A Schengen visa is your gateway to exploring the 29 countries within the Schengen Area of Europe. But did you know this powerful visa also allows travel to many non-Schengen countries, offering amazing travel opportunities? Here's a complete guide to the countries to visit with a Schengen visa and how you can make the most of it.
 

Travelling Within the Schengen Zone

The Schengen Area includes popular destinations such as France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, among others. With a European tour visa in hand, you can seamlessly explore the region without additional border checks. Imagine starting your journey in Paris, taking a train to Amsterdam, and then flying to Rome—all without needing another visa. This is the beauty of the Schengen system.
 

Non-Schengen Countries You Can Visit with a Schengen Visa

The Schengen visa isn't limited to just European nations. Many countries across Asia, the Middle East, and beyond welcome travellers holding this visa. Here are some highlights:

Asia

• Philippines: Enjoy the stunning beaches and lively karaoke culture with a 14-day stay, extendable to 21 days with a valid Schengen visa.
   
• Singapore: A short stay of up to 96 hours is allowed for transit travellers holding a Schengen visa. Explore Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa Island, and Universal Studios.
   

Middle East

• Oman: With a valid Schengen visa, Indian travellers can apply for a 30-day visa to experience Muscat's Grand Mosque and busy souks.
   
• Qatar: With a Schengen visa, travellers can apply for a 30-day stay in Qatar to enjoy the modern attractions and cultural experiences in Doha.
   
• Saudi Arabia: A valid Schengen visa allows Indian travellers to visit Saudi Arabia for up to 30 days. The stunning beaches can explore the historical sites and lively cities.
   
• Türkiye (Turkey): Apply for an e-visa with your Schengen visa and enjoy hot-air balloon rides in Cappadocia or the historical wonders of Istanbul.

Beyond the Schengen area of Europe, several nearby countries permit entry with a Schengen visa. Here's where you can travel with a Schengen visa:
 

Eastern Europe and the Balkans

• Albania: Enjoy the beauty of castle towns and clean beaches with visa-free access for 90 days within a 180-day period. A valid multiple-entry Schengen visa, which has been used at least once, can grant you visa-free entry into Albania for 90 days within a 180-day period.
   
• Belarus: With a valid visa of the EU countries or Schengen area of Europe, one can enter Belarus through the Minsk International Airport for up to 30 days. The passport holder, however, should hold a stamp bearing proof of crossing the border of these states. Confirmation of departure within 30 days of arrival from Minsk International Airport is another requirement.
   
• Bosnia and Herzegovina: Explore the cultural gems of Sarajevo and Mostar with up to 90 days of visa-free travel. Visitors holding a multiple-entry visa from Schengen countries, EU member states, or the US can enter this southeastern European nation without a visa and are permitted to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, with a continuous stay not exceeding 30 days.
   
• Kosovo: Enjoy the charm of this young country with a 90-day visa-free stay using your Schengen visa.
   
• Montenegro: Enjoy the beautiful coastline of the Adriatic Sea with a 30-day stay using your Schengen visa.
   
• North Macedonia: Discover the lakes and mountains of this peaceful country with a stay of up to 90 days, visa-free.
   
• Georgia: Valleys with vineyards that stretch as far as the eyes can see, and churches and watchtowers set in mountain scenery. A visa to Schengen states allows a visit of not more than 90 days in a 180-day period.
   

Other European Destinations

• Andorra: Located between France and Spain, this small country offers skiing and ancient churches, accessible with a Schengen visa.
   
• Cyprus: Explore the beautiful coast and ancient landmarks with a stay of up to 90 days using your Schengen visa.
   
• Monaco: Though not officially part of the Schengen zone, this luxurious country allows access for 90 days if you hold a Schengen visa valid for France.
   
• Serbia: Enjoy the lively culture, historical sites, and beautiful scenery with up to 90 days of visa-free entry.
   
• Moldova: A Schengen visa allows entry for up to 90 days to experience Moldova's unique culture and nature.
   
• San Marino: Visit the world's oldest republic with visa-free entry. One can visit San Marino only via Italy using a Schengen visa, which must be at least double-entry or multiple-entry.
   

Beyond Europe

A Schengen visa's benefits stretch to other continents, making it a truly global asset for travellers. Here's more on where you can travel with a Schengen visa:
 

Africa

• São Tomé e Príncipe: Explore jungle adventures and beautiful beaches with a Schengen visa granting 15 days of stay.
   

