There are 26 countries you can visit with Schengen visa. But, there are also 39 non-Schengen countries that you can travel VISA-FREE with Schengen visa.
Many think that a Schengen visa is only for the Schengen zone. Yes, of course, it is. But many non-Schengen countries also honor Schengen visa as their own visa.
Why do non-Schengen countries honor Schengen visa?
There are several reasons why non-Schengen countries honor Schengen visas –
Reason 1: Countries soon to be included in the Schengen agreement
Countries that are in the process of joining the Schengen zone have already started honoring Schengen visas. Currently, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia and Cyprus are in the process of joining the Schengen zone.
Reason 2: Countries trust Schengen visa screening process
Schengen visa applicants are screened thoroughly for their strong ties with home countries. Countries simply trust the Schengen visa screening.
Reason 3: Countries that lack infrastructure, technology or manpower
Countries may not have the required infrastructure, technology or the manpower to screen applicants as thorough as Schengen visa.
What countries are included in the Schengen visa?
The following 26 countries are included in the Schengen visa.
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Apart from the above 26, there are about 39 non-Schengen countries you can visit with Schengen visa.
What Schengen visas are eligible for non-Schengen countries?
The following Schengen visas can be used to travel non-Schengen countries
- Short-term C-Type Schengen visa
Some countries require the Schengen visas to be multiple-entry and have been used at least once to enter the Schengen zone.
So, without further due, let’s jump in.
***
North America
Cathedral in Oaxaca, Mexico
01. Mexico
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 180 days
- Source: Secretary of Foreign Relations, Mexico, Consulate of Mexico in Washington DC, USA, Consulate of Mexico in Toronto, Canada and Consulate of Mexico in India
***
Central America
Secret Beach in San Pedro, Belize
02. Belize
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 30 days
- Source: Belize.com, Belize High Commission in London and Consulate of Belize in Alberta, Canada
03. El Salvador
- Applies to India passport holders only
- Entry up to 90 days
- Must enter El Salvador by land from Guatemala. Unrestricted travel between the CA-4 countries (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua) by land is allowed as per Central America-4 Border Control Agreement.
- Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of El Salvador
04. Guatemala
- Applies to India passport holders only
- Entry up to 90 days
- Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala and Embassy of India in Guatemala
05. Honduras
- Applies to India passport holders only
- Must enter Honduras by land from Guatemala. Unrestricted travel between the CA-4 countries (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua) by land is allowed as per Central America-4 Border Control Agreement.
- Entry up to 90 days
- Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of El Salvador on CA-4
06. Nicaragua
- Applies to India passport holders only
- Entry up to 30 days
- Must enter Nicaragua by land from Honduras. Unrestricted travel between the CA-4 countries (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua) by land is allowed as per Central America-4 Border Control Agreement.
- Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of El Salvador on CA-4
***
Caribbean
Atlantis in Bahamas
07. Antigua and Barbuda
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 30 days
- Source: Department of Immigration, Antigua and Barbuda and Consulate General of Antigua and Barbuda in NYC
08. Aruba
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 30 days
- Source: Visit Aruba
09. Bahamas
- Applies to India passport holders only
- Entry up to 30 days
- Source: Bahamas.com and TIMATIC
10. Curaçao
- Applies to China, Dominican Republic and India passport holders only
- Entry up to 30 days
- Source: Curaçao Tourism and Netherlands and You
11. Haiti
- Applies to Colombia, Dominican Republic and Panama passport holders only
- Entry up to 180 days
- Source: Embassy of the Republic of Haiti in Washington DC
12. Jamaica
- Applies to the following passport holders only
Albania
Belarus
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bulgaria
Croatia
Dominican RepublicEstonia
Honduras
Kazakhstan
Latvia
Lithuania
MacedoniaMoldova
Montenegro
Romania
Serbia
Slovenia - Entry up to 30 days
- Source: Consulate General of Jamaica in NYC and Jamaica Immigration Department
13. Sint Maarten
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 30 days
- Source: Government of Sint Maarten
***
South America
Villa de Leyva, Colombia
14. Argentina
- Applies to the following passport holders only
Albania
Angola
Antigua and Barbuda
Bahamas
Bahrain
Belize
Benin
Bhutan
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Central African Republic
China
Congo, Dem Rep of
Congo, Rep of
Cuba
Djibouti
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Equatorial GuineaEritrea
Ethiopia
Gabon
Gambia
Ghana
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
India
Indonesia
Ivory Coast
Kenya
Kiribati
Laos
