look twice. Another friend flew into France and didn’t even get an entry stamp. Spain is another place notorious for not caring and Americans who decide to overstay for months mention that as the easiest country to exit from. Still, it’s a good idea not to take your chances.

Of course, I don’t think it’s wise to overstay. A day or two? Likely not the end of the world. But a few weeks? A few months? The risk is too great. The fines can be large and I love going to Europe too much to risk being banned.

But, Matt, can I extend just extend my Schengen visa/stamp?

Unfortunately not. Simply put, you cannot extend your tourist visa or entry stamp. There’s a 90-day limit, and that’s that.

So what’s a tourist to do?  

1. Take advantage of the Bilateral Agreement

There are 23 Schengen countries to date with bilateral agreements in place with Austria having the most visa waiver agreements (for 27 non-EU countries). Moreover, there are 12 countries that have bilateral agreements with Australia.

For example, France has a bilateral agreement that allows U.S. citizens to stay an additional 90 days beyond the Schengen limit. You can enter from any Schengen country, stay 90 days in France, and then fly home. But the catch is you have to go home — you can’t go elsewhere. You have to leave Europe so you can’t use your time in France as a sneaky way to reset your Schengen clock.

Now, the France/U.S. rule is tricky. It’s based on a post-World War II agreement that was never canceled. Multiple French consulates told me yes, they thought this law existed but couldn’t tell me where to find it. A few visa services told me I was crazy. One consulate told me it was possible but only with a long-term visa.

BUT, after many calls, the US, Canada, and UK French embassies told me that yes, this law does exist and that yes, this is still valid. Then they referenced me to the French national archives.

Well, we found the actual diplomatic papers that spell this out . It took us close to a year to find it but we did.

This is the note from the French government about it:

Hi, There is a bilateral agreement between French and the U.S. by exchange letters (March 16-31 mars 1949), which allows American citizens to stay in France 90 days over 180 days, irrespective of the stays already made in other Schengen countries. However, this agreement has been made before the Schengen agreement. Today, as there is no more border control between the Schengen countries, it is very difficult to determine how long a person has stayed in France and we heard that some people had troubles with the immigration police while leaving France. Therefore, we recommend American citizens to respect the Schengen regulation which allows a maximum of 90 days on 180 days in the whole Schengen area. Consulat général de France, Service des visas 4101 Reservoir Road, Washington DC, 20007

A follow-up to the London embassy gave me this response:

“Whilst the bilateral agreement you refer to has not officially been revoked, the French Border Police has sole authority on deciding whether to apply it or not, at the time of entering or exiting the Schengen area.”

So this is really a thing. And, while they don’t like you using it, it’s still the law. Just bring proof you stayed in France for 90 days! If you plan to use this rule, bring documentation as border guards may not be aware of it.

Additionally, Denmark, Norway, and Poland also have bilateral agreements with the United States that let citizens stay an additional 90 days in each country separate from the regular Schengen Zone visa. The Denmark rule applies exactly the same way as the French one. Denmark also has a bilateral agreement that is applicable for citizens of Australia, Canada, Chile, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea .

That said, travelers can only use the Norwegian or the Danish bilateral agreement — they can’t use both (time in Norway under the bilateral agreement counts as time in Denmark and vice versa).

For Poland, you must enter and leave Poland via a non-Schengen country where you will be stamped again (i.e., direct flight from NYC). So you could do 90 days in the Schengen, fly to the UK, and then fly to Poland. Poland’s rules are simply laid out in an agreement letter the U.S. and Poland signed in 1991. ( Here’s a copy of the letter from the Polish government) .

In theory, there are also other bilateral agreements between the U.S. and Schengen countries. I’ve been told by multiple sources that Belgium, Italy, Hungary, Norway, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands all have their own bilateral agreements with the U.S. as well. This page outlines the existing bilateral agreements .

However, I reached out to each country’s consulate and none of them replied (save Portugal) in any meaningful way. They simply directed me to the standard visa FAQ page.

Regarding Portugal, a representative from the Portuguese consulate said this regarding their bilateral 60-day visa:

Please note that those 60 days are an exceptional extension that needs to be requested within Portugal at SEF office near your temporary address in Portugal.

Now, in theory, one could say thanks to borderless travel you could get your “extra 90 days in Denmark” and then just travel around, fly out of Denmark, and no one would be the wiser. One could say that. But I’ve noticed a lot more intra-Europe passport checks in recent years. I got yelled at in France for not having my passport with me while on a train to see a chateau. So, I wouldn’t recommend doing this.

Note: Most countries have bilateral agreements with other countries. Call the local embassy for more information (you’ll have better luck calling than emailing).  

