Schengen DaysSchengen rules for Australian citizens in 2026
Short answer: Australian citizens do not need a visa for short stays in the 29 Schengen countries, but are limited to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period across all of them. Some older bilateral agreements may allow extra time in individual countries; confirm with that embassy before relying on one.
The rule in one paragraph
Australian citizens can be in the 29 Schengen countries for at most 90 days in any rolling 180-day period, without a visa, for tourism, visiting people, business meetings and similar short stays. The 90 days are shared across all 29 countries. On any date, count the days you were in the Schengen Area during that date and the 179 days before it; the total must not be more than 90. The day you arrive and the day you leave both count.
Read more: the 90/180 rule with worked examples and how to count your days step by step.
Passport: check the issue date as well as the expiry date
The Schengen Borders Code requires a passport that was issued within the last 10 years on the day you enter, and that is valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen Area (Regulation (EU) 2016/399, Article 6). Both conditions apply at the same time.
What has changed: EES now, ETIAS later
Since 10 April 2026 the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) has replaced passport stamps at the external borders of the 29 countries. Your first crossing records your fingerprints and a photo, and every entry and exit is logged, so the 90/180 count is now done automatically (European Commission). The rule itself did not change.
ETIAS, a travel authorisation costing EUR 20, will be needed once it starts. As of October 2026 it is not in operation, and the EU says it will announce the start date several months in advance (official ETIAS website). It does not change the 90/180 rule either.
Bilateral agreements
Some Schengen countries have older bilateral agreements with some non-EU countries that can allow extra time in that one country. Whether one exists for Australian citizens, and how it works now that the EES counts days automatically, is something only that country's embassy can confirm. Get it in writing before relying on it.
The 90/180 count is now done automatically by the EES at every external border, so carry written confirmation if you use an agreement.
Working holidays
Australia has working holiday arrangements with several European countries. These are national visas from one country, and time under them is not counted toward the 90 days in that country.
Staying longer than 90 days
To stay longer you need a national long-stay (type D) visa or a residence permit from one Schengen country — for example a study visa, a work permit, or one of the remote-work ("digital nomad") visas several countries now offer. Time spent under a residence permit or long-stay visa is not counted toward the 90 days (Schengen Borders Code, Article 6). Apply to that country's embassy or consulate; requirements differ by country.
Official Australian advice: Australian Government — Smartraveller.
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Common questions
How long can Australians stay in Europe without a visa?
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen Area as a whole. The UK, Ireland, Cyprus and non-Schengen Balkan countries have their own separate rules.
Can Australians use bilateral agreements to stay longer?
Some older bilateral agreements may allow extra time in one specific country. Confirm with that country’s embassy, in writing, before relying on one.