Lesotho
Madagascar
Malawi
Maldives
Marshall Islands
Mauricio
Moldova
Mozambique
Myanmar
Namibia
NauruNepal
Niger
Oman
Palaos
Papua New Guinea
Philippines
Rwanda
Samoa
São Tomé And Príncipe
Senegal
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Solomon Islands
Swaziland
Tanzania
Togo
Tonga
Tuvalu
Uganda
Vanuatu
Vietnam
Zambia
Zimbabwe - The Schengen visa must be Category C visa only (work/student/residency are not eligible)
- The visa must be valid for at least 3 months from the day of entry into Argentina
- Must apply for Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before arrival
- eTA fee is $50 USD and processing time is 20 working days
- Entry up to 90 days
- Source: Department of Immigration of Argentina and Consulate General of Argentina, Toronto
15. Colombia
- Applies to Cambodia, China, India, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam passport holders only
- Entry up to 90 days
- Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia
16. Peru
- Applies to India and China passport holders only
- The Schengen visa must have been granted for at least 6 months
- Entry up to 180 days
- Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Peru and Embassy of India in Lima, Peru
***
Europe
St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City
17. Albania
- Applies to all nationalities
- Must have used the visa to enter the issuing country at least once
- Entry up to 90 days
- Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Albania
18. Andorra
- Applies to all nationalities
- 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
- Entry up to 90 days
- Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Andorra and All Andorra
19. Belarus
- Applies to the following passport holders only
China
Gambia
Haiti - Must have used the Schengen visa at least once
- Must enter and exit through Minsk National Airport only
- Entry up to 30 days
- Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus
20. Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Applies to all nationalities except Kosovo passport holders
- The visa must be valid for at least 30 days from the date of entry
- Entry up to 30 days
- Source: Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in India and Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Norway
21. Bulgaria
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 90 days
- Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria
22. Croatia
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 30 days
- Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Croatia, VFS Global, India and VFS Global, UAE
23. Cyprus
- Applies to all nationalities
- Stay must not exceed 90 days in any 180 day period
- Entry up to 90 days
- Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus
24. Georgia
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 90 days
- Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia
25. Kosovo
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 15 days
- Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kosovo and AAB College in Kosovo
26. Macedonia
- Applies to all nationalities
- The 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
- Entry up to 15 days
- Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Macedonia
27. Moldova
- Applies to China, Kuwait and Qatar passport holders only
- Entry up to 90 days
- Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova
28. Monaco
- Applies to all nationalities
- 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 Schengen zone
- Entry up to 90 days
- Source: Government of Principality of Monaco and Visit Monaco
29. Montenegro
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 30 days
- Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro
30. Romania
- Applies to all nationalities
- The existing Schengen visa must allow at least two entries and the entries/length of stay has not been exhausted
- Entry up to 90 days
- Source: Tourism of Romania and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania
31. San Marino
- Applies to all nationalities
- San Marino doesn’t require any visa, but entry/exit to San Marino is only through Italy which requires a Schengen Visa
- Schengen visa must be multiple-entry or at least double-entry as the entry/exit to San Marino is only through Schengen zone
- Entry up to 90 days
- Source: Visit San Marino
32. Serbia
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 90 days
- Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia
33. Turkey
- Applies to the following passport holders only
Afghanistan
Angola
Bangladesh
Benin
Botswana
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Central African Republic
Chad
Comoros
Cote d’Ivoire
Congo, Dem. Rep, of
Congo, Rep. of
Djibouti
Egypt
Equatorial Guinea
EritreaEthiopia
Gabon
Gambia
Ghana
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
India
Iraq
Kenya
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Madagascar
Malawi
Mali
Mauritania
Mozambique
Nepal
NigerNigeria
North Korea
Pakistan
Philippines
Rwanda
Sao Tome and Principe
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Somalia
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Swaziland
Tanzania
Togo
Uganda
Vietnam
Yemen
Zimbabwe - Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for a 30 day eVisa online.
- Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey
34. Vatican City
- Applies to all nationalities
- Vatican City doesn’t require any visa, but entry/exit to Vatican City is only through Italy which requires a Schengen Visa
- Entry up to 1 day (There are no accommodation facilities for tourists in Vatican City)
***
Middle East
Zulfa Mosque in Muscat, Oman
35. Oman
- Applies to the following passport holders only
- Visa in NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for 30 day eVisa
- Entry up to 30 days
- Source: Sultanate of Oman, Royal Oman Police
36. Qatar
- Applies to all nationalities
- Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for eTA and then avail Visa ON ARRIVAL at international airports in Qatar
- Entry up to 30 days
- Source: Qatar Tourist Authority and Ministry of Foreign Interior, Qatar
***
Africa
The beautiful beaches of São Tomé and Príncipe
37. São Tomé and Príncipe
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 15 days
- Source: Consulate of São Tomé and Príncipe in the Netherlands and São Tomé and Príncipe Tourism Department
***
Asia
The night view of Taipei, Taiwan
38. Philippines
- Applies to only India and China passport holders
- Entry up to 14 days (India passport holders)
- Entry up to 7 days (China passport holders)
- Source: Embassy of Philippines in Singapore and Embassy of Philippines in India
39. Taiwan
- Applies to Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam passport holders only
- Visa is EXEMPT but must apply online for Republic of China Travel Authorization Certificate (Valid for 90 days) before arrival
- Entry up to 14 days
- Source: Bureau of Consular Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan)
***
VISA-FREE travel with Schengen visa to British and Dutch Territories
01. Bonaire (Kingdom of the Netherlands)
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 30 days
- Source: Bonaire Travel Guide, VFS Global India – Dutch Caribbean Visas and The Netherlands and You
02. Gibraltar (British Territory)
- Applies to China, India, Mongolia, Morocco and Russia passport holders only
- Entry up to 21 days
- The Schengen visa must have a remaining validity of at least 7 days on the day of departure from Gibraltar
- Source: Government of Gibraltar and Gibraltar Borders & Coastguards Agency
***
VISA-FREE travel with a Residence Permit (Permanent Residency) from any Schengen Country
If you hold a Residence Permit (Permanent Residency) from any Schengen Country, you can use your residence permit to enter these below countries. Passport eligibility and rules apply as above.
North America
Caribbean
- Aruba
- Sint Maarten
Europe
- Albania
- Andorra
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Georgia
- Kosovo
- Macedonia
- Moldova
- Monoco
- Romania
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Turkey
- Vatican City
Middle East
- Qatar
Asia
- Philippines
- Taiwan
***
There you have it! 39 non-Schengen countries you can travel VISA-FREE with Schengen visa. Including the 26 Schengen countries, there are a total of 65 countries you can visit with Schengen visa.
Do you know any other country (I haven’t listed here) that you can travel VISA-FREE with Schengen visa? Let me know in the comments below.
How to get Thailand Visa on Arrival – A complete guide
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Highly informative. Please assist in the following.
I am an Indian Passport holder with visit VISA to USA. Which are the countries I can travel without a visa/ eligible for visa on arrival.
Hi Rajan! Thanks! I have a separate article on the VISA-FREE countries for US visa. Except for Argentina and Chile, all countries in that article offer visa exemption to INDIA passport with US visa.
highly appreciate the article info
Thanks, Venkatesh! I’m glad the article was helpful to you.
Thank you, very informative!
You’re welcome, Raul!
Please I want to know as a Nigerian nationality who reside in Italy with residential permit can I travel to Taiwan without a visa
Hi Franklin! Unfortunately, you would REQUIRE a visa to travel to Taiwan. The visa waiver with Schengen visa/residence permit is only for Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam passport holders.