2. Get a Working Holiday Visa

There is no single “working holiday” program for the Schengen or EU so applicants must apply for a visa from a specific country. Usually, applicants must be younger than 30, though age restrictions are becoming more relaxed in recent years.

Additionally, you can get consecutive working holiday visas. An Australian reader of mine got a two-year Dutch working holiday visa and then got one from Norway to stay two more years. While she and her boyfriend (who also got one) did odd jobs in Holland for a bit, they mostly used it as a way to travel around the continent.

Note : This type of visa won’t allow you to work in any other country than the one that issued it.

For Americans, there are only two options for working holidays in Europe: Ireland (non-Schengen country) and Portugal (Schengen country). Both programs are essentially the same, providing a 12-month work visa to those either currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a higher education institution.

While you must be at least 18 to apply, there’s no upper age limit, provided that you fit the other criteria. For the Portuguese visa, you can only work for 6 months out of the 12-month visa, while the Irish visa has no work restrictions.

3. Get a Long-Term-Stay Visa

However, in 2023, if you have a fully online business, there are countries within Schengen that allow digital nomad visas provided you make a certain amount of money per month and have your own health insurance. Countries that currently offer digital nomad visas include Portugal, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Malta, Romania, Spain, and Norway.

The countries that allow you to apply with the lowest online salary are Portugal, Hungary, Malta, and Croatia, which require around 2,500 EUR in income per month.

Schengen allows for a C- or D-class visa (the letter varies on the country), which is a temporary residence visa for up to one year. But the specific visa and requirements vary from country to country. Some countries are harder, some are easier, and others are nearly impossible despite being in the same visa treaty zone.

However, there are a few countries that do offer long-term visas that aren’t too hard to get:  

France offers a long-term visitor visa for a period of up to one year. According to the French Embassy, “The ‘visitor’ visa (or visa ‘D’) allows you to enter France and stay for more than three months. Long-stay visa holders will be allowed to reside in France for up to 12 months according to the validity of their visa and purpose of stay.”

To get this visa, you must set up an appointment at the French consulate near you. You can’t walk in — you must make an appointment.

At this appointment, you’ll need the following documents:

• One application form filled out completely and signed
• Three passport photos
• Your original passport, which must have been issued less than 10 years ago, be valid for three months after your return, and have at least two blank pages left
• A letter certified by a notary public that promises you won’t engage in work
• A letter of employment stating current occupation and earnings
• Proof of income (you’ll need copies of a pension certificate or your last 3 bank statements)
• Proof of medical insurance that includes evacuation insurance and medical coverage of at least €30,000 (a copy of your US health insurance card is not acceptable as proof, you need a detailed description of coverage)
• Proof of accommodation in France. (If you don’t have an official document such as a sublet agreement, you can include a letter describing your accommodation arrangements).

Note : You can’t apply for this visa more than three months before your arrival date.

France-Visas is the official visa website for France. It details all the types of visas and has a helpful “visa wizard” where you put in your situation and it tells you what type of visa you should apply for as well as all the documents that you need.

You can also visit the French Embassy website for links to local embassies and consulates for more information. Find your closest consulate here .

This post has some helpful information to get you started on long-term visas in particular .  

Sweden also offers a long-term stay tourist visa for a maximum period of one year. Here’s a brief overview of what you need:

• Residence permit for visitor’s application form
• Notarized copies of the pages of your passport that show your identity and the validity of your passport, as well as copies of all the other visas/stamps you have. Your passport also needs to be valid for 3 months after your stay.
• A bank statement showing your means of supporting yourself for the duration of your stay (450 SEK for each day of your stay)
• A return airplane ticket
• Proof of medical coverage of at least 30,000 EUR

Most people who apply for this visa have family in Sweden. If you don’t, you’ll need to have clear reasons as to why you need to stay longer and show ample proof that you can support yourself (i.e., “I want to meet Swedish guys/girls” won’t cut it!).

You can apply either in Sweden or outside the country. If you’re applying from Sweden, you can apply online, and then make an appointment at the consulate or embassy to show your passport and get fingerprinted. If you’re applying outside of Sweden, you need to file your application in person at the consulate or embassy. When you file your application abroad, you’ll also be interviewed about your intended trip and the purpose for staying in Sweden.

You can learn more about the process on this government page .

Spain offers a couple of long-term visas. The Golden Visa is based on a sizable financial investment in Spain, either into a company (minimum 1 million EUR), real estate (minimum 500,000 EUR), or invest in a new business such as in science or tech that creates local employment opportunities. The other more attainable and popular long-term visa targets retirees and is called the Non-Lucrative Residence Visa. It requires that you spend at least 183 days in Spain, which would make you a legal resident for tax purposes. During this time, you are unable to work in Spain (so you’ll need to have enough savings to get you by). However, studying and unpaid internships are permitted.

