I should make it very clear from the start that, while everyone is free to read this, I am only writing this for Americans. Not because I don’t like anyone else – I love you all – but because we’re American travelers and expats, and every country’s situation is different.
EU citizens are blessed with a ridiculous freedom of movement, as are New Zealanders, because, who doesn’t love a Kiwi? Canadians have a case similar to Americans, but a little more complex due to immigration spats and the like with countries such as the Czech Republic. Australians have a different set of rules, as do South Africans and a host of other nations. We are American, we have zero experience traveling as [enter non-U.S. citizenship status here], and therefore haven’t really had any need to know how long we can stay in [whatever country] as [citizen of a country that is not America]. Cool? Cool.
In addition, I will not be talking about long-stay visas, student visas, residency permits, visa runs, or dual-passport shenanigans. If you want a real visa or permit, this information can be found on most countries’ websites. If you want to get into trickery or overstays, this isn’t the place, either. (Maybe another time.) There are always caveats, but that’s not what this post is about.
This must also be stated: I am only writing this because, during our travels and my research, I’ve come across way too many inaccurate blog posts, travel guides, out of date information, scaredy cats, worrywarts, angry people with no idea what they’re jabbering on about, and whatever else you can think of. I got sick of reading a bunch of “information,” searching Google, and coming up with nothing of value; sitting in my chair, staring at my TouchPad with those glazed-over computer eyes, wondering why on Earth it could possibly be so difficult to find solid information about a part of the world that Americans and everyone else just love to visit. (“Oh My God, Venice is totally romantic!” I assure you, it’s not really that romantic. Not in high season, anyway.)
That said, if any of this information is wrong – I urge you to let me know. You can leave a comment or contact us through this site, on Facebook, and on Twitter. I am no authority! I cannot state that with any more emphasis. I just want to write about what I’ve found after reading some official guidelines, scratching my head at blog posts, and burning a variety of guidebooks while screaming in tongues at the immigration and visa gods. Right. Let’s get it on…
In case you haven’t noticed, most of Europe is now the European Union. And within – but not entirely within, and not entirely the same – lays the Schengen Area. The brilliant minds of the EU decided that they should have controls similar to what you’d find in the U.S. or Canada or wherever, and that each country should more or less operate as a state when it comes to border control. But, not everyone is down for the cause, and some countries that aren’t part of the EU are, in fact, down for the cause. This “cause” created an area where people can move freely across borders, without border control. This “cause” is called the Schengen Agreement, which created the Schengen Area.
So, if you fly from Amsterdam to Berlin, for example, there’s not really any passport control. No required long lines or customs checks or any of that. In early 2011, we flew from Chicago to Berlin, with a stop in Amsterdam. We did have to go through control when we arrived in Amsterdam, since our flight came from a non-Schengen area. But, on the flight from AMS to TXL (R.I.P. in about a month), there was no passport control, no customs, none of that. We simply walked off the airplane, grabbed our bags (and the dog), and caught a taxi. Same thing you would do if you were flying from Chicago to Dallas, or whatever.
And the same goes for driving. No more checkpoints at national borders, no more men in funny uniforms asking why on Earth a suspect-looking American is driving with two suspect-looking Germans into the Czech Republic. (Who, me?)
All seems pretty cool, right? Definitely not.
In an effort to have reciprocal agreements with non-Schengen countries, such as the U.S., certain rules were passed to help ease the pain of traveling overseas for EU citizens. You know, because they have it so bad and all. One of these rules is what I call the Evil Horrible Make Me So Angry Wanna Throw Things Like A Child Rule. Officially or unofficially, it’s called the 90-day Rule. It’s simple. Wait, not really. It’s totally not that simple.
The rule is this: Within the Schengen Area (and some cooperating countries), people from what are called Annex II nations can travel for 90 days within a 180-day period. This means that within a six-month period, Joe America can spend 90 days within this area. Not within one country. Within the entire area.
Wait. What?
Yeah, that’s right. I’m not sure how old some of you are, but I gloriously remember the days when you could travel all around Europe, with 90 days to blow in each country. Folks who are spirited by travel and want to spend a summer or a year stomping around Europe could do just that. The freedom was amazing. Who cares about border checks, and passport controllers on trains, and the occasionally brutal line at the airport? You’ve got all the time in the world! Woo-hoo! 90 days per country! Hell yeah!
Smack!
Not anymore, brother/sister. You can thank the Schengen Agreement for that.
