Beyond Europe: 51 countries to go to with a Schengen visa

Possessing a Schengen visa offers more than just access to European states. Certain non-EU countries also permit entry to individuals holding Schengen visas. Keep reading to uncover the non-Schengen countries that welcome Schengen visa holders without requiring an additional visa.

EU and Schengen member states to go to with a tourist visa

The Schengen Area and the European Union are two closely related entities in Europe, often associated with each other due to their overlapping membership and shared objectives. 

The Schengen Area is a zone comprising 27 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border controls at their mutual borders. It allows for the free movement of people within its territory, enabling citizens of member countries to travel freely without having to go through border checks.

The Schengen Agreement was signed in 1985 in the village of Schengen in Luxembourg. It came into effect in 1995.

While most Schengen countries are EU member states, some countries, such as Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein, are only part of the Schengen Area.

The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 European countries created with the aim of promoting peace, stability, and economic prosperity in Europe:

• EU member states cooperate in various areas, including trade, economic policy, security, environmental protection, and human rights;
• the EU has its own institutions, including the European Commission, the European Parliament, the European Council, the Court of Justice of the European Union, and others;
• the EU also operates a single market, allowing for the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people within its member states.

The EU had its roots in the aftermath of World War II and was formally established with the signing of the Treaty of Maastricht in 1992.

While the Schengen Area and the EU overlap in terms of membership and objectives, not all EU member states are part of the Schengen Area. For example, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania are only part of the EU.

The Vatican City, Andorra, Monaco and San Marino do not belong to either the Schengen Area or the EU. However, a Schengen visa can be used to enter their territory. For example, the Vatican enclave can only be accessed from Italy, while Monaco can only be accessed from France.

Schengen visa holders can travel to 34 European countries of the Schengen Area and EU territory, including four European microstates outside the specified territories. 

34 European countries to go to with a Schengen visa

Austria	Greece	Portugal	Liechtenstein
Belgium	Hungary	Slovakia	Norway
Croatia	Italy	Slovenia	Switzerland
Czech Republic	Latvia	Spain	Vatican City
Denmark	Lithuania	Sweden	Andorra
Estonia	Luxembourg	Bulgaria	Monaco
Finland	Malta	Cyprus	San Marino
France	Netherlands	Romania
Germany	Poland	Iceland

How to travel to the Schengen Area without a visa

Several Schengen countries allow wealthy people to obtain residence permits by investment under Golden Visa programs. With golden visas, investors can visit 27 Schengen member countries visa-free and spend 90 days in any 180 in the area.

To participate in the Golden Visa program, the investor must: 

• be over 18;
• have no criminal records;
• have a sufficient amount of money for investment;
• prove the legality of income.

Investors can add their immediate family members to the applications under Golden Visa programs. Some countries allow applicants to include adult children, parents and even siblings, like in Portugal.

European countries with Golden Visa programs

Country	Minimum Investment
Malta	€150,000
Greece	€250,000
Hungary	€250,000
Portugal	€250,000
Italy	€250,000
Spain	€500,000

What Schengen visa types you can obtain to travel to non-EU countries

Schengen visas are typically categorised based on the purpose and duration of travel. The privilege of entering non-EU countries with a Schengen visa is limited to holders of Uniform Schengen visas. 

Each country has its own policies regarding the duration of stay permitted for Schengen visa holders they admit. While many countries allow Schengen visa holders to stay for up to 90 days, others may impose shorter durations.

Uniform Schengen Visa. This is the most common type of Schengen visa, issued for short-term stays of up to 90 days within 180 days. It’s further divided into subcategories:

• single-entry visa: Allows one entry into the Schengen Area within the specified period.
• double-entry visa: Permits two entries into the Schengen Area within the specified period.
• multiple-entry visa: Allows multiple entries into the Schengen Area within the specified period.

Limited Territorial Validity Visa. This visa allows entry only into the specific Schengen country that issued it, along with any other Schengen countries listed on the visa.

