What is the 90/180 rule?
It normally allows eligible non-EU travellers to stay in the Schengen Area for no more than 90 days within any moving 180-day period.
Rule explained
The Schengen 90/180 Rule
The 90/180 rule controls short stays for many non-EU visitors. It applies across the Schengen Area as one travel zone, not separately in each country.
You may normally spend up to 90 days in the Schengen Area during any rolling 180-day period. The reference period moves forward one day at a time.
A simple worked example
Suppose you spend 30 days in Spain, 20 in France and 10 in Italy during the same rolling window. That is 60 Schengen days used, not three separate national totals. You would have 30 days available if no other relevant stays fall inside the window.
- Trip 1: Spain — 30 days
- Trip 2: France — 20 days
- Trip 3: Italy — 10 days
- Combined total — 60 Schengen days
Why the rule does not reset
There is no calendar-year reset and leaving for a weekend does not start a new allowance. As each old day moves outside the 180-day look-back period, it stops contributing to the total.
A continuous absence of 90 days can create a fresh allowance in ordinary cases, but the safest method is to calculate against every planned day of presence.
Who the rule usually applies to
It commonly applies to visa-exempt non-EU nationals and holders of short-stay Schengen visas. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens have free-movement rights instead. Long-stay visas, residence permits and bilateral arrangements can affect individual cases.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 90-day rule reset after 180 days?
Not on one fixed date. The 180-day reference period rolls forward daily, and old stay days become available again individually as they leave that window.
Can I split the 90 days across several trips?
Yes. The trips can be split, but all eligible short-stay days across Schengen are added together.
Do days in Ireland, Cyprus or the UK count?
They do not currently count as Schengen days. Always check current membership and the separate entry rules for those destinations.
Does the rule apply to EU citizens?
No. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens rely on free-movement rules, although registration and tax-residency obligations may still arise.
Official sources
EuroPlanner is a planning and reminder tool, not legal, immigration or tax advice. Rules and individual circumstances change; always confirm with the responsible authority or a qualified adviser.