I am sorry if you came here looking for the answers that you really want. Hell, answers that I really want! They don’t exist, because the Schengen Agreement has screwed you out of most of Europe for three months of every six-month period. And because the member states and agreements keep changing, security of knowing where you can travel and for how long also keeps changing. A blog post from five years ago will be invariably irrelevant today. This post might be irrelevant the day after I post it. That’s how often little changes are made that decide where we can go, but more importantly, for how long.
Before I get into where you can go and can’t go within that 90-day period, I want to say that the benefit of this is that it actually might make you go off the beaten path a bit. Maybe you should visit a country that’s not part of this agreement. In case the Travel Channel or your parents’ European romanticizing or some random magazine or that one travel forum hasn’t informed you as of yet: There are some really, really awesome places in this world. A ton of them. And guess what? Most of them are not part of the Schengen Agreement. Some are even in Europe, most are not, but whatever: If you want to be location independent, or travel for a long period of time, think outside the box! You don’t have to spend all your time in these countries. They’re all wonderful places (and we live in one of them), but if the 90-day Rule is going to get slapped on you, why not live a little? (I still think the rule sucks. I’m just sayin’…)
For this exercise, I’m calling the 90-day rule the 90/180 rule. It’s easier on me. Below is a list of the countries that are part of this agreement. Some are in the EU, some are in the Schengen Area, some are in neither but have special agreements, and some are very confusing. You might argue that ‘X’ country is in the EU, so it must be Schengen! Not even close. Or that some other country isn’t in the EU, so it can’t be Schengen! Wrong again.
This is not a list of Schengen Area countries. It is not a list of EU countries. It is not a list intended for anyone but Americans, because we’re American; and as previously stated, most other countries have similar but sometimes different arrangements.
90/180 Rule: Countries in which you can spend 90 out of every 180 days. No, you cannot spend 90 days in each country. No, you cannot leave after 90 days and come back two days later. Within a 180-day period, you are allowed 90 days of travel through the entire area. You can go out and come back in, but you only have 90 days total. Total!
Andorra*, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco*, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, San Marino*, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Vatican City*.
That is correct. Those are the countries in which you can play for a total of 90 days. Got it? Again, you cannot stay for 90 days, leave for a week, and come back. 90 for every 180. That’s what you get.
Countries marked with an asterisk (*) are not part of the Schengen Area and/or the EU, but have reciprocal agreements and are more or less part of the area. Don’t bother sneaking away to San Marino for 90 days and popping back up in Italy on the 91st day. That won’t slide. I’m not even sure you could do anything in San Marino for 90 days, anyhow.
Below are the other European countries and how they all play into this. The countries below are not part of the area, and they do not play into the 90/180 rule. The countries below have their own guidelines, rules, whatever, for tourists and visas. Each country has its own accord, and has nothing to do with the Schengen Area rules or any other rules. Got it? (Again, if you know otherwise, feel free to correct me.)
United Kingdom: Six months. Yes, you get six months here as a tourist. I’ve been to the UK multiple times, and I never realized that before. I guess it’s a good thing it’s so expensive there; otherwise, you might find me writing this from the Scottish Highlands or some balcony in Edinburgh. I have heard rumors and read anecdotes about partial side deals the UK has with Schengen. However, from everything I’ve read, you can indeed go to the UK after Schengen. Just remember that you can’t go back into the Schengen Area until after a period of 90 days has passed!
Ireland: 90 days. That’s what you get, and I’m not so sure how long you have to be out before re-entry. I’m not sure how the 90 days you get in Ireland plays with the 90/180 in Schengen. I haven’t found any reliable information connecting the two. I have a sneaking suspicion that they do play with each other, which is bad for you and me.
Below are the remaining European countries. Some of these countries were supposed to become part of the Schengen Area this year. However, every country that was supposed to has had their dates pushed back. That’s good news for you and me. I will say that you should keep an eye on each country you plan to visit, though, as things change all the time. Especially keep an eye on Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania, as they are the closest to joining the dreaded Schengen Area team.
What I do know is that the 90 days you get there has nothing to do with the 90/180 you get for Schengen countries. The aforementioned three nations have their own 90/180 policy that applies only, specifically, to each of the three countries alone. Got it?
Again, everything in this blog post is for U.S. citizens. Some visas cost money, most are free. Because most of the countries on the list here lack a substantial fee, I haven’t bothered noting which is which. E.g. Albania is €1 for the first 60 days. Come on, son. That counts as free in my book.
90 days: The below countries give you 90 days each. Enjoy!
Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Turkey (€15), Ukraine.
