It is getting harder and harder to get a Schengen visa to visit any of the 27 countries that are part of the Schengen Area. Around 18 percent of Schengen visa applicants worldwide faced rejection last year, which means that one out of approximately five applicants received a negative response.
Fortunately, holders of a Schengen visa can visit 17 other nations throughout the globe, the bulk of which are in Europe but are not included in the Schengen Area. Travellers who have already used up their allotted amount of time in the Schengen Zone might continue their adventures at these locations.
You must fulfil certain requirements to be eligible for a Schengen Visa. However, for those who have already used up their permitted stay in the Schengen Zone, we have carefully chosen five of these nations as the perfect summer vacation spots.
This candidate nation for the EU in Southeastern Europe follows EU visa regulations. Tourists with Schengen visas may travel to Albania and remain there for up to 90 days without counting their time towards the permitted stay in the Schengen Zone.
You can travel around this affordable nation, known for its breathtaking beaches, undiscovered coastal jewels, natural landscapes, and UNESCO World Heritage sites, on a short-term visa.
For holders of Schengen visas, Turkey, which hopes to join the EU in the future, offers a unique position. Only citizens of a select few nations are able to travel to Turkey on a Schengen visa, and even they are required to apply for an electronic visa.
There are certain things you must know before moving to Turkey. Türkiye provides a variety of accommodation choices, from massive hotels that can accommodate hundreds of visitors to cosy inns and family-run motels.
The nation, which is bordered by water, is renowned for its friendly people, delectable cuisine, and rich cultural legacy. The visa limitations don't change the allure of Turkey as a tourism destination.
Bulgaria is a member of the EU, however, it has not yet acceded to the Schengen Agreement. Travellers with Schengen visas are permitted entry into Bulgaria, and their time there is not included in their overall Schengen stay.
However, 2023 might be the last year to go to Bulgaria with a fully utilised Schengen visa because Bulgaria is almost ready to join the borderless area. For winter sports fans, Bulgaria provides a breathtaking Black Sea coastline, majestic mountain ranges and reasonably priced ski resorts.
Montenegro has matched the EU's visa requirements as an EU candidate nation. Due to their shared border, visiting both Albania and Kosovo in one trip is simple. Sandal beaches, picturesque squares, historic buildings, and thriving nightlife can be found in the coastal towns of Montenegro.
Over the years, celebrities including Naomi Campbell, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Maluma, Madonna, and the Beckhams have all visited. With charming cities like Kotor, Budva, Perast, and Sveti Stefan, Montenegro is still an affordable travel option despite its celebrity appeal.
Surprisingly, Mexico does not require a separate tourist visa to allow entrance to those having Schengen visas. Mexico is worth visiting, especially for travellers who enjoy the summer, despite being far from Europe in terms of geography.
World-famous beaches may be found in Cancun, Tulum, Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, and La Paz in this nation. In addition to its stunning coastline, Mexico has historical sites like Teotihuacan, the Great Pyramid of Cholula, and the Mayan cities of Uxmal and Chichen Itza.
Mexico attracts tourists from all over the world with more than 20 million visitors from abroad annually.
There are many fascinating places outside the Schengen Area to visit for individuals with a Schengen visa. These nations provide distinctive experiences in their own ways, from the reasonably priced and attractive Albania and Bulgaria to the coastline allure of Montenegro and the cultural wonders of Mexico and Turkey.
You can spend a total of 90 days in the Schengen Zone with a Schengen visa during any 180-day term. The maximum stay is 90 days, regardless of the length of your visa (six months or a year, for example).
Several nations, including Bulgaria and Romania, are applying to join the Schengen Area. Even though they may not yet be full members, they frequently harmonise their visa regulations with those of the EU and welcome visitors with legitimate Schengen visas.