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81 VISA-FREE Countries for Schengen Visa Holders (2026)

Updated: March 23, 2026 113 Comments

Most people think that a Schengen visa is only for the Schengen zone. Of course, it is, but many non-Schengen countries also offer VISA-FREE entry for Schengen visa holders.

Apart from the 29 Schengen countries, there are about 52 non-Schengen countries across Europe, Americas, and Asia that you can travel VISA-FREE with a Schengen visa.

That’s a whopping 81 countries for one visa.

Unlike US or Canada visas, Schengen visas are not usually long-term visas. But if you travel to the Schengen area frequently, your subsequent Schengen visas can be longer.

The longest allowed validity for a Schengen visa is 5 years. So if you strategize well, you can get a 5-year visa and add 81 additional VISA-FREE countries to your passport.

Table of Contents

  • Why do non-Schengen countries accept Schengen visas?
    • Reason 1: Countries aspiring to join the Schengen zone
    • Reason 2: Countries trust the Schengen visa screening process
    • Reason 2: Countries that lack infrastructure, technology or resources
  • What Schengen visas are eligible?
  • Schengen Zone (29 countries)
  • Europe
    • 30. Albania
    • 31. Andorra
    • 32. Armenia
    • 33. Belarus
    • 34. Bosnia and Herzegovina
    • 35. Cyprus
    • 36. Georgia
    • 37. Gibraltar (British Territory)
    • 38. Kosovo
    • 39. Moldova
    • 40. Monaco
    • 41. Montenegro
    • 42. North Macedonia
    • 43. San Marino
    • 44. Serbia
    • 45. Türkiye
    • 46. United Kingdom
    • 47. Vatican City
  • Middle East
    • 48. Bahrain
    • 49. Jordan
    • 50. Kuwait
    • 51. Oman
    • 52. Qatar
    • 53. Saudi Arabia
    • 54. United Arab Emirates
  • Africa
    • 55. Egypt
    • 56. Morocco
    • 57. São Tomé and Príncipe
  • Asia
    • 58. Kyrgyzstan
    • 59. Philippines
    • 60. Singapore
    • 61. South Korea
    • 62. Taiwan
  • North America
    • 63. Mexico
  • Central America
    • 64. Belize
    • 65. Costa Rica
    • 66. El Salvador
    • 67. Guatemala
    • 68. Honduras
    • 69. Panama
  • Caribbean
    • 70. Antigua and Barbuda
    • 71. Aruba
    • 72. Bahamas
    • 73. Bonaire (Dutch Territory)
    • 74. Curaçao
    • 75. Dominican Republic
    • 76. Haiti
    • 77. Jamaica
    • 78. Montserrat (British Territory)
    • 79. Sint Maarten
  • South America
    • 80. Colombia
    • 81. Peru
  • Change history

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***

Why do non-Schengen countries accept Schengen visas?

VISA-FREE Countries for Schengen Visa Holders
Map of VISA-FREE Countries for Schengen Visa Holders in 2026 | © Visa Traveler

There are several reasons why non-Schengen countries accept Schengen visas.

Reason 1: Countries aspiring to join the Schengen zone

Countries aspiring to join the Schengen zone usually honor Schengen visas. For example, Bulgaria and Romania accepted Schengen visas even before they joined the Schengen area. They joined the Schengen Zone and became official Schengen countries in 2025.

Similarly, Cyprus and Montenegro plan to join the Schengen Zone at some point, and therefore, they accept Schengen visas.

Reason 2: Countries trust the Schengen visa screening process

The Schengen Visa is considered one of the most “difficult” visas to get. The refusal rate is quite high, making the applicant screening process near perfect.

Schengen visa applicants are thoroughly screened for their strong ties with their home countries. Countries simply trust the Schengen visa application screening.

Reason 2: Countries that lack infrastructure, technology or resources

Countries may not have the required infrastructure, technology or resources to screen applicants as thoroughly as a Schengen visa.

Building a robust system and having qualified visa officers as good as Schengen requires significant investment.

***

What Schengen visas are eligible?

Schengen visa sample
Schengen Visa Sample | © Visa Traveler

Depending on the country, any of the below Schengen visas can be used.

  • Short-term C-Type Schengen visa (tourism/business)
  • Long-term D-Type Schengen visa (study/work)
  • Transit A-Type Schengen visa (transit)

Refer to each country below for permitted Schengen visa types. Some countries require the Schengen visa to be multiple-entry and have been used at least once to travel to the Schengen area.

A Schengen residence permit is also accepted by many countries. There is a separate article on that topic. Refer to the VISA-FREE countries for Schengen residence permit for details.

***

Schengen Zone (29 countries)

List of Schengen Countries and Map
List of Schengen Countries in 2026 | © Visa Traveler

Schengen visa is a unified visa offering access to the entire Schengen zone. The Schengen zone consists of 29 countries. With a Schengen visa you can travel to all of these 29 Schengen countries.

  1. Austria
  2. Belgium
  3. Bulgaria
  4. Croatia
  5. Czech Republic
  6. Denmark
  7. Estonia
  8. Finland
  9. France
  10. Germany
  11. Greece
  12. Hungary
  13. Iceland
  14. Italy
  15. Latvia
  16. Liechtenstein
  17. Lithuania
  18. Luxembourg
  19. Malta
  20. Netherlands
  21. Norway
  22. Poland
  23. Portugal
  24. Romania
  25. Slovakia
  26. Slovenia
  27. Spain
  28. Sweden
  29. Switzerland

It doesn’t matter which country approved your Schengen visa, you can freely travel to all of the above 29 countries without any restrictions. But keep in mind that you are only allowed a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen Zone.

Now, let’s look at the non-Schengen countries that you can travel VISA-FREE with your Schengen visa.

***

Europe

VISA-FREE Countries for Schengen Visa in Europe
VISA-FREE Countries for Schengen Visa in Europe | © Visa Traveler

30. Albania

  • Eligible nationalities: All Visa-Required nationalities (except for Iranian nationals; Albania cut its diplomatic ties with Iran over cyber attacks)
  • Permitted visas: All valid USED multiple-entry Schengen visas
  • Duration of stay: 90 days
  • Additional requirements:
    • Schengen visa must have been USED to enter the visa-issuing country
    • Total duration of consecutive stays must not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period
  • Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Albania

—

31. Andorra

  • Eligible nationalities: All Visa-Required nationalities
  • Permitted visas: All valid USED double/multiple-entry Schengen visas (C-Type or D-Type only)
  • Duration of stay: 90 days
  • Additional requirements:
    • Andorra doesn’t require any visa, but entry/exit to Andorra is only through Spain or France, which requires a Schengen visa
    • Schengen visa must be multiple-entry or at least double-entry, as the entry/exit to Andorra is only through the Schengen zone
  • Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Andorra

