The 90/180 rule, explained
How long you can stay in Europe without a visa, for US, Canadian and UK passports, and the traps that catch people out.
Up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period, counted across all Schengen countries together. Work, or a longer stay, needs a national visa or residence permit.
Quick count
How many days have you spent in the Schengen area in the last 180 days?
90 days left in this 180-day window.
How the count works
On any day you're in the Schengen area, look back 180 days and add up every day you were inside. That total must stay at 90 or below. Entry and exit days both count, and days in different Schengen countries add together.
Ireland and Cyprus are in the EU but outside Schengen, so their days count separately. The UK is outside both.
The traps
- Overstaying can bring an entry ban. GOV.UK cites bans of up to 3 years.
- Older bilateral agreements let some nationalities stay longer in one country. The Entry/Exit System still counts all Schengen days, so carry proof of the agreement and expect questions when you leave.
- Scouting trips add up. Two long house-hunting visits can use most of your 90 days before you've applied for anything.
Staying longer
To live in Europe you need a national visa or residence permit: a digital nomad visa, a retirement or non-lucrative visa, a work permit, study, or citizenship through family. Some, like Spain's digital nomad visa, can be applied for from inside the country during your visa-free days.