Schengen guide
Schengen 90/180 rule explained
The Schengen short-stay rule is checked with a rolling 180-day window. This guide explains the counting logic and links back to the calculator when you need to test dates.
The short version
For each day you are in the Schengen area, count how many Schengen stay days fall inside the previous 180 days, including that day. The total must not exceed 90 days.
Entry and exit days both count. The rule does not simply reset on January 1, and a new visa does not automatically erase previous Schengen stay days.
Example
If you stayed in Schengen from January 1 to January 10, that is 10 days. If you later stayed from March 1 to March 20, that is 20 more days. A 180-day window that includes both trips would count 30 used days, leaving 60 days before reaching the 90-day limit.
Common mistakes
- Counting only nights and forgetting that entry and exit days count.
- Using a calendar-year total instead of a rolling 180-day window.
- Forgetting older trips that still fall inside the current 180-day window.
- Assuming a visa sticker or residence process always resets the short-stay count.
Use the calculator
The easiest way to check your own dates is to use the VisaPacket Schengen calculator. Add your past trips, enter your next planned entry and exit dates, then review used days, days left, max next stay, latest safe exit, and estimated safe re-entry.
Official sources
Last updated: May 12, 2026