Schengen DaysSchengen rules for US citizens in 2026
Short answer: US 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. Since 10 April 2026 entries and exits are recorded digitally by the EES. ETIAS is not yet required.
The rule in one paragraph
US 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.
Working remotely and digital nomads
The 90/180 rule limits time, not activity — but what you may do on a short visit (for example, whether remote work for a US employer is allowed) is set by each country. For longer stays several Schengen countries, including Spain, Portugal, Greece, Croatia and Estonia, offer national remote-work visas.
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.
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 US 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.
For the US government's own guidance, see travel.state.gov (country information pages).
Count your days with the free calculator
Common questions
How long can a US citizen stay in Europe without a visa?
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen Area as a whole. Days in non-Schengen countries such as the UK, Ireland or Cyprus are counted separately under their own rules.
Do Americans need ETIAS in 2026?
No, not yet. As of October 2026, ETIAS is not in operation and no applications are being taken. The EU says it will announce the start date several months in advance.