Some of these can be extended, some cannot. I have either not done the necessary research, am not confident in my answers, or have received conflicting reports for many of them. If you have a specific country in mind, I’d suggest doing some more reading. If you have more (verified) information, feel free to pass it my way.
Note: I’ve left out the farther eastern European countries for simplicity’s sake. Great people, great places. However, some of these countries are having “issues,” especially in the Caucuses, and it can be crazy tricky to get in. This includes things like travel restrictions, corruption, varying visa costs, varying allowed lengths of stay, where and when you can get your visas, possible required registration, and a whole bunch of other super-fun things like the occasional war.
As you can see (what am I writing here, a term paper?), the whole complicated scenario of the European Union, Schengen Agreement, and the various rules and regulations that weave their way inside and out within the confines of the continent can create utter chaos, havoc, but mostly confusion for U.S. citizen travelers and citizens of many other nations. I often bang my fist with furious anger about how all of this works. (And I’m a long-term residency holder in a Schengen and EU country!) Then I’ll become more frustrated when I see that ‘X’ nation is going to become part of the Schengen Area. And then I’ll read a month later that it was pushed back or what have you.
I certainly understand how awesome freedom of movement is for EU and/or Schengen citizens. I would never want to take that away from any of them, and I need to make that undeniably clear. However, the other policies that were dreamed up for non-European countries can easily cause madness among the most sane of us (I’m not part of that), and doesn’t really make it any easier for travel junkies to roam the world that belongs to all of us.
I have no solution to all of this, but I hope that anyone reading this here blog post has a better understanding of the chaotic mess that comes into play when you’re a card-carrying member of the ol’ U.S.A. I also reiterate this: If you have updates that come in, or information to correct, or things to clarify, please post them in the comments or contact us directly. And again, I repeat myself by saying that these crazy 90/180-day rules should sometimes be looked on with a smile, for they should force you to go to places you’ve never been, see wonderful countries you have been lied to about your entire life, and learn more about the great cultures that exist outside of that historically romantic idea of visiting Europe. Enjoy the ride, we’ll soon be off to [enter non-90/180 Schengen country here]!
Why do they have these rules in place? and why 90 days? You would think these places would want the tourists to stay and spend money in their country. Maybe i just don’t see the significance, but then again I am just a dumb American!
To keep people coming, but not staying. Otherwise, you’d find a lot of people just sticking around, getting under-the-table jobs without visas, etc. People do that anyway, so it’s not much of a deterrent.
I also agree with what T.W. said below. It can get a bit more complex in certain countries due to taxes, age restrictions (for ‘retirement’) and whatnot, but oftentimes, it can be unbelievably simple to get non-working or freelance residency. I’ll poke him with a stick a bit more in my reply to his comment.
But, you still need to read his free e-book; I emailed the link to you a few weeks ago. Although, it might make you jones way more than you already are. Ha.
One benefit to my time over on that side of the pond was that in Bulgaria I didn’t have to worry about it because A) it’s not part of the Schengen (yet), and B), I had Bulgarian residency.
That’s one of the reasons I preach immersion travel over simply backpacking because it avoids any 90 day rules (which also exist here; for example, you have the Central American version, which is Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua, and your 90 days is taken up by time spent in *any* of those countries) but that’s just a personal approach/opinion. I find that by obtaining residency in host countries it makes everything so much easier, and most of the time doing so is just a simple matter of paying a hundred bucks or so for an application along with proof of $1,000 to $3,000 per month of income, depending on the country. I’ve never heard of a country or person having a renter’s visa (same as a pensioner’s visa) denied so long as they meet the income requirements.
Good post. Agree, it’s a bit chaotic. That’s one of the downsides to being the flight type of digital nomad who never settles down in one place for more than a few months…eventually you run into little snafus of red tape. My favorite to this date was going from Turkey to Greece and then back, and when I was coming back the exit patrol from Greece detained me because I had a Macedonian stamp in my passport, and they aren’t supposed to let anyone into Greece who has been to Macedonia, but the border patrol from earlier in the day had missed the stamp…caused all sorts of panic for about an hour until they figured out what had happened…my whole Bulgarian group was waiting on me…they just walked through without any hassles lol.
Not saying doing it the fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants way is wrong…just not my particular style. I end up wanting to spend years in each destination, not just several months hehehehe. I never feel as though I’ve explored a destination until I’ve been there long enough to be able to call it “home”, and for me that doesn’t happen in the 90 days most countries allow you. Cancun just started feeling that way after I got my visa in December; before that, I was still doing the tourist thing and I never really felt a sense of stability while I was waiting on just my passport.
