Understanding the 90 Day Travel Rule: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re someone who loves to travel and explore new destinations, you must have come across the term ’90 days travel rule.’ In simple terms, the 90-day travel rule refers to the maximum amount of time a traveler is allowed to remain in a particular country that follows the Schengen agreement.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss in detail what the 90-day travel rule is, how it works, and what you need to know before planning your next European trip.

What is the Schengen Agreement?

The Schengen Agreement is a treaty that was signed in 1985 by five of the ten members of the European Economic Community. Today, 26 countries are part of the Schengen Area, including countries such as France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Greece, and many others. The primary goal of this agreement is to eliminate the need for border controls among member countries.

What is the 90 Day Travel Rule?

The 90-day travel rule, also known as the Schengen visa rule, applies to all non-European Union citizens who wish to enter and stay in a Schengen country for up to 90 days within a six-month period. It’s important to note that the 90-day rule applies to the entire Schengen Area and not just one particular country.

How does the 90 Day Travel Rule Work?

The 90-day travel rule works on a straightforward principle. If you’re a non-European Union citizen and wish to enter any Schengen country, you’ll be granted a visa upon arrival, which will allow you to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a six-month period.

For example, if you enter the Schengen Area on January 1 and stay for 60 days, you can return to Europe on July 1 and stay for a maximum of 30 days. However, if you decide to stay beyond 90 days within a six-month period, you’ll be overstaying your visa, which can result in severe consequences and may lead to deportation.

What are the Consequences of Violating the 90 Day Travel Rule?

If you violate the 90-day travel rule, you may face several consequences, such as:

– Marking of your passport, which may make it difficult for you to travel in the future.
– Paying significant fines and penalties.
– Being detained and deported from the Schengen Area.
– Being banned from entering any Schengen country for a specified period.

How to Avoid Violating the 90 Day Travel Rule?

To avoid violating the 90-day travel rule, you need to keep track of the exact days you spend in the Schengen Area. You can use a Schengen visa calculator to help you track your stays and the remaining days on your visa.

Another way to avoid violating the 90-day travel rule is to obtain the proper visa before traveling. If you plan on staying in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days, you need to apply for a long-term visa and provide evidence of your reason for staying in the Schengen Area.

Conclusion

The 90-day travel rule is an essential aspect to keep in mind when planning your next European trip. As a non-European Union citizen, you need to be aware of the rules and regulations to avoid the severe consequences of overstaying your visa. Remember to keep track of your stay and apply for the right visa to ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip.

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