June 24th, 2023 at 06:04 am
List of 17 Non-Schengen Countries You Can Visit
The Schengen visa lets you travel to the European Union and a few other countries that are not part of Schengen. With a legal Schengen visa, you can visit beautiful places like Albania, Mexico, and more and learn about their rich history, cultures, and landscapes.
Travelers are having a harder time getting a Schengen visa, which is needed to visit any of the 27 Schengen Area member states. In the past few years, refusal rates have gone up, and there are fewer places to apply for visas.
Statistics for 2022 show that about 18% of all Schengen visa applicants around the world were turned down. This means that one out of every five applicants got a bad answer.
The Limitations of a Schengen Visa
Those who are lucky enough to get a Schengen visa with a longer expiration date may want to make the most of it by going to several countries over a long period of time. But having a Schengen card that is good for six months, a year, or longer has a downside.
Visa holders are not allowed to stay in the Schengen Zone for the whole time they have a visa. Instead, they can only stay for a total of 90 days out of every 180 days.
Non-Schengen Countries You Can Visit With a Schengen Visa
Even though there are restrictions in the Schengen Zone, people who have a Schengen card have another benefit. Even though it is only given out by Schengen members, it lets people go to 17 other countries, mostly in Europe, that are not part of the open area.
Here is a full list of all of these countries that are great places to go on summer vacation, especially if you’ve already used up all of your time in the Schengen Zone.
1. Albania
Albania is in the southeast of Europe. It has a beautiful coastline, beautiful mountain scenery, and a rich cultural history. Schengen visa users can have a great time in Albania, whether they want to see ancient ruins, relax on beautiful beaches, or eat delicious food.
Visa-Free Entry: Yes, if you have a valid Schengen visa, you can go to Albania without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day time.
2. Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda are in the Caribbean. They are known for their sun-kissed beaches, turquoise seas, and lively culture. People with a Schengen visa can do water sports, visit historical places, or just relax in this island nation’s tropical paradise.
Visa-Free Entry: Yes, you can visit Antigua and Barbuda for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.
3. Belarus
Belarus is a country that is in between Russia and Poland. It has a unique mix of history, art, and natural beauty. With a Schengen visa, visitors can discover the country’s beautiful cities, go to medieval castles, and learn about its rich cultural history.
Visa-Free Entry: Yes, people from Egypt, Gambia, Haiti, India, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Namibia, Pakistan, Samoa, South Africa, and Vietnam can visit Belarus without a visa for up to 5 days.
4. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina welcomes people with a Schengen visa to see its beautiful landscapes and historic towns, which are a mix of Eastern and Western cultures. This country has a wide range of things to do, from visiting the famous Stari Most in Mostar to getting lost in the lively atmosphere of Sarajevo.
Visa-Free Entry: If you have a valid Schengen visa, you can stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day time.
5. Bulgaria
Bulgaria, which is between Europe and Asia, has many different things to see and do. Schengen visa users can see Bulgaria’s natural beauty and learn about its history and culture, from the golden beaches along the Black Sea coast to the majesty of its mountain ranges and the charm of its towns.
Visa-Free Entry: If you have a valid Schengen Visa, you can stay in Bulgaria without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day time.
6. Colombia
Colombia is a country in South America that attracts tourists with its beautiful landscapes, lively towns, and friendly people. People with a Schengen visa can learn about the history of places like Bogotá, explore the Amazon rainforest, or visit Cartagena to see its colorful colonial charm.
Visa-Free Entry: Yes, you can go to Colombia for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.
7. The north of Cyprus
Northern Cyprus is in the eastern part of the Mediterranean. It is known for its beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and long past. Schengen visa users can experience the unique mix of cultures on the island, visit well-preserved archaeological sites, and enjoy the laid-back lifestyle of the Mediterranean.
Visa-Free Entry: Yes, if you have a valid Schengen visa, you can stay in Northern Cyprus visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day time.
8. The state of Georgia
Georgia is in the middle of Europe and Asia. It has a lot of natural beauty, historical places, and friendly people. People with a Schengen visa can walk through the busy streets of Tbilisi, admire the beautiful scenery of the Caucasus Mountains, and enjoy the country’s famous food and wine.
Visa-Free Entry: Yes, Georgia lets people in without a visa for up to 90 days out of every 180 days.
9. Gibraltar
Gibraltar, which is at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, is a special place where people with a Schengen visa can see how British and Mediterranean cultures mix. This British Overseas Territory has a lot to offer, from visiting the famous Rock of Gibraltar to walking through the lively streets of the town.
