The most common mistake made by holders of multiple-entry Schengen visas: miscalculating their length of stay. We explain the rule with examples.
The validity period printed on your Schengen visa does not mean you can stay for as long as you like during that period. What matters is the 90/180 rule: within any rolling 180-day period counted backwards, you may not spend more than 90 days in total in the Schengen Area.
How is it calculated?
For each day on which you enter the area, count back 180 days from that day and add up the days you spent in the Schengen Area during that period. Entry and exit days also count as days of stay.
Example
If you stayed 30 days between 1 and 30 March and 61 days between 1 May and 30 June, then as of 30 June you will have been present for 91 days in the last 180 days; in other words, your last day breaches the rule.
Consequences of a breach
Overstaying can result in a fine, an entry ban and the risk of refusal in future applications. We can check your plans together before you travel.
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