—

32. Armenia

  • Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
    1. Algeria
    2. Belize
    3. Bhutan
    4. Bolivia
    5. Brunei
    6. Cambodia
    7. Colombia
    8. Costa Rica
    9. Cuba
    10. Egypt
    11. Fiji
    12. Grenada
    13. Guatemala
    14. Guyana
    15. Haiti
    16. Honduras
    17. India
    18. Iraq
    19. Jamaica
    20. Kiribati
    21. Laos
    22. Malaysia
    23. Maldives
    24. Marshall Islands
    25. Micronesia
    26. Mongolia
    27. Morocco
    28. Myanmar
    29. Nauru
    30. Nicaragua
    31. Palau
    32. Papua New Guinea
    33. Paraguay
    34. Philippines
    35. Saint Kitts and Nevis
    36. Saint Lucia
    37. Samoa
    38. Saudi Arabia
    39. Solomon Islands
    40. Suriname
    41. Timor-Leste
    42. Tonga
    43. Trinidad and Tobago
    44. Tunisia
    45. Turkmenistan
    46. Tuvalu
    47. Vanuatu
    48. Venezuela
    49. Vietnam
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas
  • Duration of stay: 21 days
  • Additional requirements:
    • Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but you are eligible to obtain Visa on Arrival (VOA) or Armenia e-Visa (applicable for Egypt, India and Iraq passport holders)
    • VOA fee is 11 USD, valid for 21 days, single-entry
    • e-Visa fee is 8 USD, valid for 21 days, single-entry
  • Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia

—

33. Belarus

  • Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
    1. Egypt
    2. Gambia
    3. Haiti
    4. India
    5. Iran
    6. Jordan
    7. Lebanon
    8. Namibia
    9. Pakistan
    10. Samoa
    11. South Africa
    12. Vietnam
  • Permitted visas: All valid USED multiple-entry Schengen visas (C-Type or D-Type only)
  • Duration of stay: 30 days
  • Additional requirements:
    • Schengen visa must have been USED to enter the visa-issuing country
    • Must arrive and depart from the following airports only – Minsk National Airport, Airport Brest, Airport Gomel, Airport Grodno, Airport Mogilev and Airport Vitebsk.
    • Must not arrive from, depart to, or transit through Russia
  • Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus

—

34. Bosnia and Herzegovina

  • Eligible nationalities: All Visa-Required nationalities, except Kosovo
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas
  • Duration of stay: 30 days
  • Additional requirements:
    • Schengen visa must be valid for at least 30 days from the day of arrival
    • Maximum allowed stay is 90 days in 6 months period
  • Official source: IATA Travel Centre

—

35. Cyprus

  • Eligible nationalities: All Visa-Required nationalities, except Azerbaijan and Turkey
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused double/multiple-entry Schengen visas (C-Type and D-Type only)
  • Duration of stay: 90 days
  • Additional requirements: Total duration of consecutive stays must not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period
  • Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus

—

36. Georgia

  • Eligible nationalities: All Visa-Requirements nationalities
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas
  • Duration of stay: 90 days
  • Additional requirements:
    • Schengen visa must be valid on the day of arrival in Georgia
    • Total duration of consecutive stays must not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period
  • Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia

—

37. Gibraltar (British Territory)

  • Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
    1. Bahrain
    2. China
    3. India
    4. Kuwait
    5. Mongolia
    6. Morocco
    7. Oman
    8. Qatar
    9. Saudi Arabia
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas
  • Duration of stay: 21 days
  • Additional requirements:
    • Schengen visa must be valid for at least 7 days beyond the period of stay
    • Schengen visa must be affixed in the current passport. Valid Schengen visa in an expired passport will not be allowed.
  • Official source: Gibraltar Borders & Coastguards Agency

—

38. Kosovo

  • Eligible nationalities: All Visa-Required nationalities
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas
  • Duration of stay: 15 days
  • Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kosovo

—

39. Moldova

  • Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
    1. Bahrain
    2. Belize
    3. Bolivia
    4. Cambodia
    5. Cape Verde
    6. China
    7. Comoros
    8. Cuba
    9. Dominican Republic
    10. Ecuador
    11. Eswatini
    12. Fiji
    13. Gabon
    14. Guyana
    15. Haiti
    16. India
    17. Jamaica
    18. Kuwait
    19. Madagascar
    20. Maldives
    21. Mongolia
    22. Nauru
    23. Oman
    24. Papua New Guinea
    25. São Tomé and Príncipe
    26. Saudi Arabia
    27. South Africa
    28. Thailand
    29. Togo
  • Permitted visas: All valid used multiple-entry Schengen visas, except transit (A-Type)
  • Duration of stay: 90 days
  • Additional requirements: Schengen Visa must be valid for the intended period of stay
  • Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova

—

40. Monaco

  • Eligible nationalities: All Visa-Required nationalities
  • Permitted visas: All valid USED double/multiple-entry Schengen visas, except transit (A-Type)
  • Duration of stay: 90 days
  • Additional requirements:
    • Monaco doesn’t require any visa, but entry/exit to Monaco is only through France, which requires a Schengen visa
    • Schengen visa must be multiple-entry or at least double-entry, as the entry/exit to Monaco is only through the Schengen zone
  • Official source: Government of Principality of Monaco

—

41. Montenegro

  • Eligible nationalities: All Visa-Required nationalities
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas
  • Duration of stay: 30 days
  • Additional requirements: Schengen visa must be valid for the intended period of the stay
  • Official source: Government of Montenegro

—

42. North Macedonia

  • Eligible nationalities: All Visa-Required nationalities
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas (C-Type only)
  • Duration of stay: 15 days
  • Additional requirements:
    • Schengen visa must be valid for at least 5 days beyond the intended period of stay
    • Total duration of consecutive stays must not exceed 3 months in any 6 months period
  • Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Macedonia

—

43. San Marino

  • Eligible nationalities: All Visa-Required nationalities
  • Permitted visas: All valid USED double/multiple-entry Schengen visas (C-Type or D-Type)
  • Duration of stay: 30 days
  • Additional requirements: San Marino has no border controls, but entry/exit to San Marino is only through Italy, which requires a Schengen visa
  • Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of San Marino

—

44. Serbia

  • Eligible nationalities: All Visa-Required nationalities
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused single/multiple-entry Schengen visas
  • Duration of stay: 90 days
  • Additional requirements:
    • Schengen visa must be valid for the entire duration of the stay
    • Total duration of consecutive stays must not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period
  • Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia

—

45. Türkiye

  • Eligible nationalities: Following 19 nationalities only
    1. Afghanistan
    2. Algeria (those aged 15-18 and 35-65)
    3. Bangladesh
    4. Cape Verde
    5. Egypt
    6. Equatorial Guinea
    7. India
    8. Iraq (those aged 15-50)
    9. Libya (those aged 16-45)
    10. Nepal
    11. Pakistan
    12. Palestine
    13. Philippines
    14. Senegal
    15. Sri Lanka
    16. Yemen
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused single/multiple-entry Schengen visas
  • Duration of stay: 30 days
  • Additional requirements:
    • Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but you are eligible to apply for Turkey e-Visa online
    • E-Visa fee is 43 USD, validity is 180 days, and single-entry only
  • Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey

—

46. United Kingdom

  • Eligible nationalities: All Visa-Required nationalities
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen D-Type visas only (Short stay C-Type visas are not eligible)
  • Duration of stay: 24 hours only (Transit Without Visa)
  • Additional requirements:
    • Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but you are eligible to request a 24-hour entry at London (LHR) or Manchester (MAN) airports
    • Must be traveling to or from the visa-issuing Schengen country only
    • Must arrive and depart by air only
    • Must hold the boarding pass for the onward flight
    • Onward flight must be within 24 hours (on the same day or the next day before midnight)
    • Granting the 24-hour entry is at the sole discretion of the immigration officer
  • Official source: GOV.UK

—

47. Vatican City

  • Eligible nationalities: All Visa-Required nationalities
  • Permitted visas: All valid USED multiple-entry Schengen visas (C-Type or D-Type only)
  • Duration of stay: 1 day (there are no accommodation facilities for tourists in Vatican City)
  • Additional requirements: Vatican City doesn’t require any visa, but entry/exit to Vatican City is only through Italy, which requires a Schengen Visa
  • Official source: IATA Travel Centre

RELATED: 55 countries you can travel VISA-FREE with a US visa in 2026

***

Middle East

VISA-FREE Countries for Schengen Visa Holders in the Middle East
VISA-FREE Countries for Schengen Visa Holders in the Middle East

48. Bahrain

  • Eligible nationalities: All Visa-Required nationalities
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas (C-Type or D-Type only)
  • Duration of stay: 14 days or 30 days
  • Additional requirements:
    • Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but you are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL or Bahrain eVisa
    • Single-entry VOA fee is 5 BD, valid for 14 days, entry up to 14 days
    • Multiple-entry VOA fee is 12 BD, valid for 3 months, entry up to 1 month
    • Single-entry eVisa fee is 10 BD, valid for 14 days, entry up to 14 days
    • Multiple-entry eVisa fee is 17 BD, valid for 3 months, entry up to 1 month
  • Official source: Bahrain eVisa Portal

—

49. Jordan

  • Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
    1. Angola
    2. Belize
    3. Benin
    4. Botswana
    5. Burkina Faso
    6. Burundi
    7. Cambodia
    8. Cameroon
    9. Central African Republic
    10. Chad
    11. Comoros
    12. Congo, Dem. Rep. Of
    13. Congo, Rep. of
    14. Côte d’Ivoire
    15. Cuba
    16. Djibouti
    17. Equatorial Guinea
    18. Eritrea
    19. Ethiopia
    20. Gabon
    21. Gambia
    22. Ghana
    23. Guinea
    24. Guinea Bissau
    25. Iraq
    26. Laos
    27. Liberia
    28. Madagascar
    29. Mali
    30. Mauritania
    31. Mongolia
    32. Mozambique
    33. Myanmar
    34. Namibia
    35. Nepal
    36. Niger
    37. Pakistan
    38. Palestine
    39. Papua New Guinea
    40. Philippines
    41. Senegal
    42. Sierra Leone
    43. Somalia
    44. Sri Lanka
    45. Sudan
    46. Tanzania
    47. Timor-Leste
    48. Togo
    49. Uganda
    50. Yemen
    51. Zambia
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas
  • Duration of stay: 90 days
  • Additional requirements:
    • Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but you are eligible to apply for Jordan e-Visa
    • Schengen visa must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
  • Official source: Jordan E-Visa Portal

—

50. Kuwait

  • Eligible nationalities: All nationalities, except Afghanistan, Israel and North Korea
  • Permitted visas: Valid USED multiple-entry C-Type Schengen visa only
  • Duration of stay: 90 days
  • Additional requirements:
    • Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but you are eligible to apply for Kuwait e-Visa
    • e-Visa fee is 3 KWD, valid for 30 days and single-entry only
    • Schengen visa must have been USED to enter the Schengen area at least once
    • Your profession must be on the list of approved professions
  • Official source: Kuwait Visa Portal

—

51. Oman

  • Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
    1. Algeria
    2. Azerbaijan
    3. Bhutan
    4. Costa Rica
    5. Cuba
    6. Egypt
    7. El Salvador
    8. Guatemala
    9. Honduras
    10. India
    11. Jordan
    12. Kyrgyzstan
    13. Laos
    14. Maldives
    15. Mauritania
    16. Mexico
    17. Morocco
    18. Nicaragua
    19. Panama
    20. Peru
    21. Tajikistan
    22. Tunisia
    23. Turkmenistan
    24. Vietnam
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas
  • Duration of stay: 14 days
  • Additional requirements: Must hold a return ticket, a confirmed hotel booking, health insurance, and sufficient cash for the trip
  • Official source: Foreign Ministry of Oman

—

52. Qatar

  • Eligible nationalities: All Visa-Required nationalities
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused single/multiple-entry Schengen visas, except transit (A-Type)
  • Duration of stay: 30 days
  • Additional requirements:
    • Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but you are eligible to apply for A3 Visa online on the Hayya portal
    • A3 Visa fee is QAR 100, valid for 30 days, single-entry only
    • Schengen visa must be valid on the day of the A3 Visa application
  • Official source: Qatar Tourist Board

—

53. Saudi Arabia

  • Eligible nationalities: All Visa-Required nationalities
  • Permitted visas: All valid USED multiple-entry Schengen visas (C-Type and D-Type only)
  • Duration of stay: 90 days
  • Additional requirements:
    • Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but you are eligible to obtain Visa on Arrival (VOA) or Saudi Arabia eVisa
    • VOA or eVisa fee is 300 SAR, valid for 1 year, multiple-entry (plus insurance fee 95 SAR)
    • Schengen visa must have been USED to enter the visa-issuing country
  • Official source: Saudi Arabia Tourism Authority

—

54. United Arab Emirates

  • Eligible nationalities: Indian passport holders only
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas (except those issued by Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein) (C or D-Type only)
  • Duration of stay: 14 days
  • Additional requirements:
    • Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but you are eligible to obtain UAE Visa on Arrival at Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi airports
    • VOA fee is 100 AED, valid for 14 days, single-entry only
    • Schengen visa must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
  • Official source: TIMATIC on the Emirates website

RELATED: 40 countries you can travel VISA-FREE with Canada visa in 2026

***

Africa

VISA-FREE Countries for Schengen Visa Holders in Africa
VISA-FREE Countries for Schengen Visa Holders in Africa

55. Egypt

  • Eligible nationalities: All Visa-Required nationalities, except Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Iran, Israel, Mali, Niger, Palestine, Sudan and Syria
  • Permitted visas: All valid USED multiple-entry Schengen visas
  • Duration of stay: 30 days
  • Additional requirements:
    • Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but you are eligible to obtain Visa on Arrival (VOA) at all international airports
    • VOA fee is 30 USD, valid for 30 days, single-entry only
    • Schengen visa must have been USED to enter the visa-issuing country
  • Official source: IATA Travel Centre

