By MOOK Travel & Lifestyle Network, Chen Guanxin, compiled and reported
Due to the complexity of calculating the permitted length of stay in the EU Schengen Zone under visa-free entry (no more than 90 days within any 180-day period), along with inconsistencies in calculation methods used by border control officials across EU member states, which has caused inconvenience for travelers from third countries, the EU has recently unified its calculation method. The new rule takes effect immediately. The EU has also made available the "Schengen Short Stay Calculator" on its official website, recommending that travelers use this tool before departing for the EU Schengen Zone to ensure their intended length of stay complies with regulations. This new regulation will not affect the rights of our citizens regarding the permitted duration of stay in the Schengen Zone.
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Planning a trip to the EU Schengen Zone? Use the “Days Calculator” to determine your permitted length of stay online. (Image provided by MOOK Editorial Department)
This new measure applies to 32 countries and regions including Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Vatican City, Greenland (Denmark), and the Faroe Islands (Denmark). In addition, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Romania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Croatia are either not Schengen members or do not fully apply Schengen rules, so the duration of stay in those six countries must be calculated separately.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminds our citizens that the EU visa-free treatment for the Schengen Zone only applies to short-term stays. If you plan to stay in the Schengen Zone for more than 90 days or go there to work, you must first obtain the appropriate visa before departure. If you have any questions regarding applying for a Schengen visa, please contact the relevant European institutions in China.
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