Schengen DaysHow long can UK (British) citizens stay in Europe?
Since Brexit, British citizens travel to the Schengen Area visa-free for short stays — but they are now bound by the 90/180 rule: at most 90 days in any rolling 180-day period across the whole area. Here is what that means for a UK passport, and how ETIAS and EES fit in.
The 90/180 rule for British passports
As a visa-free visitor, a British citizen may spend up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area for tourism, family visits or business. The 180-day window is always moving, so your allowance depends on your recent trips — not on the calendar year. To stay longer, or to work or reside, you need a national long-stay visa or residence permit from the specific country, which is outside the 90/180 rule.
How your days are counted
All Schengen countries share one 90-day total — days in France, Spain, Italy and Germany all add up together, they are not counted per country. Both your entry day and your exit day count as full days, no matter the time of day. To check any date, look back over the previous 180 days and add up every day you were inside the area; your remaining days are 90 minus that total.
ETIAS and EES: what changes for UK travellers
The Entry/Exit System (EES) now records British travellers' entries and exits automatically at the border, replacing manual passport stamps — so your days are logged precisely. From 2026, UK citizens will also need ETIAS, a quick pre-travel authorisation. Note that ETIAS does not add extra days: it is permission to travel, not more time — the 90/180 limit stays exactly the same. Always check official government sources before you travel, as dates and details can change.
Frequently asked questions
Do British citizens need a visa to visit Europe?
No. For short stays, British citizens travel visa-free to the Schengen Area under the 90/180 rule. From 2026 you will need an ETIAS travel authorisation, but that is not a visa and does not add days.
Is it 90 days per country or 90 days total?
It is 90 days total across the whole Schengen Area. Days spent in France, Spain, Germany and the other member countries are all added together toward the same 90-day limit.
Does ETIAS let British citizens stay longer than 90 days?
No. ETIAS is a pre-travel authorisation, not extra time. The 90-days-in-180 limit stays the same. To stay longer you need a national long-stay visa or residence permit.
Coming soon