—

56. Morocco

  • Eligible nationalities: All Visa-Required and non-e-Visa eligible nationalities, except Iran, Palestine and Syria
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas
  • Duration of stay: 30 days
  • Additional requirements:
    • Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but you are eligible to apply for Morocco e-Visa
    • E-Visa fee is 770 MAD, valid for 180 days, single-entry only
    • Schengen visa must be valid for at least 90 days from the day of arrival
  • Official source: Morocco E-Visa Portal

—

57. São Tomé and Príncipe

  • Eligible nationalities: All Visa-Required nationalities
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas
  • Duration of stay: 15 days
  • Official source: IATA Travel Centre

RELATED: 42 countries you can travel VISA-FREE with UK visa in 2026

***

Asia

VISA-FREE Countries for Schengen Visa Holders in Asia
VISA-FREE Countries for Schengen Visa Holders in Asia

58. Kyrgyzstan

  • Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
    1. China
    2. India
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused LONG-TERM multiple-entry Schengen visas issued for at least 3+ years
  • Duration of stay: 7 days
  • Additional requirements:
    • Schengen visa must be a long-term visa issued for 3 or more years. Schengen visas issued for less than 3 years are not accepted.
    • Visa must be in the current passport (valid visa in old/expired passports is NOT accepted)
    • Eligible only if entering by air through Manas International Airport (BSZ) in Bishkek
    • After entering Kyrgyzstan this way, you can only re-enter Kyrgyzstan after 21 days.
  • Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan

—

59. Philippines

  • Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
    1. China
    2. India
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas
  • Duration of stay: 30 days (India) or 7 days (China)
  • Additional requirements:
    • Schengen visa must be valid for the entire duration of the stay
    • Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of departure
  • Official source: Embassy of the Philippines in Singapore

—

60. Singapore

  • Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
    1. China
    2. India
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused single/multiple-entry Schengen visas that allow entry into Germany or Switzerland, except transit (A-Type)
  • Duration of stay: 96 hours (4 days)
  • Additional requirements:
    • Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but you are eligible to obtain Singapore Visa Free Transit Facility (VFTF) upon arrival
    • Must be traveling to or from the country of the passport. Example: Must be traveling to a third country from India via Singapore or traveling to India from a third country via Singapore. An example itinerary would be India-Singapore-Bali or Bali-Singapore-India.
    • Both arriving and departing flights in Singapore must be on the same itinerary
    • The visa must be valid for at least 1 month at the time of arrival
  • Official source: Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority

—

61. South Korea

  • Eligible nationalities: All nationalities (except the following 23 nationalities – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Cuba, Egypt, Gambia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Uzbekistan and Yemen)
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas, except transit (A-Type)
  • Duration of stay: 30 days
  • Additional requirements:
    • Must be traveling to/from the visa-issuing country through South Korea
    • If there is a transit or stopover before South Korea, it cannot be more than 3 days
  • Official source: South Korea Embassy in Washington DC, USA

—

62. Taiwan

  • Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
    1. Cambodia
    2. Colombia
    3. India
    4. Indonesia
    5. Laos
    6. Myanmar
    7. Vietnam
  • Permitted visas: All valid/expired used/unused single/multiple-entry Schengen visas, except transit (A-Type)
  • Duration of stay: 14 days (TAC) or 30 days (eVisa)
  • Additional requirements:
    • Visa is EXEMPT, but you must apply for Taiwan Travel Authorization Certificate (TAC) online or Taiwan e-Visa (Colombian passport holders only) before arrival
    • TAC is free of charge, valid for 90 days, and multiple-entry
    • eVisa is 1,600 TWD, valid for 3 months, single-entry only
    • For TAC, if using an EXPIRED Schengen visa, the visa must have expired in the last 10 years only
    • For the Taiwan eVisa, the Schengen visa must be valid
  • Official source: Bureau of Consular Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan)

RELATED: 17 countries you can visit VISA-FREE with an Australian visa in 2026

***

North America

VISA-FREE Countries for Schengen Visa Holders in North America
VISA-FREE Countries for Schengen Visa Holders in North America

63. Mexico

  • Eligible nationalities: All Visa-Required nationalities
  • Permitted visas: All valid USED multiple-entry Schengen visas
  • Duration of stay: Up to 180 days
  • Additional requirements:
    • Schengen visa must have been USED to enter the visa-issuing country before
    • Schengen visa must be valid for the entire stay in Mexico
  • Official source: National Institute of Migration, Mexico and Embassy of Mexico in India

WARNING: There have been reports that Mexico has stopped accepting Schengen visas. Reports claim that those using Schengen visas are denied boarding at the airport or deported at the border. I strongly suggest using a US visa if you have one and travel via the US.

***

Central America

VISA-FREE Countries for Schengen Visa Holders in Central America
VISA-FREE Countries for Schengen Visa Holders in Central America

64. Belize

  • Eligible nationalities: All Visa-Required nationalities
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas
  • Duration of stay: 30 days
  • Official source: Ministry of Immigration of Belize

—

65. Costa Rica

  • Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
  • Permitted visas: Valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas – C-Type and D-Type only
  • Duration of stay: 30 days
  • Additional requirements: Schengen visa must be valid for the length of intended stay from the day of arrival
  • Official source: Directorate General of Migration and Immigration (click on “Directriz General de Visas Noviembre 2025.pdf” link and refer to “QUINTO: EXCEPCIONES PARA GRUPOS DE INGRESO CON VISA CONSULAR O VISA RESTRINGIDA.” section in the PDF)

—

66. El Salvador

  • Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
    1. Azerbaijan
    2. Belarus
    3. Benin
    4. Bhutan
    5. Burkina Faso
    6. Burundi
    7. Cambodia
    8. Cape Verde
    9. Central African Republic
    10. Chad
    11. China
    12. Comoros
    13. Côte d’Ivoire
    14. Cuba
    15. Djibouti
    16. Dominica
    17. Egypt
    18. Equatorial Guinea
    19. Gabon
    20. Gambia
    21. Georgia
    22. Grenade
    23. Guinea
    24. Guinea-Bissau
    25. Guyana
    26. India
    27. Jamaica
    28. Kazakhstan
    29. Kiribati
    30. Kyrgyzstan
    31. Lesotho
    32. Malawi
    33. Maldives
    34. Mauritania
    35. Mauritius
    36. Micronesia
    37. Moldova
    38. Montenegro
    39. Morocco
    40. Myanmar
    41. Namibia
    42. Nauru
    43. Niger
    44. Palau
    45. Papua New Guinea
    46. Philippines
    47. Rwanda
    48. Samoa
    49. Senegal
    50. Serbia
    51. Seychelles
    52. Suriname
    53. Swaziland
    54. Tajikistan
    55. Tanzania
    56. Thailand
    57. Togo
    58. Tonga
    59. Tunisia
    60. Turkmenistan
    61. Uganda
    62. Uzbekistan
    63. Venezuela
    64. Zambia
    65. Zimbabwe
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas
  • Duration of stay: 90 days total in the entire CA-4 zone (Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, excluding Nicaragua)
  • Additional requirements:
    • If entering by air, a fee of 12 USD will be charged for a tourist card
    • If you have already entered Guatemala or Honduras, you can enter El Salvador from Guatemala or Honduras by land without any additional visa requirements as per CA-4 Border Control Agreement
  • Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of El Salvador