Dear Sir
My son, a thai national now studying in Amsterdam, having Schengen visa and residence permit, wishes to join family in holidays in April for 7 days. Does he need to apply for UK visa for entry to UK. If required, how n where can he apply.
Thanks n regards
Hi Decha! Unfortunately, your son cannot use his Schengen visa or residence permit to enter the UK. Your son would need a UK tourist visa (short-stay visa) to travel to the UK. You can refer to my UK Visa Guide for more details.
Does a valid visa mean only one which is currently valid? Because the schengen visa is issued with a very short open window. So can a visa issued (and used) in the last two years be considered a valid visa?
Hi Sunil! A “valid visa” means the visa must be valid at the time of entering the country. An “expired visa” is NOT considered as “valid”.
Example: You intend to arrive in Albania on April 16. Your Schengen visa expiration date must be on or after April 17.
I understand that a Schengen visa is usually issued for a short period of time. But you will be issued with longer validity on your subsequent applications. Meaning, a first Schengen visa may be issued for 20 days, second visa may be issued for 90 days and third for 180 days.
Hi, I have a valid Schengen visa multiple-entry for 5 years. Can I get visa on arrival in Thailand?
Hi Irshad! No. You cannot use your Schengen visa to enter Thailand. You must have a Thai visa or you obtain VOA if you are from one of the 21 eligible countries. Refer to my Thailand Visa Guide for more information.
As regards Moldova, the information you have provided is outdated already.
Now, a majority of visa-required nationals may visit Moldova with a Schengen visa or residence permit! However, this visa exemption is not (yet) applicable to passport holders of 36 countries.
The updated list can be found by following the same link that you have provided.
Hi Attman! Thanks for the information! I apologize, I’m a bit slacking on updating these articles due to the bad internet situation in the areas I’m traveling. I will update the requirements for Moldova soon. Thanks again!
No worries, Thirumal!
This new policy seems to have been in effect for a week or so. It’s, nonetheless, good for everyone to remain updated on the changes.
By the way, those 36 nationalities who are not allowed to visit Moldova with a Schengen visa/RP may apply for an e-visa (https://www.evisa.gov.md/Home/Index) without an invitation letter issued by the Moldavian Bureau of Migration and Asylum, if they hold valid Schengen visas/RPs. That is an advantage, in any case.
Thanks, Attman! Great initiative on their part. This will definitely boost tourism in Moldova. A long time ago, a friend of mine worked in Moldova as a Peace Corps volunteer. I really wanted to visit my friend at that time but I couldn’t due to lengthy paperwork. This is great news. Thanks again!
I am a tourist from Pakistan having USA multiple visa. Can enter Moldova without a visa? In Pakistan, there is no embassy of Moldova. Thanks!
Hi Khurram! No, you cannot use your US visa to enter Moldova. You would need to have the following to enter Moldova
– A valid Moldova visa (or)
– A valid multiple-entry Schengen visa
– A valid visa or residence permit from any EU country or Schengen country
Hi, thanks for the information. I have 3 months Schengen visa from Ghana from the Spanish embassy. Can I use it to enter Britain without applying for the UK visa?
Hi Ato! No. You CANNOT use your Schengen visa to enter the UK. You REQUIRE a UK visitor visa.
Hi,
My Friend has an Indian passport and is residing in Scotland, so she has a resident permit of Scotland. She is applying for a double entry Schengen visa from Scotland. She has booked a flight from Scotland to Belgium(Return ticket). But in between her stay in Belgium, she will also visit Croatia.
Will it be a problem?
Regards
Hi Nikita! Well, it depends. Is she going to disclose in her Schengen visa application that she will be visiting Croatia while being in Belgium? If so, it might create a visa dependency. We know Croatia is not a Schengen state but still accepts Schengen visa. The Belgium immigration authorities may not know this and they may ask for a Croatia visa. I suggest attaching a copy of “Croatia visa requirements” to her Schengen visa application.
