Hello everyone, The lines of this policy are blurry and I can't seem to Find a straight yes or no Answer.. Is this possible for a US Citizen? 1. 90 days in Switzerland (Visa-free tourism) 2. Direct to UK for 60 days (Visa-free tourism) 3. America for 30 days
4. Back to Switzerland for another 90 days (visa-free tourism) I must return to Switzerland in March, and do not want to screw this up by traveling to the UK directly I'd appreciate your help so much.. Ryann!
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Looks OK to me. As long as you're not trying to work or sell anything, you should be fine.
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
The UK is not part of the Schengen zone, so the 90/180 rule does not apply there. The way to calculate your allotted Schengen zone time is this: determine your final day (on your second stay) in Switzerland. Count backward 180 days from that date. You're allowed 90 days in the Schengen zone within that 180 days. So, based on the scenario you laid out, you're fine. You're hitting your time limit right on the nose.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23329 posts
It really is not very blurry. 90 days out of any 180 period. If you can count, it is very clear. It is just people who are trying to work the edges that make it blurry. As long as you have 90 days outside of the Schengen zone AFTER your leave Switzerland, you are fine. And return to count days, and not months. Technically speaking, you do receive a 90 day tourist visa for the Schengen zone. It is just that it is automatic so you don't have to apply for it. Your last statement does not make any sense. UK direct ???? You also can spend 180 days in the UK without a formal visa.
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
Plan works as long as you haven't been in the Schengen Zone in the 90 days prior to your first visit to Switzerland.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32901 posts
The Schengen rules count any portion of a day within the area, including arrival and departure days. Is the journey to the UK on the 90th day or on the 91st? Flying or train?
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
7578 posts
Calculating down to the day can cause issues as well, keep in mind that any part of a day counts as a day, so travel from the Schengen zone to the UK counts as a day in Schengen and a day in the UK. The UK does allow up th 6 months though, so no need to worry about a day there.