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81 VISA-FREE Countries for Schengen Visa Holders (2025)

Updated: 103 Comments

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

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Why do non-Schengen countries accept Schengen visas?

VISA-FREE Countries for Schengen Visa
Map of VISA-FREE Countries for Schengen Visa Holders in 2025 | © 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 joining Schengen. 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 will accept Schengen visas.

Reason 2: Countries trust the Schengen visa screening process

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 usually screened thoroughly 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.

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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.

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Schengen Zone (29 countries)

List of Schengen Countries and Map
List of Schengen Countries in 2025 | © 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.

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Europe

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

30. Albania

  • Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
  • 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
  • Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Albania

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31. Andorra

  • Eligible nationalities: All 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

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32. Armenia

  • Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
    1. Algeria
    2. Bahrain
    3. Belize
    4. Bhutan
    5. Bolivia
    6. Brunei
    7. Cambodia
    8. Colombia
    9. Costa Rica
    10. Cuba
    11. Egypt
    12. Fiji
    13. Grenada
    14. Guatemala
    15. Guyana
    16. Haiti
    17. Honduras
    18. India
    19. Iraq
    20. Jamaica
    21. Kiribati
    22. Laos
    23. Malaysia
    24. Maldives
    25. Marshall Islands
    26. Micronesia
    27. Mongolia
    28. Morocco
    29. Myanmar
    30. Nauru
    31. Nicaragua
    32. Palau
    33. Papua New Guinea
    34. Paraguay
    35. Philippines
    36. Saint Kitts and Nevis
    37. Saint Lucia
    38. Samoa
    39. Saudi Arabia
    40. Solomon Islands
    41. Suriname
    42. Timor-Leste
    43. Tonga
    44. Trinidad and Tobago
    45. Tunisia
    46. Turkmenistan
    47. Tuvalu
    48. Vanuatu
    49. Venezuela
    50. Vietnam
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas
  • Duration of stay: 21 or 120 days
  • Additional requirements:
    • Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL or Armenia e-Visa (needed for Egypt, India and Iraq passport holders)
    • VOA fee is 3,000 AMD, valid for 21 days, single-entry (OR) 15,000 AMD, valid for 120 days, single-entry
  • Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia

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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 or transit through Russia
  • Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus

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34. Bosnia and Herzegovina

  • Eligible nationalities: All 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
  • Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina (click on “Decision on Visas – Amendments – 73_17” link)

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35. Cyprus

  • Eligible nationalities: All 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

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36. Georgia

  • Eligible nationalities: All 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

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37. Gibraltar (British Territory)

  • Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
    1. China
    2. India
    3. Mongolia
    4. Morocco
  • Permitted visas: All valid USED multiple-entry Schengen visas
  • Duration of stay: 21 days
  • Additional requirements:
    • Schengen visa must have been used to enter the visa-issuing country
    • Schengen visa must be valid for at least 7 days beyond the period of stay
  • Official source: Gibraltar Borders & Coastguards Agency

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38. Kosovo

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

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39. Moldova

  • Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
    1. Angola
    2. Bahrain
    3. Belize
    4. Benin
    5. Bhutan
    6. Bolivia
    7. Botswana
    8. Myanmar
    9. Burundi
    10. Cambodia
    11. Cape Verde
    12. Central African Republic
    13. China
    14. Comoros
    15. Djibouti
    16. Dominican Republic
    17. Equatorial Guinea
    18. Ethiopia
    19. Fiji
    20. Gabon
    21. Gambia
    22. Guinea
    23. Guinea-Bissau
    24. Guyana
    25. Haiti
    26. India
    27. Jamaica
    28. Kenya
    29. Kuwait
    30. Laos
    31. Lesotho
    32. Madagascar
    33. Malawi
    34. Maldives
    35. Mongolia
    36. Mozambique
    37. Namibia
    38. Nauru
    39. Nepal
    40. Oman
    41. Papua New Guinea
    42. Philippines
    43. Qatar
    44. Rwanda
    45. São Tomé and Príncipe
    46. Saudi Arabia
    47. Senegal
    48. South Africa
    49. Sri Lanka
    50. Suriname
    51. Swaziland
    52. Tanzania
    53. Thailand
    54. Togo
    55. Uganda
    56. Zambia
  • 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

