THE 90 DAY ALLOWANCE : WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Did you know that the “90 day allowance” is actually a visa?

The UK, along with other countries such as the US & Canada, enjoys a Schengen visa waiver.  This means that UK passport holders can stay in the Schengen zone for up to 90 days in a 180 day period, without a visa.

How do I calculate the number of days I can stay?

The calculation is not impossibly difficult but many people feel uncertain about it. So, to be 100% sure, I use this calculator : Schengen Calculator – Calculate Your Legal Short-Stay in Europe (schengenvisainfo.com)

Bear in mind that overstay can lead to fines and banning from the Schengen zone. However there is a toleration of genuine excuses, such as immobility caused by illness, or other unforeseen events.  In this case you gather proof of your situation (doctor’s letter, etc.). Then contact the local préfecture to inform them of your situation.

Besides respecting the time limit, there are other criteria such as having health care for the trip and sufficient funds.

Health care

For UK passport holders, your GHIC card is sufficient health care. Under the agreement between France and UK, a GHIC card covers the same amount as a French resident would receive. That is 70% for a GP visit and 80% for a hospital. Hospital stays are expensive. So you might like to take out travel insurance for the extra 20% to top up the insurance coverage. See the link below for further information.

Applying for healthcare cover abroad (GHIC and EHIC) – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

If you are from a country that does not provide health care cover abroad, you should make provision for this.

As regards funds

For France it is advisable to have at your disposal sums ranging from 32.50 to 120 euros per day.

For further information, see this link : Means of Subsistence – How much money do you need for a Schengen Visa (schengenvisainfo.com)

When you enter the Schengen zone you will most likely not be controlled regarding your financial resources and health care. I have never heard of it for UK passport holders.  However, it is generally advisable to prepare for this and not wait for a problematic situation to arise, particularly where health care is concerned because that can be an expensive oversight.

For UK citizens, an invitation from your host in France or a form from the Mairie of the commune where your host lives is not required.

Sarah MacGilchrist 01/08/2024

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