National Visa. Also known as long-stay visas, these are issued for stays longer than 90 days and are valid for a particular Schengen country. They are typically granted for purposes such as work, study, family reunification, or long-term stays.

Airport Transit Visa is required for travellers passing through the international transit area of airports within the Schengen Area without entering the Schengen territory.

Certain countries offer Schengen visa holders the option to apply for visas upon arrival instead of immediate entry.

17 non-EU countries you can visit with a Schengen visa

The following countries typically waive the requirement for specific Schengen visa holders to obtain an additional visa for entry. 

However, not all of these countries permit entry for all Schengen visa holders; some restrict entry solely to Schengen visa holders from certain countries. For example, only Indian citizens can travel to the Bahamas with a Schengen visa.

List of non-EU countries that accept Schengen Visa

Albania	Colombia	Mexico
Antigua and Barbuda	El Salvador	Montenegro
Bahamas	Georgia	Sao Tome and Principe
Belarus	Gibraltar	Serbia
Belize	Kosovo	Turkey
Bosnia and Herzegovina	North Macedonia

Albania 

Albania permits entry for holders of valid multiple-entry Schengen Visas, provided that the visa holder has previously visited one of the Schengen countries.

Citizens of many countries are exempt from visa requirements for short stays in Albania, typically up to 90 days within a specified period. However, visa requirements vary depending on your nationality.

Antigua and Barbuda

Foreigners with a valid Schengen Visa are eligible for visa-on-arrival services. 

Investors can obtain a second passport in Antigua and Barbuda and enter the country without restrictions. The Citizenship by Investment Program in Antigua and Barbuda is a government initiative that allows eligible individuals and their families to acquire citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda through an investment in the country.

The Bahamas

The island country allows visa-free entry to Schengen visa-holding Indian citizens. If you are from a country that requires a visa for entry into the Bahamas, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa through the Bahamian embassy or consulate in your country of residence before travelling. They can provide you with specific details on the visa application process, required documents, and fees.

Bahamas offers an Economic Permanent Residence (EPR) program, which allows foreign individuals to obtain permanent residency in the country through investment. The EPR program is designed to attract high-net-worth individuals who wish to make a significant economic contribution to the Bahamas.

Under the EPR program, individuals can obtain permanent residency by making a qualifying investment in the Bahamas. The specific investment requirements and eligibility criteria may vary, but typically, applicants are required to invest in real estate, business ventures, or other approved investment projects in the Bahamas.

Belarus

The country allows visa-free entry to Schengen visa holders from Gambia, Haiti, India, Lebanon, Namibia, Samoa and Vietnam.

Citizens of other countries require a visa to enter Belarus. The specific visa requirements depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. 

Belize

Belize allows visa-free entry to travellers with a Schengen visa from any country of origin.

Citizens of many countries do not require a visa to enter Belize for short stays, typically up to 30 or 90 days, depending on nationality. However, visa requirements can vary based on your citizenship and the purpose of your visit.

Bosnia and Herzegovina 

If you possess a valid multiple-entry Schengen Visa that has been used in a Schengen country previously, you are allowed entry and stay for up to 15 days.

Citizens of many countries are allowed visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival to Bosnia and Herzegovina for short stays, typically up to 90 days, within a specified period. However, visa requirements can vary based on your nationality and the purpose of your visit.

Colombia

Citizens of countries typically requiring a visa, holding a valid Schengen Visa, can visit Colombia for a maximum of 90 days, provided their Schengen Visa remains valid for 180 days upon arrival.

If you don’t have a Schengen visa, you will need to apply for a visa at the Colombian embassy or consulate in your country of residence before travelling. They can provide you with specific details on the visa application process, required documents, and fees.

El Salvador

El Salvador allows visa-free entry to Schengen visa-holding citizens from all countries except Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Cameroon, China, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Haiti, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Mali, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Taiwan, Timor-Leste, Vietnam and Yemen.