The big catch for this visa is that you need to have at least 26,000 EUR in your bank account (ideally more). Since the visa is designed for retirees, the assumption is that you’re coming here to rest on your financial laurels after a lifetime of saving up — hence the sizeable requirement.

The visa has been denied to people who are remote workers so I wouldn’t recommend this visa if you’re a digital nomad (Spain is supposedly working on a visa specifically for digital nomads, though it’s not currently available). This is a bit of a gray area though. If you can show enough savings to financially sustain yourself for a year without working, you can get this visa. You just cannot use monthly statements (such as from your remote job) to prove income; financial proof must be savings or passive income (such as a pension).

In addition to having sizable savings, you’ll also need to fill out the application, submit your passport and additional photos, pay a fee, and provide the following:

• Proof of private health insurance (from an authorized company in Spain not travel insurance)
• A doctor’s note certifying that you’re healthy
• A criminal background check translated into Spanish

You must apply for this visa in your country of residency (usually with the help of lawyers). The application varies per country, usually between 120-900 EUR (it’s around 125 EUR for Americans and over 500 EUR for Canadians).

This consulate page has all the specific details you need regarding the application .

Portugal has multiple long-term stay visas. First, there is a Golden Visa, which requires a minimum investment in the country of 280,000 EUR and takes around 18 months to process. The D7 Passive Income visa, which is similar to Spain’s non-lucrative visa, is more realistic for most people.

To apply for the D7 visa in Portugal you need:

• Proof of health insurance covering at least 30,000 EUR
• A background check
• Proof of financial means to stay in Portugal (8,460 EUR)
• 2 passport photos
• Proof of accommodation

The main difference between the Portuguese and Spanish long-term visas is that you only need an income of around 8,460 EUR instead of the 26,000 EUR in savings that the Spanish visa requires. You still cannot work on this visa, so your income must be passive (investments, pension, rental property, etc.).

The D7 visa can work for digital nomad as it is valid for 4 months. Portugal is much more accepting of remote work as proof of income for the visa application than Spain.

Portugal also offers the D2 immigrant Entrepreneur visa, which isn’t designed specifically for digital nomads, but could be used by specific entrepreneurs. You’ll need to submit a business plan and demonstrate you have enough capital to get started. You’ll also need to explain why you want to start your business in Portugal (or move it there). You’ll have a much higher chance of getting approved if you have invested upwards of 5,000 EUR in your business and speak some Portuguese (it’s not required, but these visas are regularly rejected so it will give you a leg up).

In short, there are a lot of steps for a temporary visa. However, you can get this extended and eventually apply for permanent residency or citizenship after 5 years.

You’ll need to apply for both of these visas in your country of residency.

The official Portuguese visa website has more information about specific visas and requirements. You can locate your nearest Portuguese consulate here .

A note on long-term visas: Keep in mind that the information above is just for reference. There may be more requirements needed for your application and not all visas are open to everyone. You’ll want to contact your local embassy for specifics and additional information.  

4. Get a Student Visa

All Schengen Area countries offer student visas that are easy to obtain so long as you’re enrolled in a recognized university program. This would require you to pay for the course and you may also have to show proof of minimum fund requirements, but it will virtually guarantee you a visa if you are accepted.

One of the best countries to do this is Spain, where a whole industry has sprung up to help students study Spanish. There are tons of schools that will allow you to enroll and write letters stating you’re a student there. You’ll need to apply in your home country but the process is relatively straightforward. This post details the requirements .

Germany is another popular choice, as post-secondary schools there are essentially free. While there may be more competition, the costs are much lower. However, you need to show proof that you have money in a bank account to cover your expenses. As of October 2022, that amount is 11, 208 EUR in a blocked bank account.

In Germany, you might also be able to work up to 120 full days, or 240 half days (20 hours a week) while you study as well. You can learn about the application process here .

While most student visas allow you to stay in a country for one year, I would only consider getting one if you actually plan on studying. If you’re just getting a student visa to travel and play tourist, it’s not going to be worth the cost and paperwork since you’ll need to set up everything from a residential address to a bank account to a local phone number and more.  

5. Get a Freelancer/Remote Worker Visa

There are several countries that offer freelancer visas and visas geared towards the increasing number of remote workers. This process is a little more complicated and not for the casual tourist. These visas are meant for people who actually want to live and work in Europe. If you’re just a casual tourist, expect to be denied. But if you’re a digital nomad, this is the visa for you.

