can you visit europe without a visa

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How to (Legally) Stay in Europe for More Than 90 Days

When I planned my move to Sweden a few years ago, I tried to figure out how to get past the 90-day limit placed on tourist visas in the Schengen Area. This is a problem encountered by thousands of travelers every year and a question that regularly (especially this time of year) pops up in my inbox.

“How can I stay in Europe for more than 90 days?”

It’s a simple question with a very complicated answer.

I always knew it was complicated, but until I started researching how to stay there longer, I never knew just how complicated.

Fortunately, in the process of this research, I came to learn there are a few ways to stay in Europe longer than 90 days; they just aren’t well known.

This post will teach you the options for staying in Europe over 90 days as well as give you tips on how to move to Europe. But first a few things:

It’s important to note that Europe isn’t just one place — there are varying visa rules throughout the continent. When people talk about the “90-day limit,” they’re talking about restrictions on the Schengen Area, which is the visa policy that governs 27 countries in Europe. It includes most of the European Union as well as a few non-EU countries.

Note: While I call it the “Schengen Visa,” it’s not an actual visa you necessarily need to apply for. Depending on your residency status and country of citizenship, you may need to apply in advance for a Schengen Visa, however, those with an American passport do not need to apply in advance.

However, it should be noted that as of 2025, visitors from 60 countries (including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada) will need to apply for an online ETIAS, which is essentially a visa waiver, when entering the 23 EU member states and 4 non-EU countries of the Schengen. It is valid for 90 days within a 180-day period.

You can apply and pay online up to 96 hours beforehand. It is similar to the US version of ESTA (or the eTA in Canada). ETIAS cost 7 EUR for those 18-70 years old and are free for those under 18 years or over 70.

If you come from a country that requires you to get a Schengen visa you will not need to apply for ETIAS. It’s one or the other. Learn more here . (The ETIAS was originally set to launch in 2024, but has been pushed back.)

Table of Contents

• What is the Schengen Visa?

Part 1: Staying or Moving to Europe the Easy Way

Part 2: staying in the schengen area past 90 days.

• Take Advantage of the Bilateral Agreement
• Working Holiday Visas
• Long-Term-Stay Visas
• Student Visas
• Freelancer Visas
• Marriage Visas

What is the Schengen visa?

The Schengen visa is a 90-day tourist visa for Schengen Area countries, which are:

• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland

  Additionally, there are several microstates that are de facto members of the Schengen Area. These are Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City.

These Schengen countries have a border-free visa agreement that lets residents move throughout the Area without needing to show their passports every time they cross a border. Essentially, it’s as if they’re one country, and you can move as freely as you want.

Citizens of many countries are allowed to enter the Schengen Area without having to get a visa beforehand. Your passport simply gets stamped upon your arrival and departure from Europe. You’re allowed to enter and leave from any country you want — they don’t have to be the same.

Here is a map of the countries with visa waivers that can enter the Schengen without requiring a visa in advance.

Most visitors (including Americans) are allowed to spend 90 days in the Schengen Area in every 180-day period. The easiest way to think of it is that you can visit for 3 months and then you have to leave for 3 months before you can return.

However, you can also bounce back and forth between Schengen and non-Schengen countries — you just need to keep track of all your dates of entry/exit.

When I visit Europe, I fly in and out of different countries all the time. Your first entry in the 180-day period is when your 90-day counter starts. These days don’t need to be consecutive — the total is cumulative. Once day 181 hits, the count resets itself.

For example, if I come to the Schengen Area in January and stay for 60 days and then come back in June for 10 days, that counts as 70 days in 180 days. Only days you are in the zone during the period count. If you go on January 1st and stay 90 straight days, you have to leave and technically can’t come back until July 1st.

If you’re doing a lot of bouncing around, use the EU’s Schengen visa calculator . Simply input all your travel dates and it’ll tell you how many days you have remaining.

However, not all travelers are allowed such freedom.

Citizens from many countries need to apply for a Schengen visa ahead of time. You’ll be required to fill out paperwork beforehand and fly in and out of the country for which your visa is issued.

Even then, you still might not be granted a visa. Spoiler alert: citizens from African and Asian countries get screwed.

So, with that being said, how DO you stay in Europe longer? How do you get around that rule? Let me break it down for you.  

