Understanding the Rule
How the 90/180 Day Rule Works
The Schengen Area uses a rolling 180-day window — not a fixed calendar period. Here's what that means.
01
The Rolling Window
On any given day, immigration looks back exactly 180 days. Within that window, you're allowed a maximum of 90 days in the Schengen Area. The window slides forward every day.
02
Both Days Count
Your entry day and exit day both count as days spent in the Schengen Area. A same-day transit still uses one day of your allowance.
03
Days Expire and Renew
As old travel days fall outside the 180-day window, your allowance renews. A trip from 181 days ago no longer counts against your 90-day limit.
04
All Schengen Countries Share the Quota
Time spent in any Schengen member state counts toward the same 90-day limit. A week in France and a week in Germany use two weeks of the same allowance.