Is Istanbul in Schengen?

No. All of Türkiye, including the European side of Istanbul, is outside the Schengen Area. Days there do not count toward the Schengen 90/180 limit.

Does Türkiye have its own 90/180 rule?

Yes, for many visitors. US, British, Canadian and Australian passports can stay 90 days in any 180 without a visa, counted separately from Schengen. Check Türkiye's foreign ministry for your passport.

Can I go to Türkiye to reset my Schengen days?

Going to Türkiye pauses your Schengen count but does not reset it. Old Schengen days only stop counting when they are more than 180 days in the past, so plan how long you need to stay away.

Guide

Is Turkey (Türkiye) in the Schengen Area?

No — Türkiye is not in the Schengen Area or the EU. Days you spend in Istanbul or anywhere else in Türkiye do not count toward your Schengen 90 days in any 180, but Türkiye has its own, separate 90/180 limit for many visitors.

In the Schengen Area: No

In the EU: No

Days count toward 90/180: No

Facts checked 5 October 2026. Entry rules change and differ by passport. Confirm them with the official source linked in each section, or your own government's travel advice, before you travel.

Do days in Türkiye count toward the Schengen 90/180 rule?

No. Türkiye is an EU candidate country, but it is not in the EU and has never been part of Schengen. Days there do not use any of your Schengen 90.

Türkiye keeps its own count. US, British, Canadian and Australian passports get 90 days in any 180 without a visa, separate from Schengen. Using up one allowance does not affect the other.

Sources: Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs: visa information; European Commission: the Schengen Area

Visiting Türkiye on a visa-free passport

Many Western passports can visit Türkiye without a visa for up to 90 days in 180. Some nationalities need an e-visa. Rules differ by passport, so check Türkiye's Ministry of Foreign Affairs before you go.

Source: Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs: visa information

How EES applies

EES is not used in Türkiye. Leaving Greece or Bulgaria for Türkiye is an exit from Schengen, logged by EES, and coming back is a new entry checked against your 90/180 days.

Source: EU: EES FAQ

A popular place for the Schengen shuffle

Istanbul is one of the most common places to wait while Schengen days roll off. You can spend up to Türkiye's own limit there, then return when enough old Schengen days have left the window.

For more places whose days do not count, and how long each lets you stay, see where to go when your Schengen days run out.

Source: Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs: visa information

Check your own Schengen days

Whatever the answer for Türkiye (Turkey), your 90 days are counted across all 29 Schengen countries together, and each day looks back 180 days. Add your stays to see how many days you have used and the last day you can stay.

Count your days before you go

Add past stays and a planned trip. Stay180 shows days used in the last 180 and your leave-by date. Free, no account needed.

Open the Schengen calculator Plan a trip

Common questions

Is Istanbul in Schengen?: No. All of Türkiye, including the European side of Istanbul, is outside the Schengen Area. Days there do not count toward the Schengen 90/180 limit.
Does Türkiye have its own 90/180 rule?: Yes, for many visitors. US, British, Canadian and Australian passports can stay 90 days in any 180 without a visa, counted separately from Schengen. Check Türkiye's foreign ministry for your passport.
Can I go to Türkiye to reset my Schengen days?: Going to Türkiye pauses your Schengen count but does not reset it. Old Schengen days only stop counting when they are more than 180 days in the past, so plan how long you need to stay away.