Georgia

The country allows visa-free entry to Schengen visa holders from any country. Citizens of many countries are eligible for visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival in Georgia for short stays, typically up to 90 days, within a specified period. However, visa requirements vary depending on your nationality.

Georgia offers an Investor Visa program aimed at attracting foreign investors to contribute to the country’s economy. The Georgia Investor Visa, also known as the Investor Residence Permit, allows eligible investors and their families to obtain residency in Georgia by making a significant investment in the country.

Gibraltar

Citizens of countries typically requiring a visa, holding a valid Schengen Visa, can visit Colombia for a maximum of 90 days, provided their Schengen Visa remains valid for 180 days upon arrival.

Other visa categories to enter the country if you don’t have a Schengen visa:

• UK Visa;
• Visa Waiver.

Gibraltar offers a High Net Worth Individual (HNWI) residence program, also known as Category 2 or Cat 2 residency. This program is designed to attract individuals with high net worth who wish to reside in Gibraltar.

Kosovo

Entry for 15 days is permitted with a valid Schengen multiple-entry visa.

If you are from a country that requires a visa for entry into Kosovo for a longer stay, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa through the nearest Kosovo embassy or consulate in your country of residence before travelling. Visa requirements, application procedures, and processing times may vary.

North Macedonia 

All nationals with type C Schengen visas valid for more than 5 days beyond their stay in Macedonia can visit Macedonia for up to 15 days.

The type of visa you need to enter North Macedonia for a longer period depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. If you are travelling to North Macedonia for business purposes, such as attending meetings, conferences, or conducting business activities, you may need to apply for a business visa.

If you plan to work in North Macedonia, you will need to apply for a work visa. This type of visa is typically issued to individuals who have secured employment or business opportunities in North Macedonia.

Mexico

Both your passport and Schengen Visa must remain valid for the entire duration of your stay in Mexico. You are permitted to enter the country for tourism, business, or transit purposes. Additionally, holders of valid visas for Japan, Canada, the US, and the UK may enter Mexico visa-free.

Mexico offers several options for obtaining legal residency, each with its own requirements and benefits. One common type of legal residency visa in Mexico is the Temporary Resident Visa, Residente Temporal. 

Montenegro

Montenegro allows visa-free entry to Schengen visa holders from any country.

The country also allows visa-free entry for citizens of many countries for short stays, usually up to 90 days, within a specified period. However, some nationalities are required to obtain a visa before travelling to Montenegro.

Sao Tome and Principe

Valid Schengen Visa holders are granted visa-free entry for up to 15 days to Sao Tome and Principe.

Citizens of many countries require a visa to enter São Tomé and Príncipe. However, the specific visa requirements depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit.

Serbia

Schengen, US and UK visa holders can enter Serbia without additional documents.

Serbia may offer visa-on-arrival facilities for citizens of some countries who are not eligible for visa-free entry. This option allows travellers to obtain a visa upon arrival at certain entry points in Serbia.

Turkey

Turkey grants entry to nationals of certain countries holding Schengen Visas and requires them to obtain an E-Visa through the government website online, which remains valid for 30 days.

Visa-free entry is allowed for Schengen visa-holding citizens from Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, India, Iraq, Kenya Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Vietnam, Yemen and Zimbabwe.

Key takeaways: how to visit non-EU countries with a Schengen visa

1. Possessing a Schengen visa opens up opportunities beyond just the Schengen member states. 

2. 17 non-EU countries also allow entry to individuals holding Schengen visas without requiring an additional visa. 

3. This privilege extends to various destinations across Europe and beyond, offering travellers a wide range of options for exploration and travel. 

4. Whether it’s for tourism, business, or transit, Schengen visa holders can enjoy seamless entry into these countries, subject to specific conditions and visa policies. 

5. Travellers need to check the entry requirements and visa regulations of each destination before planning their trip. 

6. With a Schengen visa in hand, travellers can embark on adventures to diverse destinations, enriching their experiences and broadening their horizons.

Frequently asked questions