Schengen countries that offer freelancer or remote worker visas include:

• Germany (no set income amount, but you need a business plan and upwards of 10,000 EUR in savings)
• Estonia (3,500 EUR income/month)
• Czechia (5,600 EUR in savings)
• Portugal (2,800 EUR income/month)
• Greece (3,500 EUR income/month)
• Malta (2,700 EUR income/month)
• Hungary (2,000 EUR income/month
• Croatia (17,800 HRK (2,300 EUR income/month)

Non-Schengen countries that have them include:

• Romania (no set income, reports of successful applicants range from about 3,700 EUR/month)
• Georgia (2,000 USD income/month)
• Iceland (1,000,000 ISK income/month (6,617 EUR), only valid for up to 6 months)

Germany is the country most used by people who want to reside in Europe. If you’re a freelancer, digital nomad, artist, or have some form of income, this is the visa to get. If you are from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the U.S., Israel, South Korea, or Japan you can apply after you arrive in Germany (everyone else needs to apply in advance).

The visa only lasts for three months, however, it is designed to be extended into a residency visa which would then last for three years. I have many friends who have gotten this visa. As long as you follow the steps, you should be fine. This post has more information about the process .

Most of these visas follow a similar format: apply, pay a fee, submit proof that your business can stay afloat, then wait to be accepted. However, some have more stringent requirements.

For example, Estonia’s freelancer visa requires a monthly income of at least 3,500 EUR per month leading up to your application. For the Czechia visa, you need to have at least $6,000 USD in your bank account (the lovely folks at Wandertooth, who did this process a couple of years ago, can walk you through the steps ).

If you are a digital nomad and are considering working remotely from the EU you can compare these programs to see which one bests suits your goals (though Germany is likely the best place to start since it’s one of the easiest to get).  

6. Get Married to a European

Fall in love with a European (or at least a friend) and apply for a marriage visa! You’ll get to stay there while the application process goes through and then you can move to Europe and stay there forever with the love of your life! That’s a win-win! (This is a joke. Don’t get married just for a visa to stay in Europe!)

The best, easiest, and most effective way to stay in Europe long-term is to increase the number of countries you visit so you’re in the Schengen Area for only 90 days. As I said, there are a lot of countries not in the Area so this is easy to do.

If you’re like me and want to stay in the Schengen Area longer than 90 days (or just want to move to Europe because it’s awesome), be prepared to work the system. It’s not impossible to stay long-term in the Schengen Area. By understanding the system and using the few loopholes that do exist, one can legally stay past 90 days and enjoy all Europe has to offer without worrying about being barred for life.  

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Book Your Trip to Europe: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

For suggestions on where to stay during your trip, here is a list of my favorite hostels in Europe .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

NOTE: Due to the complexities of visas and the uniqueness of everyone’s situation, we do not answer any visa related questions in the comments or via email. Thank you.

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Air Travel In The Schengen Area: Everything You Need To Know

• The Schengen area allows EU nationals to travel freely across member states without border controls, leading to economic benefits for citizens and businesses.
• Non-EU nationals can also benefit from the advantages of the Schengen area through standard visa rules, including transit and short-term stays.
• The Schengen visa allows entry into the area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, with visa fees ranging from €35 to €60 depending on the age and category of the applicant.

Hopping on a plane for a holiday trip to Europe is a life-long dream for many. However, are you familiar with the travel requirements of those countries in the Schengen area ?

What is the Schengen area?

Who would say no to a trip across Europe? The old continent has much to offer, from history to art, breathtaking landscapes, and many cultural nuances. If you are planning a European holiday but are not a European citizen, you should become familiar with the Schengen area rules before you set off for your trip.

The Schengen project dates back to 1985 when five European countries - France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg - aimed to allow the free movement of people across their borders. Over the years, Schengen has gradually become the largest free-travel area in the world. Today, the Schengen area covers over four million square kilometers and a population of approximately 420 million people living in 27 countries.

All European Free Trade Association members - Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland - and 23 of the 27 European Union member states comprise the Schengen area. The 23 EU member states are Austria, Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.

What are the benefits of Schengen?

The main advantage of the Schengen area is the possibility for EU nationals to travel freely across the member states, bypassing border controls .

Indeed, Schengen states do not carry out checks at their internal borders and have harmonized controls at external borders based on the Schengen Borders Code. According to the European Council, about 3.5 million people cross internal borders every day, and a total of 1.25 billion journeys are made every year within the Schengen area, with invaluable economic benefits for the citizens and businesses of the participating states.

What's the story for non-EU nationals?

If you are a non-EU national living in Europe or visiting the EU, you can also benefit from the advantages of Schengen.

