The Schengen Area: the 90/180 rule, EES and ETIAS

Introduction

Poland has been part of the Schengen Area since 2007. As a rule there are no checks at the area’s internal borders, and non-EU nationals who do not need a visa can stay in the entire area for a total of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

How it works

• the 90-day limit is counted jointly for all Schengen states, not separately for each country
• a Polish residence card or national visa allows travel to other Schengen states for up to 90 days in a 180-day period
• since October 2025 the Entry/Exit System (EES) has been in operation: the data and date of entry of non-EU travellers are recorded at the external border of the area
• ETIAS, the electronic travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers, is due to launch once EES is fully implemented
• overstaying the limit may result in expulsion and a ban on entering the area

Why it matters and what is important

For board members and employees from outside the EU, the 90/180 rule determines whether business trips are enough or a residence card is needed. Before the first trip, count the days and check the current rules on the websites of the European Commission and the Border Guard.

This article is general in nature and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Legal status as of 17 October 2026.