**This is an update from what is written in Umbria on a Whim: Volume 1 The Basics – an Insider’s Guide for Moving to Umbria.**
Upon speaking recently to a visitor and former resident of Ibiza (Spain rules), I have an updated and clarified understanding of the confusing 90 of 180 days rule that applies to the Schengen area if you are not an EU citizen. Let me see if I can explain it simply.
The 1:1 ratio = Schengen Rule
You know when you spend a day wine tasting and forget that you don’t actually have to drink the full offering in your glass? Or, you are busy enjoying the Umbrian sun with regional flavors and stay hydrated with a glass, or bottle, of local vino? Then, the next day comes and you wonder why you didn’t drink more water to ensure that the glare of the sun isn’t so strong.
Where am I going with this?
Well, the 90 / 180 day Schengen Rule is like this. For every day in the country, you need to spend one day out. The maximum number of consecutive days that you can stay in the Schengen area is 90 (or 88 to account for travel, as explained in the book). This means that you need to spend 90 out, making it to 180 days.
HOWEVER, if you spend 14 days in and then 14 days out, you can come back into the Schengen area with the clock set back at zero or 180, if you prefer to work backwards. You can repeat this pattern of a few days in and equal number of days out as much as you want. The key is that it is a 1:1 ratio – equal parts in to equal parts out.
It really is that simple!
In the same way, if you drink a glass of water for every glass of wine, you will guarantee that the next day will be just as sunny and bright as today.
There you go, two tips in one!
And, if you don’t want to just take my word for it, here are a link and video (for Spain, but still applies) to confirm:
You can find even more information in Umbria on a Whim: Volume 1 The Basics – an Insider’s Guide for Moving to Umbria.