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40. Monaco

  • Eligible nationalities: All 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

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41. Montenegro

  • Eligible nationalities: All 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

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42. North Macedonia

  • Eligible nationalities: All 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

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43. San Marino

  • Eligible nationalities: All 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

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44. Serbia

  • Eligible nationalities: All 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

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45. Turkey

  • 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. Vietnam
    17. Yemen
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused single/multiple-entry Schengen visas
  • Duration of stay: 30 days
  • Additional requirements:
    • Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but 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

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46. United Kingdom

  • Eligible nationalities: All 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 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

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47. Vatican City

  • Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused 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 2025

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Middle East

VISA-FREE Countries for Schengen Visa in Middle East
VISA-FREE Countries for Schengen Visa in Middle East | © Visa Traveler

48. Bahrain

  • Eligible nationalities: All 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 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

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49. Jordan

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

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50. Oman

  • Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
    1. Albania
    2. Armenia
    3. Azerbaijan
    4. Bhutan
    5. Costa Rica
    6. Cuba
    7. El Salvador
    8. Guatemala
    9. Honduras
    10. India
    11. Kyrgyzstan
    12. Laos
    13. Maldives
    14. Mexico
    15. Morocco
    16. Nicaragua
    17. Panama
    18. Peru
    19. Tajikistan
    20. Turkmenistan
    21. Vietnam
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas
  • Duration of stay: 10 or 30 days
  • Additional requirements:
    • Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Oman 26M or 26N Tourist Visa online
    • 26M eVIsa fee is 20 OMR, valid for 30 days, single-entry only
    • 26N eVIsa fee is 5 OMR, valid for 10 days, single-entry only
  • Official source: Foreign Ministry of Oman

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51. Qatar

  • Eligible nationalities: All 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 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
    • Must provide hotel booking for the entire stay reserved through the Discover Qatar website
    • Schengen visa must be valid on the day of the A3 Visa application
  • Official source: Qatar Tourist Board

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52. Saudi Arabia

  • Eligible nationalities: All 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 are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL or Saudi Arabia eVisa
    • VOA or eVisa fee is 300 SAR, valid for 1 year, multiple-entry (plus service fee and insurance fee)
    • Schengen visa must have been USED to enter the visa-issuing country
  • Official source: Saudi Arabia Tourism Authority

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53. United Arab Emirates

  • Eligible nationalities: Indian passport holders only
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused long-term multiple-entry Schengen visas
  • Duration of stay: 14 days
  • Additional requirements:
    • Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but 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 visas must be long-term visas such as 1, 2 or 5 year with at least 6 months validity remaining on the day of arrival
  • Official source: UAE Government Portal

RELATED: 41 countries you can travel VISA-FREE with Canada visa in 2025

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Africa

VISA-FREE Countries for Schengen Visa In Africa
VISA-FREE Countries for Schengen Visa In Africa | © Visa Traveler

54. Egypt

  • Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
  • Permitted visas: All valid USED multiple-entry Schengen visas
  • Duration of stay: 30 days
  • Additional requirements:
    • Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL at all international airports
    • VOA fee is 25 USD, valid for 30 days, single-entry only
    • Schengen visa must have been used to enter the visa-issuing country
  • Official source: Egypt Tourism Department

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55. Morocco

  • Eligible nationalities: All 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 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

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56. Sao Tome and Principe

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

RELATED: 40 countries you can travel VISA-FREE with UK visa in 2025

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Asia

VISA-FREE Countries for Schengen Visa In Asia
VISA-FREE Countries for Schengen Visa In Asia | © Visa Traveler

57. 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.
    • After entering Kyrgyzstan this way, you can only reenter Kyrgyzstan again after 21 days.
  • Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan

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58. Philippines

  • Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
    1. China
    2. India
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas
  • Duration of stay: 14 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

