I am confused about whether or not time spent in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, and England counts as part of the 90-day Schengen Limit.
I am hoping to leave London on a train heading to Amsterdam on July 1, 2022, and fly out of Rome to return to the US on September 24, 2022. I will be in Schengen countries the whole time spanned by those dates (86 days). Does time spent in countries that are part of the European Union but not part of the Schengen Agreement count toward the 90-days? I ask because I am wondering if I can add on a two-week trip to Ireland and/or add on to the 4 days I have planned to spend in the London area, all before heading to Amsterdam.
I realize that all of this propsed travel is contingent upon the Covid situation, but I am optimistically forging ahead with plans. I am also trying to minimize my international flights. I would appreciate any feedback about Schengen restrictions.
Posted by
Virginia
635 posts
Since Ireland and UK is not part of the Schengen agreement your time there does not count against the 90 days in the Schengen zone.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
There is no linkage between the Schengen zone and the EU. Two different concepts for different purposes. You are either in the Schengen zone or you are not. EU and Schengen do not overlap. G Britain is not a part of the Schengen zone so that time would not count towards the 90 days. Goggle Schengen zone countries to see a list of countries in the Schengen zone agreement.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8073 posts
As the previous poster said, "No" time spent in the UK or Ireland do not count toward your Schengen days.
I could probably confuse you more talking about Irelands limits, the UK's limits, and the Common Travel Area agreement bvetween the UK and Ireland, but it sounds like you will not be in that area for more than a month? So it likely does not apply.
Posted by
OP
Richmond, CA
43 posts
Thanks, everyone! I wanted to be sure. Some of the online information stated that Schengan applied even if the country was just a member of the EU. I had visions of big problems as I attempt to fly home in September.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
....Schengan applied even if the country was just a member of the EU. .... I would make a point to flag that internet source so that you don't see it again. If that source made a mistake on something as simple as the Schengen zone visa requirements, then I would not trust them for any other information. Stick with us. We will keep you straight.
Posted by
244 posts
There is no linkage between the Schengen zone and the EU. Two different concepts for different purposes. You are either in the Schengen zone or you are not. EU and Schengen do not overlap.
Of course there is linkage between the Schengen Zone and the EU, even Wikipedia will tell you so " As more EU member states signed the Schengen Agreement, consensus was reached on absorbing it into the procedures of the EU. The Agreement and its related conventions were incorporated into the mainstream of European Union law by the Amsterdam Treaty in 1997, which came into effect in 1999."
Schengen Borders Code is EU legislation decided by the EU Parliament and the Council of the EU https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32016R0399&from=EN
The EU heralds the Schengen Area as one of its greatest achievements https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa_en
Back to the main question - no, time spent in in non Schengen EU countries does not count toward the 90 day Schengen limit. Bear in mind though that only Ireland has a permanent opt-out. Croatia, Cyprus, Romania and Bulgaria are legally obliged to join the Schengen Area and already meet most of the requirements. AFAIK Croatia meets all of them and is supposed to join in 2022. Gibraltar (British Overseas Territory) is also set to join the Schengen Zone.