The short answer
Americans can spend up to 90 days in any 180-day period across all Schengen countries combined. Each day ashore or in a hotel counts. Days in the UK, Ireland, Turkey, Montenegro and Cyprus count separately. Most cruises are far below the limit, but long pre- and post-cruise stays can add up.
How it works
- The 90 days are shared across all Schengen countries. It is one total, not 90 days per country.
- Look back 180 days from any date. You must not have spent more than 90 of those days in Schengen.
- The EU now records entries and exits electronically, so overstays are easy to spot.
- The EU site has a 'Check how long you can stay' calculator.
Who counts separately
- UK and Ireland: their own rules. Ireland allows up to 90 days and the UK up to 6 months for visitors.
- Turkey and Montenegro: each allows 90 days in 180 under its own count.
- Cyprus: counted separately from the other ETIAS countries.