Do you know that the Schengen visa not only unlocks access to 29 Schengen nations but to 67 nations worldwide?
Yes, a Schengen visa primarily intends to facilitate travel within 29 countries in the Schengen Area. However, its utility extends beyond its borders, as various non-Schengen countries allow travelers with valid Schengen visas to visit these countries.
This article will explore these countries and the conditions associated with these privileges. But before proceeding, let us examine the meaning of this visa program.
What is a Schengen visa?
The Schengen region comprises 29 European nations that have eliminated internal borders and permit passport-free travel between members. A Schengen visa allows one to travel to the countries for short periods, usually 90 days within 180 days.
Although the visa's primary function is facilitating travel in the Schengen region, its acceptance by other non-Schengen nations confers tremendous value to foreign visitors.
Benefits of extended Schengen visa privileges
Having the convenience of visiting 67 nations on a single visa is highly beneficial because it offers the following benefits.
- Convenient travel planning: Tourists can visit several destinations without requesting individual visas.
- Cost savings: Removing the necessity for extra visas saves money for regular travellers.
- Greater flexibility: One can undertake spontaneous visits to adjacent eligible states with a Schengen visa.
Key conditions of using a Schengen visa in a non-EU country
Although a Schengen visa provides access to 67 countries worldwide, tourists must meet each country's terms. The most common requirements include:
- Visa validity: The Schengen visa must be valid for the entire stay in the non-Schengen country. Some countries, however, require it to be valid for a few months before arrival.
- Type of Schengen Visa: Certain nations accept only multiple-entry Schengen visas when the visitors are visa-free, while they do not accept single-entry visa visitors.
- Previous use of the Schengen Visa: Certain nations, such as Albania, demand that the visa be used at least once before accessing the Schengen Area to grant access.
- Restrictions based on nationality: Certain non-Schengen states grant such privileges only to some nationalities. For instance, Colombia permits admission for Chinese and Indian nationals with Schengen visas.
- Stay duration: The allowed stay duration differs from country to country and is often restricted to 15, 30, 90, or 180 days.
Non-Schengen countries allowing entry with a Schengen visa
The following information explains the detailed information of non-Schengen countries allowing entry with a Schengen visa, the duration of stay and the conditions travellers must meet to enter these countries.
Albania
Up to 90 days in 180 days. To enter Albania, visitors should possess a valid, multiple-entry Schengen visa that has previously been used for entry into one of the Schengen area countries. An unused Schengen visa may not be utilised for direct entry.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Remain allowed for a maximum of 30 days within 180 days. The Schengen visa should be valid throughout the stay. There is no need for previous use of the Schengen visa.
Colombia
Cambodia, China, India, Macau, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam can stay in this country for a maximum of 90 days. The Schengen visa must be valid for at least 180 days from entry into Colombia.
Croatia
You can remain for a maximum of 90 days in any 180 days. Individuals with a valid Schengen visa do not need an additional Croatian visa. It has become standard since the canal country joined the Schengen Area in 2023.
Cyprus
Permits entry for a maximum of 90 days within 180 days. A double or multiple-entry Schengen visa is necessary. A one-entry Schengen visa will not suffice to travel to Cyprus.
Georgia
You are allowed to remain for 90 days within 180 days. The Schengen visa should be valid throughout your stay. No extra visa formalities are needed for Schengen visa holders.
Montenegro
Up to 30 days of stay are allowed. A valid Schengen visa is needed, but it must be valid during the stay and not used in a Schengen state before it can be used here.
North Macedonia
The remaining time is allowed to be a maximum of 15 days. The Schengen visa should be five days longer than the traveller's intended departure from North Macedonia.
Serbia
The Schengen visa entitles entry for a maximum of 90 days within 180 days. It should cover the whole visit duration; no other visa is needed.
Turkey
Stay length varies according to nationality. Certain nationalities can get an eVisa if they hold a valid Schengen visa. The list of nations eligible changes, so travellers are advised to consult Turkey's official visa website before making plans.
Conclusion
A Schengen visa is a travel document that grants visitors access to 29 European nations and 67 non-Schengen countries. It offers convenience, flexibility, and economy. However, each country has conditions on visa validity, type, prior use, and nationality requirements. Knowledge of these conditions maximises benefits without using several visas. Awareness of visa policies ensures unproblematic travel, so check entry requirements for each destination before travelling.
For more details about the Schengen visa and other visa programs, contact Province Immigration via +91 98961 96762 or [email protected].
