Schengen countries

There has been no change since you asked in March:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/length-of-stay-in-europe

Same as we told you back in April, 90 days in any 180. And you must have a valid passport, valid for at least three months after your departure date. And you are not allowed to work, that is for tourism only.
Why do you think they may have changed?

Does anyone know what the rules are for US citizens visiting the schengen countries?

These guys seem to have some info that is relevant :
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/schengen.html

Unfortunately, the State Department website persists in referring to "3 months" when the maximum allowed stay without a visa is only 90 days.

Joe, "those guys" are the US government, but they are not giving the correct info. It is not them that sets the rules, it is the EU.

• "Have at least six-month’s validity remaining on your passport whenever you travel abroad." - No, you need 3 months after your return date, which depending on how long you are staying could be less.

• "Spend three months in the Schengen area during any six-month period, you must wait another three months from the last date of departure from the Schengen area before you can apply to enter the Schengen area again without a visa." -TOTALLY WRONG.

  • It is not 3 months in 6, it is 90 days in any 180, slightly less.
  • You don't have to "wait another three months from the last date of departure". The 180 days is rolling, as soon as you have less than 90 days in the last 180 in the Schengen Area, you can go back in.

Later on it says:
"With a valid U.S. passport, you can stay up to 90 days for tourism or business during any 180-day period. Do not overstay! You must wait an additional 90 days before applying to re-enter the Schengen area."
Here the "90 in 180" rule IS correct, but "wait an additional 90 days before applying to re-enter the Schengen area" is still WRONG.