—

67. Guatemala

  • Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
    1. Azerbaijan
    2. Belarus
    3. Benin
    4. Bhutan
    5. Bolivia
    6. Burkina Faso
    7. Burundi
    8. Cambodia
    9. Cape Verde
    10. Central African Republic
    11. Chad
    12. Comoros
    13. Côte d´Ivoire
    14. Djibouti
    15. Dominica
    16. Dominican Republic
    17. Ecuador
    18. Egypt
    19. Equatorial Guinea
    20. Gabon
    21. Gambia
    22. Georgia
    23. Grenade
    24. Guinea
    25. Guinea-Bissau
    26. Guyana
    27. India
    28. Jamaica
    29. Kazakhstan
    30. Kiribati
    31. Kyrgyzstan
    32. Lesotho
    33. Malawi
    34. Maldives
    35. Mauricio
    36. Mauritania
    37. Micronesia
    38. Moldova
    39. Montenegro
    40. Morocco
    41. Myanmar
    42. Namibia
    43. Nauru
    44. Niger
    45. Palau
    46. Papua New Guinea
    47. Philippines
    48. Rwanda
    49. Samoa
    50. Senegal
    51. Serbia
    52. Seychelles
    53. Suriname
    54. Swaziland
    55. Tajikistan
    56. Tanzania
    57. Thailand
    58. Togo
    59. Tonga
    60. Tunisia
    61. Turkmenistan
    62. Uganda
    63. Uzbekistan
    64. Zambia
    65. Zimbabwe
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas
  • Duration of stay: 90 days total in the entire CA-4 zone (Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, excluding Nicaragua)
  • Additional requirements:
    • If you have already entered Honduras or El Salvador, you can enter Guatemala from Honduras or El Salvador by land without any additional visa requirements as per CA-4 Border Control Agreement. 
  • Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala

—

68. Honduras

  • Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
    1. Azerbaijan
    2. Belarus
    3. Benin
    4. Bhutan
    5. Burkina Faso
    6. Burundi
    7. Cambodia
    8. Cape Verde
    9. Central African Republic
    10. Chad
    11. China
    12. Comoros
    13. Cote d’Ivoire
    14. Djibouti
    15. Dominica
    16. Egypt
    17. Equatorial Guinea
    18. Gabon
    19. Gambia
    20. Georgia
    21. Grenada
    22. Guinea
    23. Guinea-Bissau
    24. Guyana
    25. Hong Kong
    26. India
    27. Jamaica
    28. Kazakhstan
    29. Kiribati
    30. Kyrgyzstan
    31. Lesotho
    32. Macau
    33. Malawi
    34. Maldives
    35. Mauritania
    36. Mauritius
    37. Micronesia
    38. Moldova
    39. Montenegro
    40. Morocco
    41. Myanmar
    42. Namibia
    43. Nauru
    44. Niger
    45. Palau
    46. Papua New Guinea
    47. Philippines
    48. Rwanda
    49. Samoa
    50. Senegal
    51. Serbia
    52. Seychelles
    53. South Sudan
    54. Suriname
    55. Swaziland
    56. Tajikistan
    57. Tanzania
    58. Thailand
    59. Togo
    60. Tonga
    61. Tunisia
    62. Turkmenistan
    63. Uganda
    64. Uzbekistan
    65. Zambia
    66. Zimbabwe
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas
  • Duration of stay: 90 days total in the entire CA-4 zone (Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, excluding Nicaragua)
  • Additional requirements: If you have already entered Guatemala or El Salvador, you can enter Honduras from Guatemala or El Salvador by land without any additional visa requirements as per CA-4 Border Control Agreement. 
  • Official source: IATA Travel Centre

—

69. Panama

  • Eligible nationalities: All Visa-Required nationalities
  • Permitted visas: All valid USED multiple-entry Schengen visas, except those issued by non-EU countries (Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein)
  • Duration of stay: 30 days
  • Additional requirements:
    • Schengen visa must have been USED at least once to enter the visa-issuing country
    • Schengen visa must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
    • Must show proof of economic solvency for a minimum of 500 USD
  • Official source: Embassy of Panama in the USA

RELATED: 15 countries you can visit VISA-FREE with Japan visa or PR in 2026

***

Caribbean

VISA-FREE Countries for Schengen Visa Holders in the Caribbean
VISA-FREE Countries for Schengen Visa Holders in the Caribbean

70. Antigua and Barbuda

  • Eligible nationalities: All Visa-Required nationalities
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas
  • Duration of stay: 30 days
  • Additional requirements:
    • Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but you are eligible to obtain Visa on Arrival (VOA)
    • VOA fee is 100 USD, valid for 30 days, single-entry only
    • Schengen visa must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
  • Official source: Department of Immigration, Antigua and Barbuda

—

71. Aruba

  • Eligible nationalities: All Visa-Required nationalities
  • Permitted visas: Valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas (C and D-Type only)
  • Duration of stay: 90 days
  • Additional requirements: Total stay in Caribbean Netherlands cannot exceed 90 days in a given calendar year
  • Official source: Netherlands Worldwide

—

72. Bahamas

  • Eligible nationalities: Indian nationals only
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas
  • Duration of stay: 90 days
  • Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Bahamas

—

73. Bonaire (Dutch Territory)

  • Eligible nationalities: All Visa-Required nationalities
  • Permitted visas: Valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas (C-Type and D-Type only)
  • Duration of stay: 90 days
  • Additional requirements: Total stay in Caribbean Netherlands cannot exceed 90 days in a given calendar year
  • Official source: Netherlands Worldwide

—

74. Curaçao

  • Eligible nationalities: All Visa-Required nationalities
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas (C-Type and D-Type only)
  • Duration of stay: 90 days
  • Additional requirements: Total stay in Caribbean Netherlands cannot exceed 90 days in a given calendar year
  • Official source: Netherlands Worldwide

—

75. Dominican Republic

  • Eligible nationalities: All Visa-Required nationalities
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas, except transit (A-Type)
  • Duration of stay: 30 days
  • Additional requirements: If arriving by land or sea, you must pay a departure tax of 20 USD before departing. If arriving by air, the departure tax is included in the airfare.
  • Official source: Ministry of Tourism of Dominican Republic

—

76. Haiti

  • Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
    1. Colombia
    2. Cuba
    3. Dominican Republic
    4. Panama
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas
  • Duration of stay: 90 days
  • Additional requirements: A tourist fee of 10 USD must be paid on arrival at the airport
  • Official source: IATA Travel Centre