If she is not going to disclose, then there is no problem. Most of the times, the Schengen visas are multiple entries, therefore, she can visit Croatia and re-enter Belgium.
Hi, I am South African with UAE resident visa and planning to apply for schengen visa. Which countries can I visit using the Schengen visa? Thanks
Hi Elisa! Apart from the 26 Schengen countries, you can travel to all the countries listed in this article that says “applies to all nationalities”.
Your UAE residence visa may give you access to some GCC countries as well. I plan to write a detailed article on UAE resident visa as well, I will update you when that’s published.
Can a Jamaican with a 23 yr old past non-violent case visit Canada? Has funds, job and, and will pay upfront for the hotel stay. Denied in 2015. Reason – do not believe they would return home. All pertinent docs were revealed.
Hi Jo! Yes, if you can secure the visa, you can very well visit Canada. The reason for your 2015 denial seems to be based on lack of strong ties with your country rather than the non-violent case. If you don’t have a full-time job, enough savings and travel history, your ties with your country become weaker, which could lead to visa refusal.
Hi dear, I am a Pakistani national living in Dubai UAE. Should I visit schengen country first or without travel, I can visit Mexico on Schengen valid visa?
Hi Mzhr Khan! You can visit Mexico with your valid Schengen visa. You don’t have to use your Schengen visa to enter the Schengen zone first.
Hi Thirumal,
I have a few questions regarding the upcoming travel. I stay in New York and have a valid US Visa. I do travel a bit and currently have a Canadian Visa and Single Entry Schengen Visa. Can you advise which non-schengen countries within Europe I can travel with these visas (USA/Canada/Single Entry Schengen)?
Hi Santosh! A US visa is much powerful and offers more VISA-FREE countries than a Canada visa. Single-entry Schengen visas are not really useful as all countries that accept Schengen visa requires the Schengen visa to be double or multiple-entry.
Here is the list of countries in Europe that you can travel visa-free with your US visa.
– Albania
– Bosnia and Herzegovina
– Georgia
– Macedonia
– Montenegro
– Serbia
– Turkey (eVisa)
– UK (24-hour entry)
Hello Thirumal,
I’ll be going on vacation to London, Iceland, Italy, and Greece. My question is, can I enter Italy & Greece with Iceland Schengen visa?
Iceland Schengen visa processing time is typically fast when compared with Italy & Greece I heard also since I’ll be visiting each country for the same number of days, I decided to apply for Iceland first.
Thanks!
Hi Nneha! Yes, you can enter Italy or Greece with your Iceland issued Schengen visa. There is a slight chance that you may be asked at the port of entry in Italy/Greece on why you are entering Greece first. Explain that you have the same amount of days in each country and decided to Italy/Greece first. You will be fine.
Thank You Thirumal. Surprisingly, the Embassy provided me with the double-entry Schengen visa. Can I visit all the non-Schengen European countries using US/Schengen visa (Croatia, Moldova, Kosovo, Belarus, etc)?
Also, Can you explain to me how the double-entry visa work? Say I fly from NYC to Paris and then visit Serbia and then Lisbon and back to NYC during one trip. Is it still considered as one Schengen entry or two? Please clarify on this.
Hi Santosh! You can visit the following non-Schengen European countries with your US visa and “double-entry” Schengen visa. Make sure you have at least one entry left on your double-entry Schengen visa when visiting these countries.
Albania (US visa)
Andorra (Schengen visa)
Bosnia and Herzegovina (US visa)
Bulgaria (Schengen visa)
Croatia (Schengen visa)
Cyprus (Schengen visa)
Georgia (US visa)
Macedonia (US visa)
Monaco (Schengen visa)
Montenegro (US visa)
Romania (Schengen visa)
San Marino (Schengen visa)
Serbia (US visa)
Turkey (US visa) (eVisa)
You cannot visit the below countries as they require a “multiple-entry” Schengen visa.
