Customers often ask us about the Schengen Rules. Here we will explain what it is, what it means to you and help you make sure you are within the rules. Updated January 2025.

What is Schengen?

It is the EU passport-free zone between most EU countries.

Which Countries are in Schengen?

There are 29 Schengen countries within the EU. Consequently, it is easier to list the EU countries that are not in Schengen and are not subject to the Schengen Rules. These are Cyprus and Southern Ireland. Bulgaria and Romania joined on 1st January 2025, so they are now full members and days in Bulgaria and Romania count towards the days in Schengen in total for those citizens who are not part of the Schengen scheme.

There are strict criteria for joining the area, including taking “responsibility for controlling the external borders on behalf of other Schengen countries” and “efficiently cooperating with law enforcement agencies in other Schengen countries, to maintain a high level of security, once border controls between Schengen countries are abolished”.

Do British tourists need to comply with the Schengen Rules?

Yes. Since Brexit, British nationals need to comply with Schengen Rules. British citizens do not have the right to free travel within the Schengen Zone.

How long is the Schengen Visa?

It is 90 days in any 180 day period.

It is a rolling period. So the number of days you have available to spend in Schengen countries changes each day.

How do I calculate how many days I can spend in Schengen?

The easiest way is to use an online calculator. A good one is here.

You enter the dates you have been in Schengen for the past 6 months and it calculates how many days you have left. It also tells you the dates you can re-enter Schengen.

What does this mean to me on my Campervan tour of Europe?

It means if you are a non-EU citizen, you have to keep a note of your number of days in Schengen countries. You then use this number to calculate how long you can stay in other Schengen countries, before you must leave. Days in Bulgaria and Romania count. If you need to earn some extra days, you can visit nearby non-Schengen countries e.g. Turkey, North Macedonia, Serbia and Albania. Every day you spend in these countries gives you extra days to spend in Schengen countries.

If you are from an EU country, we have special promotions for long-stay. Why not spend your summer with us? Mainland Europe can be busy and expensive, so Camping Veliko Tarnovo in Bulgaria is a great option. Book here.