Top 5 Non-Schengen Summer Destinations You Can Visit With a Schengen Visa

Top 5 Non-Schengen Summer Destinations You Can Visit With a Schengen Visa

The lack of slots for visa applications has made it difficult for many people to obtain a Schengen visa. High refusal rates, which in recent years have risen, add more to the challenges of travelling to the Schengen area.

According to recently revealed Schengen Visa statistics, 1 in 5 applicants globally received a negative response to their application in 2022. This constitutes around 18% of all Schengen visa applicants worldwide.

And individuals who receive longer validity Schengen visas should take advantage visit as many countries as they can. However, the drawback of a long-term Schengen visa is that you can stay for a maximum of 90 days in total within 180 days. In other words, you can’t stay in the Schengen zone for the entire visa validity.

This means you can stay within the Schengen area for 3 months with a visa of 6 months. Similarly, a one-year visa allows staying in the zone for six months only.

A Schengen visa, however, allows travelling to 17 additional countries that are not a part of the borderless area. And, most of them are in Europe.

If you have spent the allowed period in the Schengen area, here are the top five destinations you can still visit.

Albania

Situated on the Balkan Peninsula of the Southeast Europe, Albania is an EU candidate nation. It aligns its visa regulations with the member states of the Schengen area. However, a visitor's time spent there does not contribute towards the overall permitted period of stay in the area. You can therefore enter Albania with such a visa and remain there for up to 90 days without any issues.

Albania boasts a 450 km long coastline and is one of the least expensive nations in Europe. It is well recognised for its combination of gorgeous beaches, many of which are far from the usual path. Other attractions include diverse and spectacular natural landscapes and historical sites like the Butrint and Gjirokastr UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a member of the EU but has not joined Schengen yet. However, it allows visitors with Schengen visas to enter. The plus point is that time spent here is not counted against the time allowed in Schengen.

Besides, Bulgaria is nearing the completion of the process of becoming a member of the borderless zone. The Rila, Pirin, and Rhodope Mountains are just a few of the spectacular mountain ranges in Bulgaria. These make it a desirable winter destination with affordable ski resorts. Bulgaria also has a beautiful Black Sea coastline.

Montenegro

Montenegro, another contender for the EU, has matched the bloc's visa requirements. Albania and Montenegro share borders, making travel between the nations easy. Sandal beaches, picturesque squares, historic buildings, and a thriving nightlife are features of its coastal cities. Its most well-known towns include Kotor, Budva, Perast, and Sveti Stefan.

When Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie were in a relationship, they were photographed in Montenegro in 2010. Other celebs like Maluma, Madonna, the Beckhams, and Naomi Campbell have also been spotted here throughout the years. You shouldn't be misled by the high-profile guests since it is as affordable as Albania.

Mexico

Surprisingly, Mexico does not require holders of Schengen visas to get a separate tourist visa to enter. Mexico is a worthwhile travel destination despite being relatively far from Europe. Especially for summer lovers, this nation is home to some of the world's most famous beaches, including Cancun, Tulum, Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, and La Paz.

Every year, more than 20 million foreign tourists come to Mexico to enjoy its beaches as well as other attractions. Visit the Teotihuacan, the biggest city in Mesoamerica before the Aztecs, the Great Pyramid of Cholula, and the ancient Mayan cities of Uxmal and Chichen Itza.

Türkiye

Finally, Turkey, which also aspires to join the EU eventually, is the last on the list. But this doesn’t mean it’s any less worthwhile for travel. However, it is more difficult to visit Turkey with a Schengen Visa. It allows citizens from certain countries to enter and that too with an e-visa.

Turkey allows citizens from the following countries to enter with a Schengen visa: Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Niger, Angola, Gabon, North Korea, Bangladesh, Gambia, Pakistan, Benin, Ghana, Philippines, Botswana, Guinea, Republic of Congo, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Rwanda, Burundi, India, Sao Tome and Principe, Cameroon, Iraq, Senegal, Cape Verde, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Central African Republic, Lesotho, Somalia, Chad, and Liberia.

Türkiye offers visitors a wide range of lodging options, from massive hotels to tiny guest homes and family-run motels. The nation is widely recognised for its hospitality and delectable cuisine and is encircled by numerous oceans.

So, are you planning to visit any of these non-Schengen countries these summers? And, if you need assistance applying for a Schengen visa, our visa officers can help. Get in touch to apply for your visa from home using our mobile biometric service or for more details.