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European Countries You Can Visit Without a Schengen Visa
European Countries You Can Visit Without A Schengen Visa
You can visit some European countries without a Schengen visa because not every European country is part of the Schengen Area. But this does not always mean visa free entry for every passport.
A Schengen visa is generally valid for the 29 countries in the Schengen Area, where the same short stay visa rules apply. Countries outside Schengen have their own entry rules, so you may need a national visa, eVisa, ETA, or another travel permission depending on your passport.
The simple rule: outside Schengen does not automatically mean visa free. It only means a Schengen visa is not the main visa for that country.
If you are planning a Europe trip and are unsure whether you need a Schengen visa or another country visa, you can use Outbound’s Free Visa Chance Checker to review your route before you book.
What does “without a Schengen visa” mean?
“Without a Schengen visa” can mean three different things.
First, the country is outside the Schengen Area, so a Schengen visa is not the standard visa for entry.
Second, your passport may already qualify for visa free entry to that country.
Third, some countries may allow entry if you hold another valid visa or residence permit, such as a valid Schengen visa, UK visa, U.S. visa, or EU residence permit.
This is why two travelers can have very different answers for the same country.
For example, one passport holder may enter Serbia visa free. Another passport holder may need a Serbian visa. Another may be allowed to enter Serbia using a valid Schengen, UK, EU, or U.S. visa or residence permit under Serbian rules.
Always check the entry rule based on your passport, not only the country name.
Schengen vs Europe: why this gets confusing
Europe is a continent. The European Union is a political and economic union. The Schengen Area is a border free travel zone with shared short stay visa rules.
These are not the same thing.
Some European countries are in Schengen. Some are in the EU but not Schengen. Some are in Europe but not in the EU or Schengen.
The European Commission says the Schengen Area has 29 countries applying the same visa rules for short stays, and a Schengen visa is generally valid for every country in the Schengen Area.
A country can be in Europe but still require a separate visa from Schengen.
European countries outside Schengen to check
The countries below are common Europe trip options where travelers often ask whether a Schengen visa is needed.
This table is a starting point. You still need to check the official visa rule for your passport before booking.
Country | Is it in Schengen? | Do you use a Schengen visa as the main entry visa? | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
United Kingdom | No | No | UK visa or ETA rules |
Ireland | No | No | Irish visa or visa free status |
Cyprus | No | Not usually | Cyprus visa rule, or valid double or multiple Schengen visa condition |
Albania | No | No, but some valid visas may help | Visa free list, eVisa, or valid visa exemptions |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | No | No, but some valid visas may help | Passport visa rule or valid multiple entry visa exemption |
Montenegro | No | No, but some valid visas may help | Passport visa rule or valid Schengen visa exemption |
Serbia | No | No, but some valid visas may help | Passport visa rule or valid Schengen, UK, EU, or U.S. visa rule |
North Macedonia | No | No, but some valid visas may help | Passport visa rule or valid multiple entry Schengen visa rule |
Türkiye | No | No | Visa free status, eVisa, or supporting visa condition |
Georgia | No | No | Passport visa free status or Georgian visa requirement |
Do not include Bulgaria, Romania, or Croatia in a “non Schengen Europe” list anymore. Croatia joined Schengen in 2023, while Bulgaria and Romania are now part of Schengen travel rules.
Countries in Europe that use their own visa or travel permission
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is not part of the Schengen Area. A Schengen visa does not let you enter London, England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
The UK government says travelers may need a UK visa to visit, study, or work, and depending on nationality, some travelers may need an Electronic Travel Authorisation.
Check the UK if your trip includes:
London
Manchester
Edinburgh
Cardiff
Belfast
A UK airport transit where you pass border control
A Schengen visa and a UK visa are not interchangeable.
If your trip includes both the UK and Schengen countries, Outbound’s Can I visit London with a Schengen visa? guide can help you plan the two visa routes separately.