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59. 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 are eligible to obtain Singapore Visa Free Transit Facility (VFTF) upon arrival
    • Must be traveling to or from the country of 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

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60. 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 stop-over before South Korea, it cannot be more than 3 days
  • Official source: South Korea Embassy in Washington DC, USA

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61. 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 must apply for Taiwan Travel Authorization Certificate (TAC) online or Taiwan e-Visa (Colombia passport holders only) before arrival
    • TAC is free of charge, valid for 90 days, 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 eVisa, 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 2025

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North America

VISA-FREE Countries for Schengen Visa in North America
VISA-FREE Countries for Schengen Visa in North America | © Visa Traveler

62. Mexico

  • Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas
  • Duration of stay: Up to 180 days
  • Additional requirements: Schengen visa must be valid for the entire stay in Mexico
  • Official source: National Institute of Migration, Mexico

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Central America

VISA-FREE Countries for Schengen Visa In Central America
VISA-FREE Countries for Schengen Visa In Central America | © Visa Traveler

63. Belize

  • Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
    1. Albania
    2. Angola
    3. Armenia
    4. Azerbaijan
    5. Bahrain
    6. Belarus
    7. Benin
    8. Bhutan
    9. Bosnia Herzegovina
    10. Burkina Faso
    11. Burundi
    12. Cambodia
    13. Cameroon
    14. Cape Verde
    15. Central African Republic
    16. Chad
    17. Comoros
    18. Congo, Dem. Rep. of
    19. Congo, Rep. of
    20. Cote d’Ivoire
    21. Djibouti
    22. Egypt
    23. Equatorial Guinea
    24. Ethiopia
    25. Gabon
    26. Georgia
    27. Guinea
    28. Guinea Bissau
    29. India
    30. Indonesia
    31. Jordan
    32. Kazakhstan
    33. Kosovo
    34. Kuwait
    35. Kyrgyzstan
    36. Laos
    37. Lebanon
    38. Liberia
    39. Macau
    40. Madagascar
    41. Mali
    42. Mauritania
    43. Moldova
    44. Mongolia
    45. Montenegro
    46. Mozambique
    47. Myanmar
    48. Nauru
    49. Nepal
    50. Niger
    51. Nigeria
    52. North Macedonia
    53. Philippines
    54. Qatar
    55. Russia
    56. Rwanda
    57. San Marino
    58. Sao Tome and Principe
    59. Saudi Arabia
    60. Senegal
    61. Serbia
    62. Sri Lanka
    63. Tajikistan
    64. Thailand
    65. Togo
    66. Turkmenistan
    67. Ukraine
    68. United Arab Emirates
    69. Uzbekistan
    70. Vietnam
    71. Yemen
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas
  • Duration of stay: 30 days
  • Official source: Ministry of Immigration of Belize

—

64. 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 at least 1 day from the day of arrival
  • Official source: Directorate General of Migration and Immigration (click on “Directriz General de Visas.pdf” link and refer to “QUINTO: EXCEPCIONES PARA GRUPOS DE INGRESO CON VISA CONSULAR O VISA RESTRINGIDA.” section in the PDF)

—

65. 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, El Salvador and 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

—

66. 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, El Salvador and 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

—

67. 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, El Salvador and 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

—

68. Nicaragua

  • Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
    1. Afghanistan
    2. Albania
    3. Armenia
    4. Bangladesh
    5. Bosnia and Herzegovina
    6. Botswana
    7. Cameroon
    8. Congo, Dem Rep of
    9. Congo, Rep of
    10. Eritrea
    11. Haiti
    12. India
    13. Iraq
    14. Kenya
    15. Laos
    16. Liberia
    17. Libya
    18. Mali
    19. Mongolia
    20. Nepal
    21. Nigeria
    22. Pakistan
    23. Sierra Leone
    24. Somalia
    25. Sri Lanka
    26. Sudan
    27. Syria
    28. Timor-Leste
    29. Yemen
    30. Vietnam
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas
  • Duration of stay: 30 days
  • Additional requirements:
    • Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL
    • VOA fee is 50 USD, payable in USD, valid for 30 days, single-entry only
    • Besides the VOA fee, there is a 10 USD entry fee, a 2 USD land border migration fee (for land border only) and 1 USD municipality tax (for land border only) (payable in USD only)
  • Official source: IATA Travel Centre

