How do I calculate 90 days in 180 days Schengen visa?

Understanding the Schengen Visa 90/180 Rule

The Schengen visa 90/180 rule is a regulation that limits the duration of stay for visitors holding a short-stay Schengen visa in the Schengen area. Contrary to popular belief, this rule is not a simple allotment of 90 days within a 180-day period.

Rolling Calculation: Assessing Validity

The 90/180 rule operates on a rolling basis, meaning that the validity of a traveler’s visa is assessed over a consecutive 180-day period. This rolling calculation ensures that individuals cannot exceed the maximum 90-day limit within any given 180-day window.

Practical Application

To determine whether a traveler has exceeded the 90-day limit, the following steps are taken:

1. Identify the 180-day Period: Determine the current day and count backwards 180 days to establish the start of the relevant 180-day period.
2. Review Travel History: Examine the traveler’s passport and visa stamps to calculate the number of days spent in the Schengen area during the preceding 180 days.
3. Assess Validity: Subtract the number of days spent in the Schengen area from 90. If the result is zero or negative, the traveler has exceeded the 90-day limit and is in violation of the visa rules.

Example

If a traveler enters the Schengen area on January 1st and stays for 30 days, they have 60 days remaining within the first 180-day period. If they re-enter the Schengen area on April 1st and plan to stay for 60 days, they must count backwards 180 days from April 1st. This results in a period from October 2nd of the previous year to April 1st of the current year. If the traveler has already spent 30 days in the Schengen area during this period, they would only be permitted to stay for an additional 30 days, as they have already utilized 90 days within the 180-day rolling period.

Consequences of Excess Stay

Exceeding the 90/180 rule can have serious consequences, including:

• Denial of entry or deportation from the Schengen area
• Fines or penalties
• Difficulty obtaining future Schengen visas

Conclusion

The Schengen visa 90/180 rule is a complex regulation that requires careful consideration when planning travel within the Schengen area. By understanding the rolling calculation and applying it to individual circumstances, travelers can ensure compliance with the visa rules and avoid potential penalties.