—

77. Jamaica

  • Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
    1. Albania
    2. Belarus
    3. Bosnia and Herzegovina
    4. Bulgaria
    5. Croatia
    6. Dominican Republic
    7. Honduras
    8. Kazakhstan
    9. Macedonia
    10. Moldova
    11. Montenegro
    12. Romania
    13. Serbia
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused single/multiple-entry Schengen visas
  • Duration of stay: 30 days
  • Official source: Immigration Department of Jamaica

—

78. Montserrat (British Territory)

  • Eligible nationalities: All Visa-Required nationalities
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas, except those issued by non-EU countries – Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein
  • Duration of stay: 180 days
  • Additional requirements: Travel to Montserrat is only possible via Antigua, so you must also meet the visa requirements for Antigua and Barbuda
  • Official source: Government of Montserrat (Refer to Regulation 2: Classes of Persons Exempt From Visa Requirement)

—

79. Sint Maarten

  • Eligible nationalities: All Visa-Required nationalities
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas (C-Type or D-Type only)
  • Duration of stay: 90 days
  • Additional requirements: Total stay in Caribbean Netherlands cannot exceed 90 days in a given calendar year
  • Official source: Netherlands Worldwide

RELATED: 14 VISA-FREE Countries for UAE Residents or Emirates ID

***

South America

VISA-FREE Countries for Schengen Visa Holders in South America
VISA-FREE Countries for Schengen Visa Holders in South America

80. Colombia

  • Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
    1. Cambodia
    2. China
    3. India
    4. Macau
    5. Myanmar
    6. Nicaragua
    7. Taiwan
    8. Thailand
    9. Vietnam
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas (C and D-Type only)
  • Duration of stay: 90 days
  • Additional requirements: Schengen visa must be valid for at least 180 days from the day of arrival
  • Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia

—

81. Peru

  • Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
    1. China
    2. India
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas
  • Duration of stay: 180 days
  • Additional requirements: Schengen visa must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
  • Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru

***

Change history

DateChanges
23 Mar 2026Updated the article for 2026.

Countries added:
(1) Montserrat (British Territory) (not new, but I wasn’t aware, so added to the list now)

Countries removed:
(1) Nicaragua (eliminated their VOA and “VOA with substitute visa” policy on Feb 16, 2026, as announced in Provision No. 002-2026)
(2) Cuba (eliminated tourist cards and made eVisa mandatory for all nationalities from 01 Jan 2026)

Countries updated:
(1) Armenia (added new VOA and eVisa fee details)
(2) Gibraltar (British Territory) (eligible countries list grew from 4 to 9, Schengen visa doesn’t have to be USED anymore)
(3) Jordan (eligible countries list shrunk from 59 to 51)
(4) Oman (you could only get an eVisa before, but now you can enter VISA-FREE; eligible countries list changed)
(5) Qatar (no need to book a hotel through Discover Qatar for its A3 visa; any hotel is fine now)
(6) Egypt (9 high-risk countries are now excluded from this provision, and the VOA fee went up from $25 to $30)
(7) Belize (all visa-required nationalities are now eligible instead of the previous 71 specific nationalities)
27 Oct 2025Countries added: (1) Kuwait (Kuwait now offers e-Visa for those holding Schengen visas)
16 Oct 2025Countries updated: (1) Mexico (Schengen visa must be USED and added a warning that Mexico may have stopped accepting Schengen visas)
16 Jun 2025Countries updated: (1) Moldova (eligible nationalities list shrunk from 56 countries to 30)
05 Jun 2025Countries updated: (1) Philippines (duration of stay for Indians increased from 14 to 30 days)
18 Feb 2025NOTE: This article is becoming too large to maintain, so I created a separate article for Schengen Resident Permit. Refer to this article for VISA-FREE countries for Schengen residence permit holders.

Countries added: Sao Tome and Principe (official source available)
Countries removed: Bulgaria (joined Schengen), Romania (joined Schengen), Thailand (Thai eVisa is now available to all)
Countries updated: Belize (updated eligible countries), Costa Rica (accepts Schengen C-Type), El Salvador (updated eligible countries, Armenia (removed Indonesia from eligible countries, added eVisa countries), Moldova (added Bahrain to eligible countries), Turkey (removed North Korea and Seychelles from eligible countries), Oman (updated eligible countries), Morocco (added eligible countries exceptions), Philippines (added China to eligible countries)
22 Mar 2024Countries added: UK, UAE and Kyrgyzstan
Countries removed: Cuba (due to lack of proper official sources in 2024)
Countries updated: Requirements for several countries have been updated for 2024

***

There you have it! 81 countries and territories you can travel to with a Schengen visa, updated for 2026.

Do you know any other country (I haven’t listed here) where you can travel VISA-FREE with a Schengen visa? Let me know in the comments below.

Credits: Maps are made with mapchart.net

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER
We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

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113 Comments

  1. SAMEH KHALIL says

    April 16, 2026 at 1:22 pm

    http://www.evisa.gov.tr.

    Turkey Evisa cost is 37.05$ not 43$. I just issued it yesterday (includes cost of obligatory insurance)
    18 USD VISA FEE
    18 USD INSURACE FEE VAT INCLUDED
    1.05$ PROCESSING FEE

    Reply
    • Thirumal Motati says

      April 21, 2026 at 2:30 pm

      Hi Sameh! Thanks for letting me know. I just looked it up, and looks like the visa fee has changed. I will update the article. Thanks again for letting me know.

      Reply
  2. KHALIL says

    April 16, 2026 at 1:14 pm

    https://www.mfa.am/en/visa

    As per the official sources Egyptians can travel without obtainting a previous evisa to Armenia, it’s optional.

    Nationals of Egypt holding ordinary passports can obtain visas to Armenia:

    1. THROUGH THE E-VISA SYSTEM, if they have the following mandatory documents:

    Travel (Medical) Insurance
    A valid residence permit or valid visa issued by the EU and Schengen member states, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the UK, Canada, the RF, or Japan, or a valid residence permit issued by the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain or Oman.
    or

    Travel (Medical) Insurance
    Air ticket reservation (with return**)
    Invitation provided by a party interested in the applicant’s visit to the Republic of Armenia (local tourist agency, university, employer, other local companies, and entities).
    Proof of financial means (bank statement for the last 3 months, certificate of employment with salary, work contract, other proofs)

    2. AT THE BORDER OF ARMENIA, if they provide a valid residence permit or valid visa issued by the EU and Schengen member states, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the UK, Canada, the RF, or Japan or a valid residence permit (physical card or sticker) issued by the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain or Oman.

    Reply
    • Thirumal Motati says

      April 21, 2026 at 2:24 pm

      Hi Khalil! Yes, that’s correct! Egyptians can obtain VOA or if you prefer, you can apply for e-Visa. For both, you would need US, UK, Canada, Schengen, etc. visa or residence permit.

      Reply
  3. Sameh Khalil says

    April 6, 2026 at 12:11 pm

    Tunis granted VOA for Egyptians with ordinary passport and a valid Schengen Visa

    Reply
    • Thirumal Motati says

      April 8, 2026 at 7:26 am

      Hi Sameh! Thanks for the info! Do you have any personal experience or an official link to confirm? I can’t seem to find any info on IATA/TIMATIC or Tunisia MFA.