Ireland
Ireland is in the EU, but it is not part of the Schengen Area. It has its own visa rules.
Irish Immigration says if you want to take a holiday or short break in Ireland, you can visit for less than 90 days. If you are from a visa required country, you must apply for a Short Stay C Tourist Visa.
This means a Schengen visa does not automatically let you enter Ireland.
If Dublin is part of your Europe trip, check Irish visa rules separately from Schengen rules.
Cyprus
Cyprus is an EU country but not currently part of the Schengen Area. It has its own entry rules.
The Republic of Cyprus states that holders of a valid Schengen visa for two or multiple entries are not required to hold a short stay visa to enter Cyprus for a period not exceeding 90 days in any 180 day period.
This can be useful for some travelers, but the details matter.
Check:
Whether your Schengen visa is valid
Whether it is double entry or multiple entry
Whether your stay fits the Cyprus limit
Whether your passport still meets entry rules
Whether you are entering areas controlled by the Republic of Cyprus
Cyprus is outside Schengen, but a valid double or multiple entry Schengen visa may help some travelers enter.
Balkan countries often visited without a Schengen visa
Albania
Albania is outside the Schengen Area and has its own visa rules.
Albania says foreign citizens who hold a valid multiple entry visa or residence permit issued by the EU, U.S., or UK, and previously used in the country of issuance, may enter Albania without an Albanian visa under the listed exemption. It also says some travelers who enter and stay without visa in the Schengen Area can enter Albania without a visa.
This makes Albania a popular option for travelers who want a Europe trip outside Schengen.
If you need a visa for Albania, do not assume your Schengen application covers it. Check Albania’s own visa regime first.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina is outside Schengen and uses its own entry rules.
Bosnia and Herzegovina embassy guidance says nationals who would otherwise need a visa may enter without one for up to 30 days if they hold a valid multiple entry Schengen visa, U.S. visa, EU state visa, or residence permit in a Schengen or EU state or the U.S.
This does not mean every traveler can enter Bosnia visa free.
The key detail is whether your passport is visa required and whether you hold a qualifying valid multiple entry visa or residence permit.
Montenegro
Montenegro is outside Schengen and has its own visa regime.
The Government of Montenegro says holders of valid travel documents with a valid Schengen visa, or certain other valid visas, may enter, transit, and stay in Montenegro for up to 30 days, and not beyond the visa expiry if the visa is valid for less than 30 days.
Montenegro can be a good add on for a Europe trip, especially if you are already near Croatia, Albania, Serbia, or Bosnia.
A Schengen visa may help some travelers enter Montenegro, but the allowed stay can be shorter than the Schengen stay rule.
Serbia
Serbia is outside Schengen and has separate visa rules.
Serbia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs says holders of valid Schengen, UK, EU member state, or U.S. visas, or residence permits in Schengen, EU, or the U.S., may enter Serbia without a prior visa application for up to 90 days during a six month period, within the validity of that visa or residence permit.
This makes Serbia one of the clearer non Schengen Europe options for some travelers who already hold a valid qualifying visa.
Serbia is not Schengen, so your stay there does not count as a Schengen stay. But you still need to follow Serbian entry rules.
North Macedonia
North Macedonia is outside Schengen and has its own rules.
Invest North Macedonia says third country nationals with a multiple entry Schengen visa type C valid for at least five days beyond the intended stay may stay in North Macedonia for up to 15 days per entry, as long as the total stay does not exceed 90 days in any 180 day period.
This can help travelers with a valid multiple entry Schengen visa, but the stay limit is not the same as Schengen.
North Macedonia may allow short entry with a qualifying Schengen visa, but the per entry limit can be much shorter.
Türkiye and Georgia: useful add ons, but not Schengen
Türkiye
Türkiye is not in the Schengen Area and has its own visa and eVisa system.
