Schengen zone
 

Hi
So I am planning a 6 month trip through Europe and I have read everything about the schengen agreement. I know that as an Australian passport holder I don't need a visa but that I can only stay 90/180. My question is about whether these days are counted consecutively.

I first entered the schengen zone on the 11.2.13 and stayed for 25 days. I then had 30 days in the UK. Next I went to Hungary for 4 days. I will have 60 days back in the UK before I next enter the schengen zone when I want to travel in June/July, leaving the schengen zone for a month in August. My friend also did the 25 days in February but he went back to Australia but will be joining me for travels in June. I won't have had 90 consecutive days out of the schengen zone but my friend will have.

My question is whether we will then get another 180 day period when we go back to the schengen zone in September. Our itinerary involves a lot of hopping from schengen zone to non schengen zone. I have contacted private visa companies both here in the UK and in Oz but nobody has been able to give me a clear answer.

I would love any suggestions, whether you know somewhere I can find any information.

Thanks

Hi A,

You are allowed up to 90 days in any 180 day period.

You and your friend arrived 11.2.13.
The next 180 day period begins 12.8.13.

Enjoy your visit.

((I))

My understanding is that it is 90 days in a rolling 180 days.

Here's something from the US state department on Schengen rules. It states that after your 90 days is up you must remain out of Schengen for 90 days before you can re-enter.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p.../cis_4361.html

You entered Schengen for the first time in February so it looks like your 180 days is up in August. You could then return next February for another 90 days.

It is any 90 days in a period of 180 days from when you first entered the Schengen zone.

So your friend having been gone for more than 90 days resets the counter. You don't.

Hey guys,
Thanks for your replies. It has made things a lot clearer.
Adrienne thanks so much for that link it is very helpful