I do agree with most, if not all, of what you said. It’s much better to be able to stay longer than 90 days. And depending on the country, you can stick around for those 90 and then apply for longer near the end.
We’ve been here for over a year now, and it hasn’t gotten tired or anything. Just had some things change, and our business evolved, and we’d like to do the slow travel, minimalist thing indefinitely. Wherever we go next will be for a 3-month ride, but if we like it enough, we’ll certainly explore getting extensions. That’s the beauty of doing what we and you are doing: We all have the freedom (which we all made ourselves) to explore things at our own pace, and find what’s right for us.
We have long-term business residency permits here, but our roommate is on a year-long freelance visa. Despite what all the haters say, it was unbelievably easy for him to get. The downside is that he’s registered as being said freelancer, so he needs health insurance and has to file taxes and all that other crap. I think that’s what can make it more difficult, depending on what country you’re in. In my honest opinion, countries shouldn’t care as long as you aren’t taking away jobs from locals.
I’d like to rap with you about Bulgaria at some point. Maybe my questions are answered in your Sofia guide, though. Maybe not.
I knew that Macedonia and Greece had a rocky relationship, but I had no idea that they put bans on there like that. I’ve only heard that about certain Middle Eastern countries in relation to Israel. Good thing they let you back in!
I also had no idea about a combined 90-day spin for Central America. Man, that sucks so bad. At least it’s only 4 countries, though. A bit easier in Costa Rica and Panama.
Thanks again for the support and the words!
[…] It’s been really fun coming up with ideas for places to live for three-month stints. Some in the EU, some out (see Ryan’s 90/180 post). […]
Question! I just spent a semester in Spain (about 110 days) on a 180 day student visa. My visa runs out on July 1, 2012, but I left Spain on May 19th. I wanted to plan a trip with my aunt to return in August so I could visit my host family and see friends, but then I discovered this Schengen thing. So…because I had a student visa (and didn’t leave Spain), am i entitled to 90 days as a tourist? My aunt and I only want to go back for about 2 weeks, and I’ll have been out of the country for two whole months! Will I be able to get back in? I’m thinking about trying and calling the Spanish embassy in NYC, but I just wanna see what info I can gather beforehand. Thanks for the info!!!!!
Breanna,
Thanks for the comment! This is obviously a tricky situation, and they’re not making it easy on those of us who got sucked into the whole 90/180 thing.
I will not profess to have all the answers, but I will do my best!
1) Technically speaking, you should be out of the country for 90 days before you go back. This includes post-expiration of any and all non-tourist visas.
2) I don’t think you should concern yourself as to when your student visa expired, as you have a stamp showing you left the country before that date. You might have to point this out to immigration when you land in Spain, in case they give you a hard time.
3) A few countries are *supposedly* less strict about the whole 90/180 thing when it comes to entry/exit. This list includes Spain. However, I can tell you that I would not advise just coming and going, and hoping no one catches it. You can get fined or even banned for up to three years for overstays and such, and that’s quite a risk for 20+ countries.
4) I would highly suggest contacting the embassy or consulate, as you also noted. If they say it’s a no-go, you might be able to apply for a longer-term tourist visa (6 months, etc.), which would nullify your worries about 90/180. I would advise you here to not take one person’s word as law, either. It’s common to get a wide variety of answers from consulate representatives across the globe and this is not just for Spain. It happens with all consulates, embassies, and immigration offices because there are always exceptions to the rule, and these rules are constantly changing. Not to mention any ambivalent personnel you might encounter. If they can’t or don’t give you proper info, you can ask someone else. And if you can get any of these answers from them via email, you could always take a printout with you when you travel. It might not help, but it might be gold.
The fact is, you left in May, and you’re going back in September. If you’re leaving after September 19th, then I would say you’re already good to go (even if you have to show them your last exit stamp). If you’re leaving just shy of 180 out, you may or may not be okay.
In the end, I’d say check with the consulate as previously mentioned. You can also ask about getting a longer-term tourist visa before you leave, if you won’t be able re-enter on 90/180. And lastly, you can always risk it. Thousands of people do it all the time, but it is not something I’d recommend.
Feel free to post up any other questions you have. Thanks, and good luck!
Thanks for this info! I have a similar question – I lived in Germany for the past two years while working. For the first 21 months, I had a work visa. After that (finished my job) I had two temporary 3 month visas (called “Fiktionsbescheinigung” in German). I left May 9, 2012, my last visa expired May 15, 2012.