Most non-Schengen countries such as Moldova , Ireland , and some Balkan countries allow you to stay for up to 60 or 90 days. Albania even lets Americans stay up to a year!

So, all you need to do to stay in Europe longer than 3 months is spend 90 days in the Schengen Area and then visit the UK, go to the Balkans, drink wine in Moldova, and have a pint in Ireland. If you align your schedule right, you can easily be out of the Schengen Area for 90 days and then head back into the Schengen Area with a brand new Schengen visa.

Years ago, to get around this limit, I spent three months in Bulgaria , Romania , Ukraine , and England as I waited for my clock to reset.

After that, I headed back into the Schengen area for Oktoberfest .

If you want to travel the continent for a long time without having to go through the various visa processes described below, vary your travel by visiting non-Schengen countries. There are plenty of countries to choose from while you wait for your Schengen Visa clock to reset. This is the easy, hassle-free way of doing things.

—-> Need more tips for Europe? Visit my destination guide and get in-depth information on what to see and do and how to save money .  

After all, the Schengen Area spans 27 countries and visiting so many destinations in 90 days can be a little rushed (you would have an average of just 3.5 days per country).

If you want to stay longer to travel, live, learn a language, or fall in love, then the “move around” option suggested above isn’t going to work for you. You need something else.

Luckily, there are a few ways to do this — and I can’t stress enough the importance of the word “few.” Because staying more than 90 days in the Schengen Area isn’t easy.

First, let’s understand the rule:

The Schengen law states that you can’t stay in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days. If you do, you’re subject to a fine and possibly deportation and being banned from re-entering the Schengen Area. How that rule is enforced, though, varies greatly from one country to another. Overstaying by a day might not be the end of the world, however, some countries do not mess around with visitors overstaying.

For example, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland, and Scandinavian countries are all very strict about entry and exit rules. If you overstay your tourist visit, there’s a good chance they’ll pull you aside. Two Australians I know were detained leaving Switzerland due to overstaying their visa by two weeks. They were allowed to go with just a warning, but they missed their flights and had to book new flights.

I know of someone who overstayed by six months, tried to leave from Amsterdam, and now has an “illegal immigrant” stamp on her passport. In order to enter Europe again, she must apply for a visa at an embassy and be preapproved:

I made the mistake of attempting to leave from the Netherlands after overstaying a Schengen visa and was caught. I overstayed by about a month, and they hand-drew some sort of insignia in my passport to note my overstay. They told me I’d have to contact the IND and find out if I would be able to enter the Schengen states again.

Another blogger told me this happened to them too so don’t overstay your visa!

That being said, if you leave from Greece , France , Italy , or Spain you may be less likely to encounter an issue, provided you (a) haven’t stayed over too long and (b) didn’t catch the immigration officer on a bad day.

When I left Greece, no one even looked at my passport. One of my friends met a guy in France, fell in love, and decided not to leave. A year later, when she finally did, the French officials didn’t even look twice. Another friend flew into France and didn’t even get an entry stamp. Spain is another place notorious for not caring and Americans who decide to overstay for months mention that as the easiest country to exit from. Still, it’s a good idea not to take your chances.

Of course, I don’t think it’s wise to overstay. A day or two? Likely not the end of the world. But a few weeks? A few months? The risk is too great. The fines can be large and I love going to Europe too much to risk being banned.

But, Matt, can I extend just extend my Schengen visa/stamp?

Unfortunately not. Simply put, you cannot extend your tourist visa or entry stamp. There’s a 90-day limit, and that’s that.

So what’s a tourist to do?  

1. Take advantage of the Bilateral Agreement

There are 23 Schengen countries to date with bilateral agreements in place with Austria having the most visa waiver agreements (for 27 non-EU countries). Moreover, there are 12 countries that have bilateral agreements with Australia.

For example, France has a bilateral agreement that allows U.S. citizens to stay an additional 90 days beyond the Schengen limit. You can enter from any Schengen country, stay 90 days in France, and then fly home. But the catch is you have to go home — you can’t go elsewhere. You have to leave Europe so you can’t use your time in France as a sneaky way to reset your Schengen clock.