– Belarus
– Kosovo
– Moldova
When you fly from NYC to Paris, you will enter France, which is a Schengen state. This will be your first entry. When you fly from Paris to Serbia, you will leave the Schengen zone. Again when you fly from Serbia to Lisbon, you will enter Portugal which is a Schengen state. This will be your second and last entry for your Schengen visa.
Hi Thirumal,
If I have a work permit for Sweden, can I travel the remaining 39 countries which you mentioned above by holding this visa? Or it may cause any issue if I hold an Indian Passport?
Hi Genny! All of those 39 countries honor “valid multiple-entry short-term C-Type Schengen visas”. But, not all of those 39 countries honor D-Type National visas. You have to check with each country if they honor national visas.
Hi Thirumal,
Thanks for the article! Planning a trip from Pakistan to Europe. Wanted help clarifying if, with a single entry Schengen visa (issued through Italy), we can travel from Pakistan to Serbia, then onward to Italy and back to Serbia for taking the return flight?
That would mean only a single entry into the Schengen territory, but two entries into Serbia. Can’t seem to be sure of this from all that I’ve researched.
Hope you can help.
Hi Dani! If you are using your single-entry Schengen visa to enter Serbia as well, then your itinerary wouldn’t work. You cannot re-enter Serbia after Italy since your Schengen visa will not be valid by then. You would have already used your single-entry Schengen visa and your visa would be obsolete by then.
But if you have a separate double or multiple-entry visa for Serbia, then your itinerary would work.
Hi, thank you for all your information!
I have a Permanent Residency in France, I called the Mexico embassy, they said that I should apply for a visa (I have Algerian passport). She said that it works only if you have a Schengen visa, and not if you have a Residency in a Schengen country.
You should may be consider editing the article.
Cheers
Hi Nad! Thanks for letting me know! All 4 original sources (for Mexico) I have referred to in this article are all saying that a “valid residence permit” from “any Schengen country” can be used to enter Mexico. Mexico might have updated their visa requirements recently but unfortunately, the update is not reflecting in any of the 4 original sources I have referred to. I will contact and check with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mexico for updated information. Thanks again for letting me know!
For France visa – Last 3 years income tax returns with computation of income with tax? Paid challans or form No 16 is mandatory? Without this can we not get the visa? With just the employer leave letter, salary slip, bank statement?
Hi Raj! Income tax returns are not required for Schengen visa. All you need is your employment proofs, payslips and bank statements.
Hi Thirumal, I’m planning my first trip to Europe which is about 2 months long. However, I heard that the first time Schengen Visa is only given for 2 weeks (I haven’t applied for the visa yet). Is there a way for me to apply for a visa that is multiple entries and is valid for over 2 months?
Hi Emy! Schengen visas are issued for the number of days requested plus a few extra days. In your case, you may be issued the visa for 20 days. On your subsequent applications, you may get a longer validity such as 90 days.
On your first application, it’s difficult to get a 60 day validity. You can try with a 60 day itinerary but you will have to provide a proof that your employer has agreed for you to be away for 60 days and you have enough funds to support such a long trip.
Hey All, I’m trying to figure out if a Double Entry Schengen visa allows entry to Bosnia. All website I could find show that it requires multiple entry, but can’t find any info on the double entry Schengen visa and if it would allow entry to Bosnia.
Appreciate any help. Thanks!
Hi Yaser! As far as my knowledge goes, you would need a multiple-entry Schengen visa for Bosnia. Your best bet would be to contact the embassy and asking them.
Hi, I’m Egyptian and have Schengen multiple-entry visa of one year. I always travel to European countries. Which countries outside Europe I can use this Schengen visa?
Thank you,
Sarwat
Hi Sarwat! With your Egyptian passport and Schengen multiple-entry visa, you can visit all the countries listed in this article that says “applies to all nationalities”.
Hello, my Schengen visa says the duration of stay is 25 days but I read it in almost every article that you can stay for 90 days with a tourist visa. I want to know if I can stay for 90 days.
Hi Olu! You can only stay a maximum of 25 days within the Schengen zone on your Schengen visa. Anything longer is considered as visa overstay and can lead to fines, deportation or ban on reentering.