I am now needing to go back to Schengen (Belgium specifically) for a work-related meeting for a week in June. It is unclear to me what I need to do to get in because I have not been out for 90 days. I called the Belgian embassy in Washington DC today, and they were not able to provide a solid answer, saying it depends on what the border agents say when I get there. I’d really like to have an answer before I buy a plane ticket – does anyone have any advice? Thanks!
I feel your pain, we’ll be in a similar situation when we leave Germany at the end of the summer. We thought about getting a Fiktionsbescheinigung as well, but aren’t sure it’s even worth going to the Ausländerbehörde due to our particular plans.
From what you said, it sounds that – technically – you are not permitted to return yet. What the embassy told you isn’t exactly helpful, and I would personally suggest you contact them again, and contact other consulates in other cities and ask the same question. Actually, I’d suggest you do all of that via email instead. That way you can print or save any reply that says it’s okay. It’s always good to have that on hand when you get to passport control and could possibly solve any issues they give you.
If you’re only going for a meeting, I can’t imagine they’re going to raise much of a fuss at the border. They also might not even bother looking or care. But it’s always a risk, and I hate that, so I would be furiously contacting consulate and embassy folks trying to get an email that says “no problem” in it.
Sorry I can’t give you anything definitive; this is always a tricky and very annoying situation. Thanks for the comments, and feel free to post any other questions you may have.
Bonne chance!
Hi, I am having a bit of difficulty in my travels and wanted to know what options are available for me.
I am currently in Bulgaria and my ticket is purchased to return to my home country Trinidad when my stay here is 91 days.
Do you know what will immigration do to me in the airport as it is only 1 day over the 90 and that by a few hours?, Or do you know what options there are for me?
Thank you,
Nalini
Hey there! I doubt they’ll hassle you for one day, but I can’t make any guarantees. Good luck!
This is pure h#ll for someone like me. I met and fell in love with a man that happens to be a Dutch citizen. I am planning my third trip back in a few months. It is torture to have to wait 90 days to see each other. We decided to just go ahead and meet up in UK for a few days. This is costly a small fortune/all my miles, but love is love. Why not get a long term permit you ask? Simple. We are not at the point of marriage. They will not allow me to simply register at his place and pay an extension fee. They would require us to register as partners. This is pretty much the same as marriage. So onward with the thousands of miles I travel. I think it is ridiculous if I want to go spend good money in their countries why I cannot? If there economy is so bad, then stop kicking out the darn tourists! We pay our own way. I get nothing for free over there. Unlike some EU nationals that are exempted and taking all the Dutch jobs and free healthcare.
I couldn’t agree more. I have no idea what you do for a living, but there are other ways to be able to stick around longer, get residency permits, etc. I would definitely recommend delving deeper into the options in NL for different types of permits and extensions. NL is actually quite friendly when it comes to US citizens and there are agreements in place that make it easier than your average EU nation. Another idea, which I don’t necessarily condone, is to get a longer tourist visa (or other type of visa) in a different Schengen country. This will then allow you free movement within the area. Good luck!
Yeah, we are very lucky diplomatically speaking! But even us kiwis can’t get around Schengen in a snap.
Fortunately you have all that time in each country, so you don’t have to worry about the rush! /jealous
Thanks for stopping by!
hey guys – great article!
wanted to get your input on my (precarious) situation if possible…
I’m American. I flew from the US to Germany in early November of last year, and then from Germany to Italy on December 27th. So basically I’ve been in the Schengen for a little over 6 months – and am now here illegally. :(
I’m not a student. I’m a entrepreneur with an online, US based company. Also, the only form of physical ID I have is a US passport.
So basically, I have 2 questions…
a) Is there any way I can safely get from Italy to Spain? (without getting deported, or blacklisted) I’ve heard that within the schengen, those two countries are typically more relaxed about the rules, particularly with Americans. Is it better for me to take a train, instead of going through the airports? Or maybe I should hire/rent a car? I just want to minimize my chances of getting in trouble.
b) Going to Spain is my first choice, but if that option is too risky – then I will probably just go back to New York. Is there any risk of me *leaving* the Schengen? i.e. just flying back home
Your thoughts will be MUCH appreciated, as I have to make a very fast decision on my next step.
Thanks so much!
Julian
Hey Julian, thanks for the comment. Oy…that’s not the best place you want to be, but you wouldn’t be the first! If you want to get to Spain, your best bet is the train or a car. This is all Schengen so there shouldn’t be much for checks regarding your status.
