Do visits to Cyprus, Croatia, Bulgaria and Romania count towards Schengen limitations?
If I am entering any of the countries mentioned above with a Schengen visa - does the time spent there count towards the overall restriction of 90 days within 180 days? Does the time spent within the Schengen area reduce the time I would be allowed to stay in these countries?
Is it possible to stay in Europe for an entire year by combining stays in these countries and the Schengen area under a single Schengen multivisa?
Additionally, does the same apply to these countires recognizing each others visas? Would the time spent in Croatia on a Cyprus visa count towards the restrictions of said Cyprus visa? If so, will it not count if I get separate visas for Cyprus and Croatia?
A bit of background here. I thought that all the limitations do count unless you get separate visas, but a friend of mine argues that these countries count stays entirely separately from each other and thus it would be possible to stay in Europe for an entire year on just a Schengen multivisa by cycling through these countries. I do want to know whetever this is the case. The reason I think all the limitations apply is because all of these countires are part of the EU and should comply with the same Schengen acquis
Best Answer
@phoog is correct. This is explained in Schengen Borders Code (amended) in article 6:
- For intended stays on the territory of the Member States of a duration of no more than 90 days in any 180-day period, which entails considering the 180-day period preceding each day of stay, the entry conditions for third-country nationals shall be the following...
"Member States" here means those who signed the Schengen agreement.
Decision No 565/2014/EU asks (Article 5) RO/BG/CR to accept Schengen visas (and residency permits) in lieu of national visas for entry into RO/BG/CR. If they are accepted, they must be accepted under standard 90/180 rule (article 2). It does not make Romania the "Member state", and 90/180 rule would in this case apply independently.
Looking at this particular text:
The entry conditions for third-country nationals whose intended stays on the territory of the Member States have a duration of no more than 90 days in any 180-day period ... in so far as this Decision sets up a regime of unilateral recognition by Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania of certain documents issued by Member States fully implementing the Schengen acquis ... for transit through or intended stays on their territories not exceeding 90 days in any 180-day period.
it seems pretty clear that it makes difference between 90/180 days on the territory "of Member States", and "on their territories"
PS. The above is of course non-legal opinion - if you need an official legal opinion, you should consult a lawyer.
Pictures about "Do visits to Cyprus, Croatia, Bulgaria and Romania count towards Schengen limitations?"
Does Cyprus count towards Schengen?
Cyprus is a full member of the European Union, one of 28 countries. However, it is not yet in Schengen, although it is expected that it soon will be. The Schengen Agreement is meant to provide freedom of movement for all member countries, some of which are not in the E.U.Does Romania count in Schengen?
The Schengen Area is currently comprised of 4 non-EU states and the majority of European Union countries except for Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland and Romania.Why are Romania and Bulgaria not in Schengen?
Romania and Bulgaria in 2007 became part of the European Union, but the rules of law concerns have impeded both countries from becoming Schengen Area members up to this point. The same problems are faced by Croatia, which joined the European Union in 2013, but it is still not a member of the borderless area.Does Croatia count as Schengen?
Is Croatia part of Schengen? At present, Croatia is part of the European Union, but is not yet part of the Schengen Area. However, it has now been confirmed that the country has passed its evaluation process and is set to join the open borders region in the near future.Romania,Bulgaria,Cyprus and Croatia which country best for you
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