Currently, I am in Kuwait. I just got my multiple entry Schengen visa from the Netherlands VFS. My question is can I use my NLD Schengen visa to come to France or do I need to apply again.
Hi Justin! You can use your Schengen visa issued by Netherlands consulate to travel to France. A Schengen visa is valid for all 26 countries in the Schengen zone including France and the Netherlands.
You can’t go direct to France and you took Schengen visa from the Netherlands. You must use your visa 1st time to go to Netherlands, then you can use your Schengen visa to France.
Hello! I have a Ugandan passport and I want to go to Paris for 5 days, Turkey for 2 days and return back to my country Uganda. If I have a Schengen visa, can I go to Turkey for 2 days without applying for the single entry visa in Turkey? Please advice.
Hi Len! Yes. You can use your Uganda passport and Schengen visa to enter Turkey. You must apply for Turkey eVisa prior to arrival in Turkey. The Turkey eVisa takes only a few minutes to apply and process.
I hold a Pakistani passport and Latvian temporary Residency card. Please guide me where I can travel without a visa. Regards!
Hi Sheharyar! If you have a residence permit (temporary or permanent) from Latvia, you may be able to enter the countries listed in “VISA-FREE travel with a Residence Permit (Permanent Residency) from any Schengen Country”. Look up the sources for these countries to see if they accept a temporary residence permit.
Dear Thirumal,
Even if you have multiple or single-entry Schengen visas for Indians, Turkey is not allowing to enter their country. A separate online visa application should be submitted to the Turkey Embassy. Upon approval within 3 to 4 days and payment of approx 50 USD, they will allow Indians to enter Turkey.
In fact, I needed just a transit visa to catch a flight in Istanbul airport on my way to Hungary from Bahrain but I was denied entry. Somehow I got the onward boarding pass (from pegasus airline) and I traveled without exiting the airport. However, your article is informative and helping thousands of travelers. May be from time to time there will be changes in visa approval process by each country which you may have to verify to keep the article updated. Thanks.
Hi Prajwal! Thanks for the update. But I think you have overlooked the details for Turkey in this article. I have already mentioned that “Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for a 30-day eVisa online.” along with a link to eVisa website.
I agree on keeping the article update. It’s one of the challenges of running a visa blog. It’s hard to keep up with the constant changes in visa requirements. But I have been trying my best to keep these articles updated. Thanks again!
Hello Thirumal,
Brief introduction: I am a REFUGEE status holder in France, which means I hold a permanent residence titres de séjour card (2017 – 2027) + Refugee travel document (2017- 2022). I am working in Spain as an Engineer.
Problem: The company wants to send me for projects in Mexico, Panama, Chile, Turkey, Marocco, Iran (for the moment) but they are expecting me to hop on a plane and arrive in the countries where the projects are located (just like an ordinary European passport holder i.e. travel to more than 160 countries visa-free).
As I did some research about the travelling, I could not find any information about the REFUGEE STATUS HOLDER travelling policies. Not even on French official website for refugees.
My question: I would like to know as I hold a permanent residency (Refugee status though), can I travel to 39 countries outside the EU zone? Referring to your blog How to travel 39 Non-Schengen countries VISA-FREE with Schengen visas. The purpose of my email is more for professional matter rather than going on vacations. (my trips won´t be longer than a week).
Please add some information about the travel guide for EU refugee status holders.
Regards: Abuzar KHAN
Hi Abuzar! Unfortunately, my knowledge of traveling with a refugee travel document is very limited. Mostly due to the fact that not much information is available out there. Even the official websites aren’t very clear on these requirements. Therefore, I cannot confirm that you can use your French permanent residency to travel to any of those 39 countries. I suggest contacting each of these countries to confirm the requirements. Meanwhile, I will also contact the consulates and ministries to get more information.
I have a temporary residence permit in Serbia. Can I visit Schengen countries without visa?
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.
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!
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.
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?
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.
Hello Thirumal, can I apply for Schengen multiple visa on a fresh Pakistani ordinary passport?
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.
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?
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.
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!
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.