For those wishing to transit or stay in the EU for short periods, the European Union has designed standard visa rules. For instance, a Schengen visa issued by a Schengen state allows the holder to transit through or stay in the territory of the Schengen states for no longer than 90 days in any 180 days period ( short stay visa ).

On the other hand, if you wish to transit through the international transit areas of airports in any of the Schengen states, you can submit a request for an airport transit visa (ATV). Such a visa, however, only allows you to access the international transit zone of an airport in the Schengen area to wait for an onward flight to a non-Schengen country.

The Schengen visa usually allows you to enter the Schengen area only once unless you apply for a multi-entry visa. Generally, after applying for your Schengen visa, a decision will be made in approximately 15 calendar days, which can sometimes be extended to 30 or even 60. In terms of costs, submitting a Schengen visa application will cost you €60 ($66). If you travel with children under six, you'll save this fee as they don't have to pay. Children between six and 11 will pay €35 ($38).

The EU also has Visa Facilitation Agreements with some countries, whose nationals will pay €35 irrespective of age. Furthermore, the visa fee is waived if you belong to one of the following categories:

• School pupils, students, postgraduate students, or accompanying teachers traveling for studying or educational training purposes
• Researchers traveling to conduct research
• Representatives of non-profit organizations aged 25 or less traveling to take part in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events organized by non-profit organizations.

If you are a non-EU national with a long-stay or residence permit issued by one of the Schengen states, you do not need to apply for a Schengen visa. However, you should keep in mind that the same rules apply as you had a short-stay visa. Even if you have been granted a Schengen visa, it is always best to bring copies of the documents you have presented to get the visa while you travel, as these might be required at the border or other controls.

What do you think are the main advantages of the Schengen area? Let us know by clicking on the comment button below!

Do I need a visa to visit Malta?

Jun 11, 2022 • 4 min read

Simple visa rules make it easy for citizens of dozens of countries to visit Malta on a spontaneous trip © Solovyova / iStockphoto / Getty Images

For travelers from many countries, accessing Malta as a visitor is very straightforward, putting the sunshine and history within easy reach. If you are also traveling to other countries around Europe as well as Malta, just remember to not go over the maximum number of days allowed for your visit to the Schengen area . Here's what you need to know about visas for Malta.

Who can enter Malta without a visa?

All citizens of the European Union are entitled to enter Malta and travel freely with a national identity card, except for travelers from Ireland, who must use an Irish passport card. At present, travelers from 63 countries including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States can also enter Malta and other countries in the Schengen area visa-free.

Travelers from visa-free countries will need a valid passport. The passport's expiry date must be at least 90 days after your confirmed departure date from Malta, and passports cannot be more than ten years old.

Who needs a tourist visa to enter Malta?

Malta is part of the Schengen area , a grouping of 26 European nations that issue a common visa allowing travelers a maximum stay of 90 days during any 180-day period. This is valid for travel across the Schengen Area.

Travelers from countries who cannot enter Malta visa-free must apply for a Schengen tourist visa in advance of travel – details are on the government's Identity Malta website . Information required for the application includes dates and details of transport arrangements to enter and exit the Schengen zone, proof of accommodation, and proof of financial means of support. The cost for the application is €80 for adults and €45 for children.

Extending a Schengen area visa

If you wish to stay in the Schengen area for longer than 90 days, it is possible to extend a Schengen visa, but extensions are granted rarely, and approval is usually only given for humanitarian reasons or because of force majeure (for example, a natural disaster in your home country). For longer stays in Malta specifically, you can apply for a National Visa – also known as a Long Stay or ‘D’ visa.

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) rules for 2023

Under the new European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) – expected to go live from early 2023 – travelers from the 63 non-EU countries currently permitted visa-free entry to the Schengen area will need to complete an online application to confirm authorization to enter the Schengen zone.

There's a €7 fee and applications will take around ten minutes to complete online. Successful authorizations will be valid for three years, or for the remaining validity of the applicant's passport if it expires sooner. Note that a maximum stay in the Schengen area of 90 days across a 180-day period will still apply. 

Post-Brexit travel from the UK to Malta

The UK departed from the European Union in 2020, but citizens of the UK are still permitted to enter the Schengen area without a visa, including to visit Malta. However, British travelers will need to complete an application via ETIAS once the system goes live.

What if I need to leave and re-enter the Schengen area?

Multiple-entry access to the Schengen area – enabling travelers to re-enter after exiting to non-Schengen countries – is usually granted automatically to visitors from the 63 visa-free countries. It's a convenient option for travelers from southern hemisphere countries such as Australia and New Zealand who also wish to visit popular non-Schengen zone destinations including the UK and Turkey.

When exiting and re-entering Malta and the Schengen zone, it's vital to still adhere to the maximum stay of 90 days across a 180-day period (this starts from the date you first enter the Schengen area).

