How is the duration of stay is calculated? [duplicate]

I have a question about how the Schengen duration of stay is calculated.

My duration of stay is 17 days. Unfortunately, I will arrive at the airport at 9:00 pm on July 26th, and my departure flight is at 12:00 pm on August 12th which is around 18 days.

My question is:

Can I stay inside the terminal for 3 hours? so when I pass the border control, it is on July 27th?
Similarly, Can I arrive at the airport 12 hours before my departure flight? so it is on August 11th?

Thanks,

schengen-visas visa-expiration

Best Answer

At the moment it is calculated with stamps, a stamp with the date you go through immigration on arrival, then a stamp with the date you go through emigration when leaving. So it's whatever date you go through emigration that will count towards your duration of stay.

Where do you expect to wait for 3 hours? Going to connections area will see you go through security and possibly a passport check. Waiting in the area before passport control will probably cause suspicion too.

If you're concerned you will be going home 1 day after the 90 days in 180 days rule you could be refused entry as your return flight ticket (if the immigration officer asks to see it) may show you're leaving on 12th August. So going to the airport early would not matter as you might not be let in. Also if you're checking in luggage you probably can't check it in that early.