By Chen Guanxin, MOOK Travel & Lifestyle Network, compiled and reported
In view of the complicated method for calculating the duration of stay in the EU Schengen Area under visa-free entry (not exceeding 90 days within 180 days), as well as inconsistencies in how border control officers across EU member states calculate stays, which has caused inconvenience for third-country nationals, the EU has recently unified its calculation method. The new regulation takes effect today. The EU has also made available on its related websites the “Schengen Short Stay Calculator.” It is recommended that travelers use this calculator before departing for the EU Schengen Area to ensure their stay complies with regulations. This new rule will not affect the rights of our nationals regarding the duration of stay in the Schengen Area.
Planning a trip to the EU Schengen Area? Use the “Stay Duration Calculator” to compute your allowable 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). Additionally, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Romania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Croatia, being either non-Schengen members or not fully subject to Schengen rules, require separate calculations for the duration of stay in those six countries.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminds nationals that the EU visa exemption for the Schengen Area applies only to short-term stays. Those planning to stay in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days or to work there must first obtain the appropriate visa before departure. For any questions regarding Schengen visa applications, please contact the relevant European institutions in China.
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