The leaving Schengen part is where you’ll get in trouble (or flying in general, I think). That’s where they can check how long you’ve been in and you will be subject to fines or bans for X years. From what I’ve read, the easiest places to leave from Europe are in the south: Spain, Italy, etc. They’re supposedly more lax on dates when you depart.
I obviously don’t recommend going over your allowed stay, but you’re way beyond that so the best you can do at this point – in my mind – is try to leave Schengen without raising any red flags. If you continue to stay in Schengen, you’re still always going to have that apprehension about getting in trouble. If you exit without any issues then you can always come back and do it right. Of course, it’s your call and you’ll know what’s best for you.
Sorry I can’t provide any specific details outside of my opinion. I certainly don’t have all the answers and even more certainly am not any type of lawyer who knows the regulations. Best of luck!
Hey everyone! Great article!
I have a few questions, since these things are always changing.
I’m currently in Vienna, Austria and have another 45days left on my tourist visa but would like to stay longer.
My husband runs a business in the U.S but he’s an Eu citizen from Bulgaria, could I go to Bulgaria after my 90days and apply for residency there? Would this allow me to come back to Austria and live/work here? I’m not sure what I should do, I know it would be easiest for me to get residency in Bulgaria, but they’re not in the Schengen yet and I would like to live/work and one day attend school in Austria.
Let me know what you think!
Nikki
Hey Nikki, thanks for stopping by. We were actually just in Vienna for 3 months! If your husband is Bulgarian, the first and absolutely number one thing I’d recommend you do is start reading/researching and talking to the Bulgarian gov about what your rights currently are and what they can be. Because he’s a citizen, it should be pretty easy for you to get residency there and all that jazz. As for permanent residency or citizenship, that’s something you’ll have to look into. But, that right there is your best path to freedom in the EU. Bulgaria is not yet Schengen, so even citizenship will unfortunately not exempt you from whatever the rules are for Bulgarians in Schengen.
Outside of that and as far as I know, the only options for you at this point are to look into a longer tourist visa (which does exist in Austria) or a student visa. I’d personally advise getting Bulgaria sorted out, and then tackling Austria (or doing both simultaneously if you can).
Best of luck, and please feel free to stop by with any other insight/questions/comments. Thanks!
[…] days of waiting in traffic at passport control, along with everything else. (Or is it? We hate you, Schengen rules for […]
[…] of the early post by Ryan, titled “Traveling Europe: Schengen, the EUand 90-day Rule” should be a starting point for any American citizen heading for Europe. Highlighting the fact, that […]
Wonderful essay on travelling in Europe. It’s good for people to know that, if you are blessed with many months of travel, you cannot simply exit and enter the Schengen Zone unless you wait for a period of 90 days.
I used to live in Europe in the 80s (well, I was a kid.. thanks diplomat Dad!) and I recall how the borders were so different. Still overall relaxed, but travel was so different then. Some things are made easier, some things are more of a pain.
A note on Ireland. When I was going to Germany a couple years ago, I decided to get one ways in and out of Ireland from the US. It ended up being cheaper and let me be there for a few days. Upon coming back from Germany on my way home, the guy at passport control saw my first stamp from the start of my trip and asked if I was just [there]. He didn’t re-stamp and let me go in (it had been about two weeks). Not sure that really answers or elaborates on anything you’ve wondered about Schengen/Ireland agreements but it’s probably safe to assume the 90/180 applies in Ireland as well.
Hey Brian, thanks for stopping by and for the input. I just watched one of your Warsaw Pact clips, when you went back to your old house in Warsaw and juxtaposed it with old footage from your childhood. Pretty great stuff.
Since I wrote this in 2012, I’ve come to the conclusion that Ireland does not count, no matter how you slice it. As far as I know now, your 90/180 there is entirely separate as they are not part of Schengen, the same way you’d get 6 months in the UK completely separate from your 90 in Schengen. Whether or not people know and recognize that, at the Irish border or otherwise, is an entirely different matter haha.
[…] As an American (or someone else in a similar situation), you may know about the Schengen Area and how annoying the 90/180 rule is. We don’t like it! So, we decided to apply for one-year visas in Spain, and to see where this […]
[…] going on. With a stern look, the man flips through my passport, reviews my dates of entry into the Schengen area, crosses my departure out, re-stamps me, and also sternly alters me that I must leave the country […]
[…] that’s constantly charming me — and I also knew that, as an American, I could only be in the Schengen Zone (the borderless zone that encompasses most of mainland Europe) for three months at a time. The rule […]