—

69. Panama

  • Eligible nationalities: All 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: 14 countries you can visit VISA-FREE with Japan visa or PR in 2024

***

Caribbean

VISA-FREE Countries for Schengen Visa In Caribbean
VISA-FREE Countries for Schengen Visa In Caribbean | © Visa Traveler

70. Antigua and Barbuda

  • Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas
  • Duration of stay: 30 days
  • Additional requirements:
    • Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL
    • 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 nationalities
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas
  • Duration of stay: 90 days
  • Additional requirements: Schengen visa must be valid for the period of intended stay
  • Official source: Netherlands Worldwide

—

72. Bahamas

  • Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
    1. India
  • 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 nationalities
  • Permitted visas: Valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas – C-Type and D-Type only
  • Duration of stay: 90 days
  • Official source: Netherlands Worldwide

—

74. Cuba

  • Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused single/multiple-entry Schengen visas, except those issued by non-EU countries – Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein (C-Type and D-Type only)
  • Duration of stay: 30 days
  • Additional requirements: Must hold the Tourist card (Tarjeta del Turista), which can be obtained from
    • Cuban Embassies and Consulates
    • Authorized Airlines at the time of check-in
    • Travel Agencies specialized in Cuba tours
  • Official source: IATA Travel Centre

—

75. Curaçao

  • Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas (C-Type and D-Type only)
  • Duration of stay: 90 days
  • Official source: Netherlands Worldwide

—

76. Dominican Republic

  • Eligible nationalities: All 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, 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

—

77. 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

—

78. 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

—

79. Sint Maarten

  • Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas (C-Type or D-Type only)
  • Duration of stay: 90 days
  • Official source: Netherlands Worldwide

RELATED: 5 ways to get proof of onward travel for your next trip

***

South America

VISA-FREE Countries for Schengen Visa in South America
VISA-FREE Countries for Schengen Visa in South America | © Visa Traveler

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 single/multiple-entry Schengen visas, except transit (A-Type)
  • 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
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 with a Schengen visa, updated for 2025.

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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103 Comments

  1. 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

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  2. 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.

    Reply

    • 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!

      Reply

  3. I hold a Pakistani passport and Latvian temporary Residency card. Please guide me where I can travel without a visa. Regards!

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  4. 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.

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  5. 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.

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

      • 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.

        Reply

  6. 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.

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  7. 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

    Reply

    • 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”.

      Reply

  8. 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!

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  9. 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?

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  10. 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?

    Reply

    • Hi Raj! Income tax returns are not required for Schengen visa. All you need is your employment proofs, payslips and bank statements.

      Reply

  11. 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

    Reply

    • 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!

      Reply

  12. 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.

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  13. 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?

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  14. 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.

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  15. 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!

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

      • Hi, I am a student in a Schengen country with a multiple entry visa and a temporal residence of 2 years. I wish to inquire which countries I can visit in central America visa-free for leisure purposes. Will be great to get your feedback.

        Reply

        • Hi Stephen! With a multiple-entry Schengen visa, you can travel to Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama. But not all nationalities are eligible, so make sure to check the nationalities list for each of these countries. With your temp residence permit, you can only visit, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Panama.

          Reply

  16. 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)?

    Reply

    • 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)

      Reply

  17. 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?

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  18. 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.

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  19. 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

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  20. 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

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  21. 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!

    Reply

    • 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

      Reply

      • 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?

        Reply

  22. 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 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.

    Reply

    • 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!

      Reply

  23. 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.

    Reply

    • 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!

      Reply

  24. Hi, I have a valid Schengen visa multiple-entry for 5 years. Can I get visa on arrival in Thailand?

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  25. 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?

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  26. 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

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  27. Please I want to know as a Nigerian nationality who reside in Italy with residential permit can I travel to Taiwan without a visa

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  30. 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.

    Reply

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