Worried about Europe’s 90-day rule? We recommend the best places for travelers to split their trip.
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Planning a year trip around Europe? You’ll probably be stumped by the ’90 day’ rule, which states that non-EU nationals with a valid visa can only enter Schengen countries for a total of 90 days in any 180-day period.
This applies to 25 of the 27 EU member states, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Although it may feel like you have very little time left to explore the continent, there’s no need to pack your bags and head home just yet.
As per traveller recommendations, here are some places to split up your stay to adhere to Europe’s 90-day rule and avoid a year-long ban.
Spend some time on Albania’s beautiful beaches
Albania is not part of the Schengen area, so many non-EU nationals, including Britons, can spend 90 days in Albania without it counting towards their 90-day stay.
Albania is becoming an increasingly popular travel destination for European tourists, thanks to its beautiful beaches, mountains, affordable cost of living, and friendly locals.
The Adriatic island of Vlore has “great beaches, a wide promenade, and great restaurants and cafes,” says one user on Reddit’s r/travel forum, adding that for long-term stays, “apartments are super cheap and the cost of living is incredibly low.”
Further north, travelers rave about the fantastic Lake Komani ferry trip, which transports visitors between the towns of Koman and Fieze in the Albanian Alps and is part of the famous Valbona to Thes hike.
Further north you’ll reach Montenegro, another gem of the Balkans, with a stunning coastline that’s not bound by the 90-day rule.
Combining Cyprus nightlife and culture
Cyprus is not part of the Schengen Area and is therefore one of only two EU member states that are not subject to the 90-day rule, although it does have its own 90-day limit for visa applicants.
That means three full months to lounge on Mediterranean beaches, explore ancient Roman ruins and soak up the vibrant nightlife.
After partying until the early hours in Ayia Napa, cure your hangover with a walk along the cliffs of Cavo Greko National Park or take a boat trip to the sea caves.
From Aphrodite’s Rock to the mosaic-patterned House of Dionysus and the UNESCO-listed Royal Tombs, Paphos is also the perfect place to combine nightlife and culture.
For a more glamorous holiday, head to Limassol to see the superyachts in the marina and explore a 4th century castle. Read more in our complete guide to Limassol.
If you’re looking for an active adventure in Cyprus, head to the pretty villages, wine tours and hikes of the Troodos Mountains.
Try your luck in Ireland and the UK
Besides Cyprus, Ireland is another EU member state that is not part of the Schengen area, but it also has a 90-day limit on the length of stay for tourists.
Ireland is also a good option for Brits, who still enjoy freedom of movement in Ireland (despite being cut off from the rest of the EU after Brexit) under the Common Travel Agreement, which means there are no restrictions on their stay in Ireland.
After a few pints of Guinness in Dublin, take a day trip to Galway and the Cliffs of Moher, or take it all in by driving Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, which runs 2,500 kilometres of lush coastline from Donegal to West Cork.
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If the UK isn’t your home, there’s plenty to explore without stretching your Schengen visa: enjoy a music festival in London, surf the Cornish coast of England, climb Mount Snowdon in Wales, or head north to experience the rugged beauty of Scotland.
Spend 90 days in Europe in charming North Macedonia
North Macedonia allows many tourists visa-free entry for up to 90 days. As it is not a Schengen country, this does not count towards the 90-day limit.
It borders northern Greece and is the perfect place to rest during your stay in Schengen after exploring the mountainous region of Zagori.
“If you’re looking for a country with amazing nature, cheap prices and beautiful architecture, Macedonia is the place for you,” says one Reddit user.
Head to the Šar Mountains for higher altitude exploration, or the capital, Skopje, for a “quirky mix of old and new.”
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The Balkan nation is landlocked, but the lakeside city of Ohrid offers a waterside retreat: “It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. The water is so clear, perfect for swimming,” says one Reddit user.
You can also head to the Tresca River, which “winds its way through limestone cliffs and empties into the emerald-green Lake Matca.”