Now, the France/U.S. rule is tricky. It’s based on a post-World War II agreement that was never canceled. Multiple French consulates told me yes, they thought this law existed but couldn’t tell me where to find it. A few visa services told me I was crazy. One consulate told me it was possible but only with a long-term visa.

BUT, after many calls, the US, Canada, and UK French embassies told me that yes, this law does exist and that yes, this is still valid. Then they referenced me to the French national archives.

Well, we found the actual diplomatic papers that spell this out . It took us close to a year to find it but we did.

This is the note from the French government about it:

Hi, There is a bilateral agreement between French and the U.S. by exchange letters (March 16-31 mars 1949), which allows American citizens to stay in France 90 days over 180 days, irrespective of the stays already made in other Schengen countries. However, this agreement has been made before the Schengen agreement. Today, as there is no more border control between the Schengen countries, it is very difficult to determine how long a person has stayed in France and we heard that some people had troubles with the immigration police while leaving France. Therefore, we recommend American citizens to respect the Schengen regulation which allows a maximum of 90 days on 180 days in the whole Schengen area. Consulat général de France, Service des visas 4101 Reservoir Road, Washington DC, 20007

A follow-up to the London embassy gave me this response:

“Whilst the bilateral agreement you refer to has not officially been revoked, the French Border Police has sole authority on deciding whether to apply it or not, at the time of entering or exiting the Schengen area.”

So this is really a thing. And, while they don’t like you using it, it’s still the law. Just bring proof you stayed in France for 90 days! If you plan to use this rule, bring documentation as border guards may not be aware of it.

Additionally, Denmark, Norway, and Poland also have bilateral agreements with the United States that let citizens stay an additional 90 days in each country separate from the regular Schengen Zone visa. The Denmark rule applies exactly the same way as the French one. Denmark also has a bilateral agreement that is applicable for citizens of Australia, Canada, Chile, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea .

That said, travelers can only use the Norwegian or the Danish bilateral agreement — they can’t use both (time in Norway under the bilateral agreement counts as time in Denmark and vice versa).

For Poland, you must enter and leave Poland via a non-Schengen country where you will be stamped again (i.e., direct flight from NYC). So you could do 90 days in the Schengen, fly to the UK, and then fly to Poland. Poland’s rules are simply laid out in an agreement letter the U.S. and Poland signed in 1991. ( Here’s a copy of the letter from the Polish government) .

In theory, there are also other bilateral agreements between the U.S. and Schengen countries. I’ve been told by multiple sources that Belgium, Italy, Hungary, Norway, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands all have their own bilateral agreements with the U.S. as well. This page outlines the existing bilateral agreements .

However, I reached out to each country’s consulate and none of them replied (save Portugal) in any meaningful way. They simply directed me to the standard visa FAQ page.

Regarding Portugal, a representative from the Portuguese consulate said this regarding their bilateral 60-day visa:

Please note that those 60 days are an exceptional extension that needs to be requested within Portugal at SEF office near your temporary address in Portugal.

Now, in theory, one could say thanks to borderless travel you could get your “extra 90 days in Denmark” and then just travel around, fly out of Denmark, and no one would be the wiser. One could say that. But I’ve noticed a lot more intra-Europe passport checks in recent years. I got yelled at in France for not having my passport with me while on a train to see a chateau. So, I wouldn’t recommend doing this.

Note: Most countries have bilateral agreements with other countries. Call the local embassy for more information (you’ll have better luck calling than emailing).  

2. Get a Working Holiday Visa

There is no single “working holiday” program for the Schengen or EU so applicants must apply for a visa from a specific country. Usually, applicants must be younger than 30, though age restrictions are becoming more relaxed in recent years.

Additionally, you can get consecutive working holiday visas. An Australian reader of mine got a two-year Dutch working holiday visa and then got one from Norway to stay two more years. While she and her boyfriend (who also got one) did odd jobs in Holland for a bit, they mostly used it as a way to travel around the continent.

Note : This type of visa won’t allow you to work in any other country than the one that issued it.

For Americans, there are only two options for working holidays in Europe: Ireland (non-Schengen country) and Portugal (Schengen country). Both programs are essentially the same, providing a 12-month work visa to those either currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a higher education institution.