COVID-19 rules for entry to Malta

As of May 9, 2022, wearing a mask in Malta is only mandatory on flights, or when visiting a hospital or care home for the elderly. While not mandatory, the Maltese government does still recommend masks are worn when attending large gatherings.

Travelers no longer need to complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) but must present either a vaccine certificate, a negative PCR test, or a COVID recovery certificate upon arrival. See Malta's Health Ministry website for the latest on COVID-19 regulations.

Applying for a Schengen visa

This is a general overview - for more details contact the embassy or consulate of your main destination country.

What is a Schengen visa?

A Schengen visa is an entry permit for non-EU nationals to make a short, temporary visit of up to 90 days in any 180-day period to a country in the Schengen area. 

Schengen visas come in 3 forms: 

• single-entry visa - allowing you to enter the Schengen area once;
• multiple-entry visa - allowing several visits to the Schengen area for as long as the visa is valid;
• airport transit visa - allows you to connect through the international transit area of an airport in the Schengen area during a stopover or a change of flights. It does not allow you to leave the international transit area.

How long can you stay?

The short-stay visa calculator can help you calculate the remaining period you are allowed to stay in a Schengen country. 

The user's guide provides step by step instructions and practical examples to help you use the calculator.

Who needs to apply for a Schengen visa?

Citizens of certain non-EU countries must hold a short-stay visa when travelling to the Schengen area. 

Consult the EU list of countries whose citizens are required to hold a visa when crossing its external borders. There are exceptions to the visa requirements for certain types of traveller to certain countries (e.g. diplomats, armed forces, refugees, pupils on school excursions).

Airport transit visas

• Some non-EU nationals must also hold an airport transit visa when connecting through the international transit areas of airports located in any of the Schengen States . 
• For citizens of certain additional countries , an airport transit visa is required when connecting through the international transit areas of airports located in some of the Schengen countries . 
• There are some categories of people who are exempt from the requirement to hold an airport transit visa (see Article 3(5) of the Visa Code ).

Where to apply

You must lodge your application for a Schengen visa at the consulate of the country you intend to visit . 

• Visiting more than 1 Schengen countries : apply at the consulate of the country where you will spend the longest time.
• Visiting several Schengen countries (for stays of equal length): apply at the consulate of the first country you will visit.

As a general rule, you must apply for a Schengen visa at the consulate with territorial responsibility for the country where you are legally resident.

More information for each Schengen country can be found on these websites

When to apply.

You must submit your application to the consulate  at least 15 days before your intended journey and no earlier than 6 months beforehand . 

You may have to book an appointment before lodging the application.

What documents are needed to apply?

• A valid passport . The passport’s expiry date should be at least 3 months after the date of your departure from the Schengen area. For multiple-entry visas, the expiry date should be at least 3 months after your departure from the last country visited.
• A visa application form .
• A photo in compliance with ICAO standards .
• Medical insurance covering emergency medical care, hospitalisation and repatriation (including in the event of death).
• Supporting documents relating to the purpose of your stay, evidence of financial means and accommodation during your stay, and evidence of your intention to return to your home country after your stay.
• Your fingerprints will be collected when you submit your application (exemptions exist for specific categories of applicants).

Additional documents may also be requested by the consulates.

How much does a visa cost?

• €90 for adults
• €45 for children aged 6-12
• €35 for applicants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Belarus
• €67,50 for applicants from Cabo Verde.

An additional fee may apply if you go through visa service centres , which collect applications on behalf of consulates in some cases.

The visa fee can be waived for specific categories of applicants.

How long does the application take to process?

The normal processing time for a visa application is 15 days . 

This period may be extended to up to 45 days if a more detailed examination of the application and/or additional documents are required.

Under certain conditions, family members of EU or EEA citizens falling under the Free Movement Directive are eligible for a free and accelerated visa procedure.

Refusal of a visa application

If your application is rejected, you will be told:

• why it was rejected
• how to submit an appeal.

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UK holidaymakers will need an ‘e-visa’ to visit the EU from 2024

British travellers will need a visa-waiver to visit most EU countries from 2024, including Spain, France and Portugal.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation Scheme (Etias) was due to be introduced in November 2023, but has been postponed. When it launches, UK passport-holders will need a visa-waiver to visit any countries in Europe’s passport-free zone, the Schengen Area. 

Holidaymakers will need to apply online and pay a fee of €7 (around £6) before travelling. The authorisation is expected to be valid for three years, or until your passport expires. 

Similar to America’s Esta system, Etias will allow citizens from 63 visa-exempt countries to visit the Schengen Zone with an electronic authorisation rather than a full visa. This includes the UK, which is considered a third country since Brexit. 