Visa-Free Entry: Yes, Gibraltar lets people in without a visa for up to 90 days out of every 180 days.
10. Kosovo
Kosovo is full of history and natural beauty, and people with a Schengen visa are welcome to check out its cultural treasures and stunning scenery. From the medieval castles of Decani and Peja to the lively capital city of Pristina, tourists can learn about this Balkan country’s rich history and friendly people.
Visa-Free Entry: Yes, you can go to Kosovo without a visa for up to 90 days out of every 180 days.
11. Mexico
Mexico has a lot to offer outside of its borders, from old Mayan ruins to beautiful beaches and lively cities. People with a Schengen visa can learn about the country’s colorful customs, visit archaeological sites, and enjoy world-famous Mexican food.
Visa-Free Entry: Yes, you can go to Mexico without a visa for up to 180 days every 365 days.
12. Montenegro
Montenegro is on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. It has rough mountains, pretty towns, and clean beaches that make it a popular tourist destination. Schengen visa users can visit the beautiful Bay of Kotor, hike through national parks, or just relax and enjoy the natural beauty of this Balkan gem.
Visa-Free Entry: Yes, you can go to Montenegro for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa.
13. North Macedonia
North Macedonia is a fascinating place for people with a Schengen visa to visit because it has a lot of natural and historical attractions. You can visit the city of Ohrid, which is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, walk around the lively capital of Skopje, or go on outdoor adventures in the country’s national parks.
Visa-Free Entry: Yes, North Macedonia lets people in without a visa for up to 90 days out of every 180 days.
14. Romania
Romania invites people with a Schengen visa to go on an adventure, from its medieval castles to the beautiful scenery of Transylvania. Explore the lively city of Bucharest, see the painted castles of Bucovina, or go hiking in the Carpathian Mountains.
Visa-Free Entry: Yes, you can go to Romania for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.
15. Sao Tome e Principe
Sao Tome and Principe is a tropical paradise tucked away in the Gulf of Guinea. It is known for its beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and lively culture. People with a Schengen visa can do water sports, explore volcanic scenery, and learn about the unique wildlife of this island nation.
Visa-Free Entry: Yes, Sao Tome and Principe let people in without a visa for up to 90 days out of every 180 days.
16. Serbia
Schengen visa holders can do a lot in Serbia thanks to its long past, lively cities, and beautiful landscapes. Visitors can learn about Serbia’s rich cultural history by looking at the old buildings in Belgrade and eating traditional Serbian food.
Visa-Free Entry: Yes, you can go to Serbia without a visa for up to 90 days in every 180-day period.
17. Turkey
Turkey is in the middle of both Europe and Asia. It has a fascinating mix of different cultures, historical places, and natural wonders. People with a Schengen visa can walk around the busy streets of Istanbul, visit ancient sites like Ephesus, or just relax on the beautiful beaches of the Turkish Riviera.
Visa-Free Entry: Yes, Turkey lets people in without a visa for up to 90 days out of every 180 days.
Full List of Non-Schengen Countries with a Schengen Visa
To make things easier for our readers, we made a table with all the information about the non-Schengen countries you can visit with a Schengen visa. This table makes it easy to compare and get accurate information about visa-free travel in just a few seconds.
| Country | Yes, for up to 5 days, if you are a national of one of the following countries: Egypt, Gambia, Haiti, India, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Namibia, Pakistan, Samoa, South Africa, or Vietnam. |
| Albania | Yes, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Yes, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. |
| Belarus | Yes, for up to 5 days, if you are a national of one of the following countries: Egypt, Gambia, Haiti, India, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Namibia, Pakistan, Samoa, South Africa, Vietnam. |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Yes, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. |
| Bulgaria | Yes, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. |
| Colombia | Yes, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. |
| Northern Cyprus | Yes, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. |
| Georgia | Yes, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. |
| Gibraltar | Yes, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. |
| Kosovo | Yes, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. |
| Mexico | Yes, for up to 180 days in any 365-day period. |
| Montenegro | Yes, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. |
| North Macedonia | Yes, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. |
| Romania | Yes, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. |
| Sao Tome and Principe | Yes, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. |
| Serbia | Yes, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. |
| Türkiye | Yes, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. |
Conclusion
The Schengen visa gives entry to the EU, but its benefits go beyond that. A valid Schengen visa allows travelers to explore a variety of countries landscapes, histories, and cultures.
Schengen visa holders can enjoy unforgettable adventures in Albania, Mexico, and Georgia.
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