While you must be at least 18 to apply, there’s no upper age limit, provided that you fit the other criteria. For the Portuguese visa, you can only work for 6 months out of the 12-month visa, while the Irish visa has no work restrictions.

3. Get a Long-Term-Stay Visa

However, in 2023, if you have a fully online business, there are countries within Schengen that allow digital nomad visas provided you make a certain amount of money per month and have your own health insurance. Countries that currently offer digital nomad visas include Portugal, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Malta, Romania, Spain, and Norway.

The countries that allow you to apply with the lowest online salary are Portugal, Hungary, Malta, and Croatia, which require around 2,500 EUR in income per month.

Schengen allows for a C- or D-class visa (the letter varies on the country), which is a temporary residence visa for up to one year. But the specific visa and requirements vary from country to country. Some countries are harder, some are easier, and others are nearly impossible despite being in the same visa treaty zone.

However, there are a few countries that do offer long-term visas that aren’t too hard to get:  

France offers a long-term visitor visa for a period of up to one year. According to the French Embassy, “The ‘visitor’ visa (or visa ‘D’) allows you to enter France and stay for more than three months. Long-stay visa holders will be allowed to reside in France for up to 12 months according to the validity of their visa and purpose of stay.”

To get this visa, you must set up an appointment at the French consulate near you. You can’t walk in — you must make an appointment.

At this appointment, you’ll need the following documents:

• One application form filled out completely and signed
• Three passport photos
• Your original passport, which must have been issued less than 10 years ago, be valid for three months after your return, and have at least two blank pages left
• A letter certified by a notary public that promises you won’t engage in work
• A letter of employment stating current occupation and earnings
• Proof of income (you’ll need copies of a pension certificate or your last 3 bank statements)
• Proof of medical insurance that includes evacuation insurance and medical coverage of at least €30,000 (a copy of your US health insurance card is not acceptable as proof, you need a detailed description of coverage)
• Proof of accommodation in France. (If you don’t have an official document such as a sublet agreement, you can include a letter describing your accommodation arrangements).

Note : You can’t apply for this visa more than three months before your arrival date.

France-Visas is the official visa website for France. It details all the types of visas and has a helpful “visa wizard” where you put in your situation and it tells you what type of visa you should apply for as well as all the documents that you need.

You can also visit the French Embassy website for links to local embassies and consulates for more information. Find your closest consulate here .

This post has some helpful information to get you started on long-term visas in particular .  

Sweden also offers a long-term stay tourist visa for a maximum period of one year. Here’s a brief overview of what you need:

• Residence permit for visitor’s application form
• Notarized copies of the pages of your passport that show your identity and the validity of your passport, as well as copies of all the other visas/stamps you have. Your passport also needs to be valid for 3 months after your stay.
• A bank statement showing your means of supporting yourself for the duration of your stay (450 SEK for each day of your stay)
• A return airplane ticket
• Proof of medical coverage of at least 30,000 EUR

Most people who apply for this visa have family in Sweden. If you don’t, you’ll need to have clear reasons as to why you need to stay longer and show ample proof that you can support yourself (i.e., “I want to meet Swedish guys/girls” won’t cut it!).

You can apply either in Sweden or outside the country. If you’re applying from Sweden, you can apply online, and then make an appointment at the consulate or embassy to show your passport and get fingerprinted. If you’re applying outside of Sweden, you need to file your application in person at the consulate or embassy. When you file your application abroad, you’ll also be interviewed about your intended trip and the purpose for staying in Sweden.

You can learn more about the process on this government page .

Spain offers a couple of long-term visas. The Golden Visa is based on a sizable financial investment in Spain, either into a company (minimum 1 million EUR), real estate (minimum 500,000 EUR), or invest in a new business such as in science or tech that creates local employment opportunities. The other more attainable and popular long-term visa targets retirees and is called the Non-Lucrative Residence Visa. It requires that you spend at least 183 days in Spain, which would make you a legal resident for tax purposes. During this time, you are unable to work in Spain (so you’ll need to have enough savings to get you by). However, studying and unpaid internships are permitted.

The big catch for this visa is that you need to have at least 26,000 EUR in your bank account (ideally more). Since the visa is designed for retirees, the assumption is that you’re coming here to rest on your financial laurels after a lifetime of saving up — hence the sizeable requirement.