North America

• Mexico: Holders of a valid Schengen visa can stay for up to 180 days without needing a separate Mexican visa.
   

Central America

• Belize: Enjoy a warm getaway. Travellers holding a multiple-entry Schengen visa, US visa, or Canadian visa are eligible for a visa exemption for a maximum of 30 days.
   
• Guatemala: A valid Schengen visa lets you stay in Guatemala without a visa. Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua are part of the CA-4 zone, and entry into one of the four countries automatically grants you entry into the remaining three without additional visa requirements. You can travel among the four countries for a period of 90 days in total.
   
• Honduras: Similar to Guatemala, a valid Schengen visa allows entry to Honduras, part of the CA-4 zone, where you can travel freely for up to 90 days.
   
• El Salvador: A Schengen visa grants you entry into El Salvador and lets you travel throughout the CA-4 zone for up to 90 days.
   
• Nicaragua: With a valid Schengen visa, you can enter Nicaragua and visit all four countries in the CA-4 zone for a combined total of 90 days.

• Aruba: Enjoy white sand, uncrowded beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and amazing opportunities for diving and exploring the underwater world. A valid multiple-entry Schengen visa grants a stay of 30 days, not exceeding 180 days per year.
   
• Antigua and Barbuda: Enjoy breathtaking views at Shirley Heights, relax on the peaceful shores of Darkwood Beach, and jump into an adventure with power swimming at Turtle Beach. With a valid Schengen visa, you can enter Antigua and Barbuda without needing to apply for another visa. Upon arrival, you'll need to get a visa on arrival (VOA) for tourism, allowing a stay of up to 30 days, not exceeding 180 days per year.
   
• Bahamas: Visit the gorgeous beaches with clear waters, reefs, forests, and historic towns. A valid Schengen visa grants a maximum stay of 90 days.
   
• Bonaire: Explore Bonaire National Marine Park, Kralendijk, Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire, Lac Bay, and Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary. Visitors can stay in Bonaire for up to 90 days per entry, not surpassing 180 days within a year.
   
• Curaçao: Discover museums, Dutch colonial architecture, beaches, and excellent diving and underwater exploration. A valid multiple-entry Schengen visa lets you visit for a maximum stay of 30 days, not exceeding 180 days per year.
   
• Dominican Republic: Explore stunning architecture, national parks, and beach clubs with a lively party scene. A valid Schengen, UK, US, or Canadian visa grants visa-free entry to the Dominican Republic for 30 days.
   
• Saba: Enjoy Cove Bay, Wells Bay, Mount Scenery, Windward Side, and The Bottom. Visitors to Saba are permitted to stay up to 90 days at a time, with a maximum total of 180 days per year.
   
• Sint Maarten: Relax on beautiful beaches, enjoy casinos, lively nightlife, and shopping centers with duty-free stores. A valid multiple-entry Schengen visa lets you visit for a maximum stay of 30 days.
   
• Sint Eustatius: Explore Fort Oranje, Sint Eustatius Museum, Synagogue Ruins, and Zeelandia Bay. Visitors to Sint Eustatius are permitted to stay up to 90 days at a time, with a maximum total of 180 days per year.
   

South America

• Peru: With gentle mountains, calm waters, and historic towns, Peru is an ideal destination for trekking. Visa information: With a US visa valid for six months, you can stay in Peru for up to 180 days.
   
• Colombia: Explore ancient ruins, stone streets, and the wild Amazon rainforest. Visa information: Travelers from India, Thailand, and six other countries can enter Colombia visa-free with a Schengen or US visa.
   

Conclusion

A Schengen visa not only opens the door to 29 European countries but also offers amazing opportunities to explore many non-Schengen destinations around the world. From the lively streets of Qatar to the calm beaches of the Philippines, this powerful visa provides flexibility and convenience for travellers. Whether you're travelling through Europe, the Middle East, Asia, or even parts of the Caribbean, the Schengen visa can greatly improve your travel experience.

Maximise the benefits of your Schengen visa with StampThePassport. Our experts make the application process easy, so you can focus on planning your dream trip. StampThePassport ensures a hassle-free process, giving you the confidence to explore the world without worries. Make the most of your visa by planning your journey to both Schengen and non-Schengen countries and enjoying the rich cultural variety that the world has to offer.