      Reply
      • SAMEH KHALIL says

        April 16, 2026 at 1:25 pm

        It was announced by the Embassy of Tunisia 15 October 2025 and published in the official media websites in Arabic.

        https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/1234/553064/Egypt/Foreign-Affairs/Tunisia-eases-entry-rules-for-Egyptians-with-new-v.aspx

        I can’t find it on a more reliable source but it’s in practice.

        Reply
        • Thirumal Motati says

          April 22, 2026 at 4:18 am

          Hi Sameh! I researched as much as I could, but I did not find any substantial information. The news article that you’ve mentioned is linking to Tunisian Embassy’s Facebook post which is now taken down. I guess they reversed/suspended that requirement. The VOA for organized groups and specific professions is still in place, but VOA with Schengen or US visa is reversed/suspended in my opinion. I don’t hold an Egyptian passport, so I can’t travel and verify this requirement. But see if you or anyone with Egyptian passport can travel and verify.

          Reply
          • SAMEH KHALIL says

            April 22, 2026 at 10:18 am

            I hold an Egyptian passport, they reinstated the same rule also with a fb post in January, I will call the embassy to confirm

          • Thirumal Motati says

            April 22, 2026 at 1:03 pm

            Yeah, please let me know. It will be super helpful for all Egyptians.

  4. Sapitri says

    October 25, 2022 at 9:55 am

    I just want to thank you so much for this article. As an Indonesian living in one EU country temporarily, I’ve been looking for this information! I understand I still need to check and recheck with the respective embassy because policies may change from time to time, but this gives me an idea of where to go on vacation rather than checking one by one.

    Reply
    • Thirumal Motati says

      November 7, 2022 at 7:41 am

      Hi Sapitri! Thanks! I try to keep it updated but yeah please check with the authorities before booking your travel.

      Reply
  5. SUSHILA says

    September 22, 2022 at 8:27 am

    How many countries (other than 26 Schengen) can an Indian passport holder travel to if he is holding Schengen visa type D or Type C?

    Reply
    • Thirumal Motati says

      September 26, 2022 at 3:39 am

      Hi Sushila! All the 50 countries and territories I have listed in the article. India is not listed for countries such as Haiti and Jamaica but Indian passport holders are VISA-FREE for those countries. Indian do not need a Schengen visa for those two countries.

      Reply
  6. Abdul Rehman says

    September 22, 2022 at 7:51 am

    I am having valid Schengen visitor visa multi-entry and a Pakistani Passport. I want to check if being a Pakistani national, I am eligible for a visa on arrival for Armenia based on my Schengen visa.

    Reply
    • Thirumal Motati says

      September 26, 2022 at 3:43 am

      Hi Abdul! Unfortunately, Pakistani passport holders are not eligible to obtain Visa on Arrival to Armenia. You would need to apply for a visa at the Armenian embassy or consulate.

      Reply
  7. ELSAEID HISSAIN says

    July 14, 2022 at 11:12 pm

    Hi Thirumal, new update Morocco has launched e-visa for Schengen visa holders. Also, Egypt no need a visa if you have a valid Schengen visa.

    Reply
    • Thirumal Motati says

      July 15, 2022 at 9:42 am

      Hi Elsaeid! Fantastic news! Thanks for letting us know! I will update the articles to reflect this new info. Thanks again!

      Reply
  8. Peter Sathish says

    June 16, 2022 at 4:18 am

    Hi Thirumal, hope all is well, fantastic stumble on your blog via google. well done indeed.

    Quick one on visiting other countries on valid Schengen? I am in the process of applying for a tourist multi. I am planning on going to Mexico via Netherlands/Paris. There is a new online portal where we have to fill out the application form. They are asking if I am going outside the Schengen region during this trip. Should I avoid mentioning this, as the requirement for applying is to stay in the Schengen area the longest not just transit? Also any recommendation for Traveller insurances with CFAR valid within India? I want to be able to modify the destination after getting the visa? TIA.

    Reply
    • Thirumal Motati says

      June 16, 2022 at 10:38 am

      Hi Peter! In order to keep the application simple, just say that you are not going outside the Schengen region on this trip. Once you have the visa, you can figure out whether you want to travel only to Schengen or Schengen and Mexico or any other combination.

      For Schengen, I have previously used VisitorsCoverage. They have insurance specifically for Schengen visas since Schengen insurance must be of certain value with zero deductible. The insurance is valid for the Schengen region only. I use SafetyWing these days as my primary insurance and you can change the destination on the policy as many times as you want, but it’s not zero deductible though. Check out both and see whichever works for your needs.

      Reply
  9. Siaka says

    May 28, 2022 at 11:29 pm

    Hello there, thanks for the time you had in giving us this information for free. Thanks again. My question is, I am a Ghanaian living in Spain and I have got a 2yrs temporary residency car. I want to know if I can go to Mexico or Guatemala without a visa and what are the requirements needed? I will be having my vacation soon and I want to travel to Central and maybe South America for a week or 2 and come back. Also, can you kindly update me on the fact that I can go to Belize without a visa with my Ghanaian passport? I saw it’s visa-free but also heard some are not allowed entry. Hope you understand and will be glad to hear from you soon. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Thirumal Motati says

      May 31, 2022 at 7:49 am

      Hi Siaka! Unfortunately, none of those countries you have mentioned offer entry to Ghanaian passport holders with Schengen residence permits.

      Mexico: No. Mexico only allows permanent residence permits. Since your’s is a temporary residence permit, Mexico will not offer visa-free entry.
      Guatemala: No. Ghanian passport holders are not eligible to enter Guatemala visa-free using a Schengen residence permit.
      Belize: No. Only Schengen visas are allowed, not residence permits unfortunately.

      The only country in Latin America that would allow temporary residence permits is Panama.

      Reply
  10. Marius says

    March 25, 2022 at 10:23 am

    When you enter for example Cyprus with a Schengen visa, do they give you their own visa and can stay longer than the Schengen visa is valid or do all the visas will have only the length of the original Schengen visa?

    Reply
    • Thirumal Motati says

      March 31, 2022 at 5:03 am

      Hi Marius! Each country will give a certain amount of days to stay. This can be longer than the length of your original Schengen visa. Your Schengen visa must just be valid at the time of entry.

      Reply
  11. Sam Nguyen says

    December 2, 2021 at 2:34 am

    I am a greek permanent resident. Can I travel visa-free to those countries?

    Reply
    • Thirumal Motati says

      December 6, 2021 at 10:15 am

      Hi Sam! Yes. Greece is part of Schengen zone and it would be considered a “residence permit from a Schengen country”.

      Reply
      • Jonny says

        February 11, 2022 at 11:44 am

        No, it does not. I am a permanent resident of Switzerland (Schengen) and still needed a visa for Colombia and Mexico. The embassy staff told me they only accept Schengen visas but not residence permits (at least not the 1-year type that I have).