The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs says visa rules depend on nationality. Some passport holders are visa exempt, while others need a visa or eVisa. It also says some ordinary passport holders from certain countries may get eVisas if they hold a valid Schengen, U.S., UK, or Ireland visa or residence permit and meet the relevant conditions.
Türkiye’s eVisa system also says travelers can check eligibility by selecting their country of travel document, and requirements may vary by nationality.
For Türkiye, do not rely on the phrase “Schengen visa holder” alone. The eVisa rule depends on your passport and supporting document conditions.
Georgia
Georgia is outside Schengen and has its own entry rules.
Georgia’s official consular page says an alien who is not exempt from a Georgian visa and seeks to enter Georgia must first obtain the appropriate category visa.
Georgia can be attractive because some nationalities have generous visa free access, while others need to check eVisa or exemption rules.
Check Georgia based on your passport first. Do not assume Schengen rules apply.
Do non Schengen countries count toward your Schengen 90 days?
No. Time spent outside the Schengen Area normally does not count toward your Schengen 90 in 180 day limit.
But it does not “reset” your Schengen allowance either.
The European Commission explains that travelers can enter Schengen countries as many times as they want, but may only stay for a total of 90 days in every 180 day period.
Example:
You spend 80 days in Schengen, then 10 days in Serbia. Those 10 days in Serbia do not count as Schengen days. But when you return to Schengen, your previous Schengen days still matter within the 180 day window.
Leaving Schengen does not erase your previous Schengen stay history.
If you are planning to move between Schengen and non Schengen countries, Outbound’s Schengen 90 in 180 day rule guide can help you check your stay days before booking.
Can visiting non Schengen countries help your Europe trip?
Yes, sometimes.
Non Schengen countries can be useful if:
You want to visit Europe but do not have a Schengen visa
Your passport has easier access to certain non Schengen countries
You want to combine Schengen and non Schengen stops
You are close to your Schengen 90 day limit
Your Schengen visa was refused and you want another Europe option
You want a cheaper or simpler route for this trip
But there are risks if you do not check the rules carefully.
A non Schengen trip still needs proper entry permission, enough funds, accommodation, return travel, and passport validity.
If your previous Schengen application was refused, Outbound’s common Schengen visa refusal reasons guide can help you understand what may need improvement before applying again.
Countries that may accept a valid Schengen visa
Some non Schengen countries may let certain travelers enter if they hold a valid Schengen visa or residence permit.
This is not the same as saying “a Schengen visa works everywhere.”
Country | How a Schengen visa may help |
|---|---|
Albania | A valid multiple entry EU, U.S., or UK visa or residence permit may help if it meets the used visa condition |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | A valid multiple entry Schengen, U.S., EU state visa, or qualifying residence permit may allow short entry |
Montenegro | A valid Schengen visa may allow up to 30 days, depending on validity |
Serbia | A valid Schengen, UK, EU, or U.S. visa or residence permit may allow up to 90 days in six months |
North Macedonia | A valid multiple entry Schengen visa may allow up to 15 days per entry |
Türkiye | A valid Schengen visa or residence permit may work as a supporting document for some eVisa eligible nationalities |
The visa must usually be valid on your entry date, and some countries require multiple entry or previous use. Always check the exact rule before booking.
Countries that are not Schengen but may still require their own visa
Some countries are outside Schengen but still may require a national visa for your passport.
This can include:
United Kingdom
Ireland
Cyprus
Türkiye
Georgia
Albania
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Serbia
Montenegro
North Macedonia
For some travelers, these countries are visa free. For others, they require a visa. For some, a valid Schengen, UK, U.S., EU, or residence permit may help.
The correct question is not only “Is this country Schengen?” The better question is “What does this country require for my passport?”
If you are comparing different route options, Outbound’s visa document checklist can help you keep your passport, bookings, funds, insurance, and supporting documents organized.
Countries that look non Schengen but are not easy to visit without Schengen
Some small European states are not Schengen members, but they are surrounded by or closely connected to Schengen countries.
