If you plan to visit European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement. Since many Schengen countries assume that all U.S. travelers will remain visa-free for a full three months, we recommend the following:

If you spend three months in the Schengen area during any six-month period, you must wait another three months from the last date of departure from the Schengen area before you can apply to enter the Schengen area again without a visa. If you do not meet these conditions, or if you plan to stay in the Schengen area longer than three months, contact the embassy of the country where you plan to spend the majority of your time to apply for a visa.

Schengen area countries may reinstate temporary internal or external border control without advanced notice. U.S. citizens should carry their U.S. passport at all times when entering or leaving the Schengen area and when traveling between Schengen countries. The Schengen Borders Agreement permits citizens from certain countries - including the United States - to travel freely to 26 European countries within the Schengen area for up to three months for tourism or business.

 With a valid U.S. passport, you can stay up to 90 days for tourism or business during any 180-day period. To stay longer than 90 days, you must have a visa.  Carry your passport with you when traveling to other countries in the Schengen area in case officials reinstate internal borders without notice.

Source: www.travel.state.gov

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