        Reply
        • Thirumal Motati says

          February 16, 2022 at 5:50 am

          Hi Jonny! Mexico has changed its visa policy and now they only accept permanent residence permits. Colombia still accepts regular residence permits.

          Reply
  12. Ashraf says

    September 1, 2021 at 9:53 pm

    Hi brother, I have a Schengen visa single entry so I can visit Mexico. Please tell me if Mexican immigration allows Schengen single visas or multiple visas.

    Reply
    • Thirumal Motati says

      September 2, 2021 at 6:15 pm

      Hi Ashraf! Unfortunately, the Schengen visa must be multiple-entry in order to enter Mexico.

      Reply
  13. Gabriel says

    July 26, 2021 at 1:22 pm

    Hi, I’m a Syrian citizen living in Sweden. However, I was wondering which countries I can visit visa-free for touristic purposes. I’m very interested to know Morocco visa policies in my case.

    Reply
    • Thirumal Motati says

      July 29, 2021 at 5:22 am

      Hi Gabriel! If you hold a Swedish residence permit, you can travel to all those countries that accept a residence permit from any Schengen/EU country. Look up countries that say “A valid residence permit from any Schengen country”.

      Syrian passport holders require a visa for Morocco. But a Morocco visa is quite easy to obtain. You can apply for a Morocco visa at the embassy of Morocco in Sweden.

      Reply
  14. saheed says

    November 26, 2019 at 4:38 pm

    I am a Gambian with a valid Schengen visa. Do I need a visa to go to Russia?

    Reply
    • Thirumal says

      December 1, 2019 at 5:52 am

      Hi Saheed! You cannot use your Schengen visa to enter Russia. You require a visa from Russia.

      Reply
  15. Mickey says

    October 31, 2019 at 4:48 am

    Hi Thirumal –

    I think you should do an article about Georgia – the internet is full of stories of Indian travellers being deported back from Tbilisi Airport even with valid visas.

    Regards!

    Reply
    • Thirumal says

      October 31, 2019 at 5:28 am

      Hi Mickey! For sure, I will do an article on that. But in my opinion, this is due to a few exploiting the liberal visa requirements of Georgia. The result is the price we all (genuine travelers) have to pay. Because of this, the immigration officials have become extremely strict and started scrutizing every traveler for any potential illegal immigration intent.

      Reply
  16. Mickey says

    October 30, 2019 at 7:52 pm

    Hi – for Macedonia –

    You can enter and exit the country only from or to another Schengen country. The visa ‘C’ must be validated before you enter and you have to fly back to a Schengen country only – This from TripAdvisor

    Some other countries like Bulgaria and Romania also have a similar condition – visa must be validated.

    Thirumal – my Question to you is can you check regarding Romania and Bulgaria? Do you have to fly in and out of a Schengen country only when you are using the ‘C’ multiple entry?

    Reply
    • Thirumal says

      October 31, 2019 at 3:50 pm

      Hi Mickey! The Macedonia ministry of foreign affairs website does not mention anything about using the Schengen visa first to enter a Schengen country. Macedonia is not part of EU or Schengen and therefore it may not be necessary to use the Schengen visa first to enter a Schengen country. Can you share the link to the TripAdvisor discussion? Let me check.

      Bulgaria and Romania are in the process to join Schengen. They are technically in the Schengen zone but cannot issue Schengen visas yet. That means you will have to get a Schengen visa from any of the 26 current Schengen countries. And the requirement for a Schengen visa is to enter the visa issuing country first before entering any other country. So, it’s wise to enter the Schengen country that issued the visa before entering Bulgaria or Romania. You don’t have to fly in and out of Schengen country but using the visa first would be better. That is why both Bulgaria and Romania ask for a double or multiple-entry visa with at least one entry still exiting on the visa.

      Reply
  17. Ishaque says

    October 30, 2019 at 7:16 pm

    Hello Thirumal, can I apply for Schengen multiple visa on a fresh Pakistani ordinary passport?

    Reply
    • Thirumal says

      October 31, 2019 at 4:41 pm

      Hi Ishaque! Yes, you can. If you have an old passport with visas or stamps, make sure to submit a copy of that to show your travel history.

      Reply
  18. Tarek says

    October 26, 2019 at 5:59 pm

    I have a single-entry Schengen visa for the duration of a week. Can I use that to enter Serbia without taking a separate Serbian visa?

    Reply
    • Thirumal says

      October 27, 2019 at 4:01 am

      Hi Tarek! I cannot give you a confirmed answer since your visa is valid for only one week and that too single-entry. Most countries on this list require a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa.

      If you have already used your visa to enter Schengen zone, then it’s not valid anymore since your visa is single-entry only. But if you haven’t used it, then you may be able to use it for Serbia. I suggest contacting your nearest Serbia embassy to confirm.

      Reply
  19. Meh says

    October 6, 2019 at 12:34 am

    Hi! Do I have to enter a Schengen country first that issued the visa before entering Macedonia? I’ve contacted the Embassy and they said I don’t have to as long as it’s valid multiple entry type c and valid at least 5 days after my planned stay. I checked IATA and there’s no mention of using the Schengen visa once to enter Macedonia. But anyone experienced traveling first to Macedonia with a Schengen visa and not having problems? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Thirumal says

      October 6, 2019 at 4:07 am

      Hi Meh! Your Schengen visa can be “unused” to enter Macedonia. As long as your Schengen visa is type C and valid at least 5 days beyond your stay in Macedonia, you are fine. I don’t have first-hand experience using my Schengen visa to enter Macedonia. So, I will let other readers with similar experiences chime in and share their experience. You can also ask your question on the Visa Travel Support Facebook Group. There are quite a few travelers on the group who have been to Macedonia using different visas.

      Reply
      • Sanjay Dhar says

        January 13, 2020 at 12:28 am

        I entered North Macedonia on an Indian passport with a French Schengen Visa without entering France yet. However, I entered Finland with the Schengen Visa first but departed Poland to enter Romania where immigration check in both airports were done. By bus from Romania to Bulgaria with no Romanian exit check but only Bulgarian entry check and stamp. The officer goes to each seat on the bus, collect the passport and after stamping return it to the driver. Then again one exit check and entry check and stamp when crossing from Bulgaria to North Macedonia. This information is valid as on 12/01/2020. Thanks.

        Reply
        • Thirumal says

          January 13, 2020 at 5:50 am

          Hi Sanjay! Thanks for sharing your personal experience and valuable information. This will be very helpful to all of our readers. Thanks again!

          Reply
  20. kanthiranga says

    September 21, 2019 at 11:32 am

    I have a temporary residence permit in Serbia. Can I visit Schengen countries without visa?

    Reply
    • Thirumal says

      September 22, 2019 at 4:05 am

      Hi Kanthiranga! No. Serbia is not part of the Schengen zone. Therefore, you cannot use your Serbia visa/residence permit to enter Schengen countries. You REQUIRE a Schengen visa.

      Reply
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About Thirumal Motati, founder and travel writer at visa traveler

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