Examples include:
Andorra
Monaco
San Marino
Vatican City
These places may not issue a Schengen visa themselves, but most travelers reach them by entering through Spain, France, or Italy.
If you need a Schengen visa to enter Spain, France, or Italy, you may still need a Schengen visa to practically reach these microstates.
Common mistakes when planning Europe without a Schengen visa
Thinking “Europe” means “Schengen”
Europe and Schengen are not the same. London, Dublin, Istanbul, Tirana, Belgrade, and Podgorica are not covered by a standard Schengen visa.
Assuming non Schengen means visa free
A country can be outside Schengen and still require a visa for your passport.
Forgetting transit rules
Even if your final destination does not need a Schengen visa, your flight connection might pass through a Schengen airport or the UK. Transit rules can still apply.
Relying on old country lists
Visa rules change. Bulgaria, Romania, and Croatia are no longer good examples of non Schengen Europe for this topic.
Assuming a Schengen visa always helps
Some countries accept only valid multiple entry Schengen visas. Some require the visa to have been used. Some do not accept Schengen visas as a substitute at all.
Not checking passport validity
Many countries require your passport to be valid for several months beyond arrival or departure.
Forgetting travel insurance and proof of funds
Even outside Schengen, border officers may ask about accommodation, funds, return travel, and purpose of visit.
Practical examples
Example 1: You want Europe without applying for Schengen first
You may consider countries like the UK, Ireland, Türkiye, Georgia, Albania, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, or North Macedonia.
But each country has its own rule. You may still need a UK visa, Irish visa, Turkish eVisa, Georgian visa, or Balkan country visa depending on your passport.
Example 2: You already have a valid multiple entry Schengen visa
You may be able to add Albania, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, or Türkiye if your visa meets that country’s conditions.
Check whether the country requires:
Multiple entry visa
Previous use in Schengen
Minimum remaining validity
Maximum stay limit
Separate eVisa application
Proof of onward travel
Example 3: You are close to your Schengen 90 day limit
You may leave Schengen and spend time in a non Schengen country, such as Serbia, Montenegro, Türkiye, or the UK.
But the non Schengen stay does not reset the 90 in 180 day calculation. You still need to calculate your Schengen days before returning.
Where Outbound can help
If you are planning a Europe trip and are not sure whether your route needs a Schengen visa, UK visa, Irish visa, eVisa, or another entry permission, Outbound can help you review how the trip fits together.
This can be useful if your itinerary includes both Schengen and non Schengen countries, your passport has different rules for each country, or you are trying to avoid accidental visa gaps before booking flights.
You can start with Outbound’s Free Visa Chance Checker to review your visa profile and route before applying. If you are still preparing documents, Outbound’s free visa tools can help you organize common travel requirements before submission.
FAQ
Which European Countries Can I Visit Without A Schengen Visa?
You can look at European countries outside the Schengen Area, such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, North Macedonia, Türkiye, and Georgia. But your actual entry requirement depends on your passport.
Does Without A Schengen Visa Mean Visa Free?
No. It only means that a Schengen visa is not the main visa for that country. You may still need a national visa, eVisa, ETA, or other travel permission.
Can I Visit London Without A Schengen Visa?
Yes, because London is not in the Schengen Area. But you must check UK visa or ETA rules for your passport. A Schengen visa does not let you enter the UK.
Can I Visit Ireland With A Schengen Visa?
No, not automatically. Ireland is not part of Schengen and has its own visa rules. Visa required nationals must apply for an Irish Short Stay C Tourist Visa for visits under 90 days.
Can I Visit Cyprus With A Schengen Visa?
Some travelers can enter Cyprus with a valid double or multiple entry Schengen visa, but conditions apply. Always check Cyprus rules before booking.
Can I Visit Albania With A Schengen Visa?