The scheme was originally due to start in 2021, but the European authorities have so far postponed the scheme’s launch date four times - most recently to 2024. 

Brussels is also introducing photo and fingerprint checks. Its new borders initiative - the entry-exit system (EES) - will require non-EU citizens, including British travellers, to provide biometric data whenever they enter or leave the Schengen Zone. Children under 12 will be exempt. 

The entry-exit system will replace passport-stamping and is expected to cause delays at busy airports and ports such as Dover, where French officials conduct checks on British soil. 

The exact launch dates of both the entry-exit system and Etias have yet to be confirmed. It’s expected that the EES will also be introduced in 2024 and be implemented first.

Is your passport valid for travel to Europe? We unpack the post-Brexit rules

Where do I apply for the Etias visa waiver? 

It's not currently possible to register for an Etias travel authorisation. Confusingly, there are already a number of non-official websites sharing information about Etias. They may look similar to official government websites, and may offer you the opportunity to sign up for a notification when the scheme begins. But it's always best to get your information straight from the European Union website . 

Be wary of third-party sites offering to do the leg-work for you, and remember that the expected fee should be €7.

When does Etias start? 

The European Commission expects the scheme to start in 2024. The launch date has yet to be confirmed.

How much will an Etias visa-waiver cost?

It’s expected to cost €7 (around £6) for all travellers between the ages of 18 and 70. Children's travel authorisations will be free.

How will travellers apply for an Etias visa-waiver?

UK passport-holders will have to fill in an online application form via Etias’s official website or app and upload a photo of their passport. The European Commission has promised that the vast majority of travellers will receive their visa waiver within minutes. If further checks are needed, it could take up to 30 days.

How long will it be valid for?

An Etias travel authorisation will be valid for three years, or until the expiry date of your passport. British passport-holders can stay in the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. You still need a visa for longer stays.

What is the difference between an Etias travel authorisation and a visa?

An Etias travel authorisation is not officially a visa. Its purpose is to allow the EU to keep track of visa-exempt visitors from third countries, which includes UK passport-holders since Brexit. Travellers will not need to go to a consulate to make an application, and no biometric data will be collected.

When the EU's entry-exit system is introduced, what will travellers need to do?

Non-EU travellers, including British passport-holders, will have to provide a facial biometric and be fingerprinted when they enter and leave the Schengen Area. Children under the age of 12 are exempt. The EES is expected to launch in late 2024.

Where will I need an Etias authorisation to travel to? 

You'll need the Etias visa-waiver to travel to all Schengen Zone states, plus non-Schengen microstates such as Andorra and Monaco. You'll also need one to visit Bulgaria, Romania and Cyprus, which are EU member states. 

The Schengen Area is a travel zone where you don’t need to show your passport to cross borders. The full list is: 

• Luxembourg 
• Netherlands 
• San Marino 
• Czech Republic 
• Liechtenstein 
• Switzerland 
• Vatican City 

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Short-stay Schengen visa costs are going up from June: Here’s what you need to know

The European Commission has blamed the price hike on inflation in member states.

The cost of a Schengen visa is going up this June, the European Commission has confirmed.

It is increasing in price by 12 per cent. The basic fee for a Schengen visa is going to rise from €80 to €90 for adults and from €40 to €45 for children. The Commission has blamed the price hike on inflation in member states.

It says fees are still “relatively low” compared to the cost of a visa in other countries. The UK, for example, starts at €134, the US around €185 and Australia €117.

Schengen countries include EU member states except Ireland and Cyprus as well as Romania and Bulgaria for land borders. Though they aren’t EU members, Norway, Iceland, Lichtenstein and Switzerland are also part of the Schengen Convention.

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The fee for Schengen visas will increase from 11 June this year.

Who needs a Schengen visa?

Schengen visas are needed for non-EU citizens who don’t benefit from the EU/Schengen Area’s 90-day rule. That includes South Africa, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and China , among others.

They are needed for tourism or visits to family but can’t be used for work in 28 European countries. With a Schengen visa, you can visit for up to 90 days in any six month period.

People from countries including the US, Canada, the UK and Australia who are visiting for short periods of time don’t need to apply for a Schengen visa. This is because they are entitled to 90 days of visa-free travel out of every 180.

Anyone who wants to stay longer or to stay for work would need to apply for a different visa from the country they want to visit.

Why are Schengen visa fees going up?

Every three years the Commission assesses these fees and can increase them based on a list of “objective criteria”. This includes inflation rates and the average salary of a civil servant in member states.

It proposed the price hike on 2 February after a meeting in December where member states supported the revision with an “overwhelming majority”.

