How many countries come in Schengen?

Do I need a Visa? Visiting Schengen...?

• So I know I don't need a short-term visa for visiting the Schengen countries for less than 90 days in a 6 month period if I'm from the USA. But I will probably be there for more than 90 days. Will I need to get a long-term visa? I will be going to Germany for a month, then back to the states for 3 months, then to Spain for the next 3 months. Even though the 90 days aren't consecutive, it's still more than 90 days within a 6 month period. Does this mean I need a visa? Or since I come back to the states for a few months, does it restart my 6 month period when I go to Spain?

• Answer:

  As American citizen you can stay in the entire Schengen area for 3 months within every 6 months period. If you visit Germany for a months, get back to the states for three months, and return to Spain for three months, you will still be in compliance with the Schengen rules. The European countries do not count single days. 90 days = 3 months; or for example July 1 to September 30 [which actually are 92 days]. Furthermore most of the Schengen countries had individual visa exemption agreements with the U.S. government which are still valid. As an American you really do not need to worry about a single day, as long as you do not depart the Schengen zone through a country without an individual visa exemption requirement like Switzerland. They tend to calculate the 90 days and apply to fees for overstayers..