Is the United Kingdom in the Schengen area?
No
No. The United Kingdom is not in the Schengen area - and since Brexit it is no longer in the EU either.
- In Schengen area?
- No
- EU member?
- No
- Status
- Not a member
The UK was never part of the Schengen area, and it left the EU in 2020. It runs its own immigration system with separate entry requirements.
Time spent in the UK is completely separate from your Schengen days, so a UK trip in the middle of a European tour does not use up your 90-day Schengen allowance - but it also does not pause the rolling window for days you already spent in Schengen.
What this means for your 90 days
Days in the UK do NOT count towards Schengen, but Schengen days you have already used keep ageing out of the 180-day window while you are in Britain.
Since the United Kingdom is outside Schengen, it can be a useful place to wait while your Schengen days roll off. The “when can I return” calculator works out the exact date - and see the full list of Schengen countries.
Frequently asked questions
Is United Kingdom in the Schengen area?
No. The United Kingdom is not in the Schengen area - and since Brexit it is no longer in the EU either.
Do days spent in United Kingdom count towards my Schengen 90/180 days?
Days in the UK do NOT count towards Schengen, but Schengen days you have already used keep ageing out of the 180-day window while you are in Britain.
Is United Kingdom in the EU?
No - the United Kingdom is not in the European Union. It is outside both the EU and the Schengen area.
Sources
- European Commission - The Schengen area - verified 11 Jun 2026