Albania may allow entry for holders of certain valid multiple entry EU, U.S., or UK visas or residence permits, if the document was previously used in the country of issuance. Check the official Albania visa regime for your passport.
Do Non Schengen Countries Count Toward My 90 In 180 Schengen Days?
No. Time outside Schengen does not count as Schengen stay. But it also does not erase your previous Schengen days within the 180 day window.
Can I Use A Schengen Visa To Enter Serbia Or Montenegro?
Possibly, depending on the visa and your passport. Serbia and Montenegro both publish rules allowing some holders of valid Schengen or other visas or residence permits to enter without a separate national visa, but the conditions and stay limits are different.
Should I Apply For Schengen Or A Non Schengen Country First?
Start with your actual itinerary. If most of your trip is in Schengen, check the Schengen visa route first. If your trip is only to the UK, Ireland, Türkiye, or the Balkans, check that country’s own visa rules first.
Before You Book A Europe Trip Without A Schengen Visa
Before booking flights, check whether each country in your route is inside or outside Schengen.
Then check the official entry rules for your passport. Do not rely on the country name alone. A traveler with a Singapore passport, Indian passport, Indonesian passport, Philippine passport, or South African passport may get different answers for the same destination.
If your route includes both Schengen and non Schengen countries, make sure your visas, entry permissions, passport validity, hotel bookings, insurance, and travel dates all match.
You can also use Outbound’s Free Visa Chance Checker to review your visa profile before applying.
Sources
European Commission — EU visa policy and Schengen visa rules
https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy_enEuropean Union — EU countries and Schengen participation
https://european-union.europa.eu/principles-countries-history/eu-countries_enReuters — Bulgaria and Romania fully join the Schengen zone
https://www.reuters.com/world/romania-bulgaria-fully-join-eus-borderless-schengen-zone-2025-01-01/GOV.UK — Check if you need a UK visa
https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visaGOV.UK — Check if you can get a UK ETA
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-when-you-can-get-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-etaIrish Immigration Service Delivery — Coming to visit Ireland
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-visit-ireland/Irish Immigration Service Delivery — Visa and non visa required nationalities
https://www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-non-visa-required-nationalities/Republic of Cyprus — Visas
https://www.gov.cy/en/information/visas/Albania Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs — Visa regime for foreign citizens
https://punetejashtme.gov.al/en/regjimi-i-vizave-per-te-huajt/Bosnia and Herzegovina Embassy — Visa information
https://bhmc.ae/visa-information/Government of Montenegro — Visas
https://www.gov.me/en/article/visasMinistry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia — Visa requirements
https://www.mfa.gov.rs/en/citizens/travel-serbia/visa-requirementsInvest North Macedonia — Visa requirements and procedure
https://investnorthmacedonia.gov.mk/visa-requirements-and-procedure/Georgia Consular Services — Entering Georgia
https://www.geoconsul.gov.ge/en/entering-georgiaTürkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Visa information for foreigners
https://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfaRepublic of Türkiye eVisa — eVisa information
https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/tour/Republic of Türkiye eVisa — Supporting document validity
https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/info/what-are-the-criteria-for-the-validity-of-my-supporting-document-visa-or-residence-permit-from-schengen-or-from-us-uk-and-ireland/Outbound Visa — Free Visa Chance Checker
https://www.outboundvisa.com/en/visa-chance-checkerOutbound Visa — Free visa tools
https://www.outboundvisa.com/en/free-toolsOutbound Visa — Schengen 90 in 180 day rule guide
https://www.outboundvisa.com/en/blog/schengen-visa-ruleOutbound Visa — Schengen visa itinerary sample
https://www.outboundvisa.com/en/blog/essential-visa-travel-itinerary-rules-2026Outbound Visa — Common Schengen visa refusal reasons
https://www.outboundvisa.com/en/blog/common-reasons-for-schengen-visa-refusalOutbound Visa — Visa document checklist
https://www.outboundvisa.com/en/blog/visa-document-checklist