The Commission has also proposed to let external providers of Schengen visas increase their fees in line with the revision.

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The maximum amount that external providers, such as visa agencies which collect Schengen visa applications on behalf of the member states, can charge is usually half the standard fee. It has proposed raising this from €40 to €45.

In contrast, the fee for a Schengen visa extension will remain fixed at €30.

The EU is also considering increasing fees even further for countries that show “insufficient cooperation on readmission” - accepting the re-entry of individuals expelled from member states.

For countries that have not demonstrated cooperation in citizen readmission, the cost could increase from €120 to €135 and from €160 to €180.

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Planning a Euro trip? Details on the latest Schengen visa fee hike

A 12% increase on short-stay Schengen visas (type c visa) will come into effect from June 11 this year. After the implementation, the fee for children (6 to 12 years) will be 45 euros as opposed to 40 euros in the past. Adults will have to pay 90 euros instead of 80. Those with short-stay visas can be in the Schengen area for up to 90 days. It does not permit employment or business activities.  Generally, the Schengen visa fee is revised once in three years. The European Union also has plans to introduce digital Schengen visas. This allows the applicants from the Schengen region to apply for the visa online without considering the areas they wish to visit. Besides, a digital visa would be provided instead of the sticker that is pasted on the passport. As per the information provided on the website of the European Commission, the digital platform will be launched in 2028. The Schengen visa includes permission to enter 26 countries - Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. They follow a unified short-stay visa policy.

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Indian travellers can visit these 10 non-Schengen nations with a Schengen visa: Check full list

Schengen visa can also unlock access to not just 29 schengen nations but 67 countries in total worldwide for indian adventurers.

• Updated Jun 13, 2024, 10:00 AM IST

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7 non-schengen countries you can explore with a Schengen visa

TRAVEL TRENDS , WORLD Created : Jun 13, 2024, 09:00 IST

7 non-Schengen countries you can explore with a Schengen visa

A multiple-entry Schengen visa allows one to access 29 countries within the Schengen Zone — which we already know. However, did you know that this visa also offers you the remarkable ability to travel globally? Well, up to 67 countries allow Indian travellers to enter with this document. Note that there are specific conditions, and visa regulations can change without notice, so always confirm with the visa office of your destination country. So, here is a list of some non-Schengen countries you can visit with a valid Schengen visa.

Türkiye

Visa information : Indian passport holders with a valid Schengen visa can apply for a single-entry e-visa valid for one month via the official Turkish e-visa website, provided they meet certain conditions such as having a return ticket, hotel reservation, and sufficient financial means.

Türkiye, straddling Europe and Asia, offers a rich blend of cultures, historical landmarks like Hagia Sophia, and vibrant cities such as Istanbul and Ankara.

Saudi Arabia

Visa information : Travellers can obtain a visa on arrival upon presenting a Schengen visa, as long as it’s been used at least once. This visa allows a 90-day stay during a validity period of 365 days.

Saudi Arabia, with its modern cities and ancient archaeological sites, offers a unique travel experience. Visitors can explore the futuristic city of Riyadh, the historical city of Jeddah, and the ancient Nabatean city of Al-Ula.

Visa information : Travellers who have a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa are permitted to remain in Montenegro for a maximum of 30 days, with a yearly limit of 180 days, without the need for an additional visa.

Montenegro, known for its rugged mountains and mediaeval villages, is a gem of the Balkans. Highlights include the Bay of Kotor, Durmitor National Park, and the coastal town of Budva.

Visa information : Entry and stay up to 90 days during a six-month period with a valid Schengen visa. Serbia, located in the heart of the Balkans, offers a mix of vibrant city life and scenic natural beauty. The capital, Belgrade, is famous for its lively nightlife, while the country’s national parks, such as Tara and Djerdap, provide stunning natural retreats.

Visa information : Travellers can obtain a single-entry visa for 30 days within three months with a valid Schengen visa.

Egypt, home to the ancient pyramids and the Nile River, is a destination rich in history and culture. Visitors can explore the bustling city of Cairo, the historic temples of Luxor, and the serene beaches of the Red Sea.

Visa information : A valid multiple-entry Schengen visa allows for a stay of 30 days, not exceeding 180 days per year.

Aruba, a Caribbean island, is known for its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. Visitors can enjoy the capital, Oranjestad, with its colourful Dutch colonial architecture, or relax on the famous Eagle Beach.

Visa information : Travellers from India, Thailand, and six additional nations are eligible for visa-free entry to Colombia if they possess a Schengen or US visa.

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A multiple-entry Schengen visa allows one to access 29 countries within the Schengen Zone — which we already know. However, did you know that this visa also offers you the remarkable ability to travel...