The visa has been denied to people who are remote workers so I wouldn’t recommend this visa if you’re a digital nomad (Spain is supposedly working on a visa specifically for digital nomads, though it’s not currently available). This is a bit of a gray area though. If you can show enough savings to financially sustain yourself for a year without working, you can get this visa. You just cannot use monthly statements (such as from your remote job) to prove income; financial proof must be savings or passive income (such as a pension).

In addition to having sizable savings, you’ll also need to fill out the application, submit your passport and additional photos, pay a fee, and provide the following:

• Proof of private health insurance (from an authorized company in Spain not travel insurance)
• A doctor’s note certifying that you’re healthy
• A criminal background check translated into Spanish

You must apply for this visa in your country of residency (usually with the help of lawyers). The application varies per country, usually between 120-900 EUR (it’s around 125 EUR for Americans and over 500 EUR for Canadians).

This consulate page has all the specific details you need regarding the application .

Portugal has multiple long-term stay visas. First, there is a Golden Visa, which requires a minimum investment in the country of 280,000 EUR and takes around 18 months to process. The D7 Passive Income visa, which is similar to Spain’s non-lucrative visa, is more realistic for most people.

To apply for the D7 visa in Portugal you need:

• Proof of health insurance covering at least 30,000 EUR
• A background check
• Proof of financial means to stay in Portugal (8,460 EUR)
• Letter of purpose and intent in Portugal
• 2 passport photos
• Proof of accommodation

The main difference between the Portuguese and Spanish long-term visas is that you only need an income of around 8,460 EUR instead of the 26,000 EUR in savings that the Spanish visa requires. You still cannot work on this visa, so your income must be passive (investments, pension, rental property, etc.).

The D7 visa can work for digital nomad as it is valid for 4 months. Portugal is much more accepting of remote work as proof of income for the visa application than Spain.

Portugal also offers the D2 immigrant Entrepreneur visa, which isn’t designed specifically for digital nomads, but could be used by specific entrepreneurs. You’ll need to submit a business plan and demonstrate you have enough capital to get started. You’ll also need to explain why you want to start your business in Portugal (or move it there). You’ll have a much higher chance of getting approved if you have invested upwards of 5,000 EUR in your business and speak some Portuguese (it’s not required, but these visas are regularly rejected so it will give you a leg up).

In short, there are a lot of steps for a temporary visa. However, you can get this extended and eventually apply for permanent residency or citizenship after 5 years.

You’ll need to apply for both of these visas in your country of residency.

The official Portuguese visa website has more information about specific visas and requirements. You can locate your nearest Portuguese consulate here .

A note on long-term visas: Keep in mind that the information above is just for reference. There may be more requirements needed for your application and not all visas are open to everyone. You’ll want to contact your local embassy for specifics and additional information.  

4. Get a Student Visa

All Schengen Area countries offer student visas that are easy to obtain so long as you’re enrolled in a recognized university program. This would require you to pay for the course and you may also have to show proof of minimum fund requirements, but it will virtually guarantee you a visa if you are accepted.

One of the best countries to do this is Spain, where a whole industry has sprung up to help students study Spanish. There are tons of schools that will allow you to enroll and write letters stating you’re a student there. You’ll need to apply in your home country but the process is relatively straightforward. This post details the requirements .

Germany is another popular choice, as post-secondary schools there are essentially free. While there may be more competition, the costs are much lower. However, you need to show proof that you have money in a bank account to cover your expenses. As of October 2022, that amount is 11, 208 EUR in a blocked bank account.

In Germany, you might also be able to work up to 120 full days, or 240 half days (20 hours a week) while you study as well. You can learn about the application process here .

While most student visas allow you to stay in a country for one year, I would only consider getting one if you actually plan on studying. If you’re just getting a student visa to travel and play tourist, it’s not going to be worth the cost and paperwork since you’ll need to set up everything from a residential address to a bank account to a local phone number and more.  

5. Get a Freelancer/Remote Worker Visa

There are several countries that offer freelancer visas and visas geared towards the increasing number of remote workers. This process is a little more complicated and not for the casual tourist. These visas are meant for people who actually want to live and work in Europe. If you’re just a casual tourist, expect to be denied. But if you’re a digital nomad, this is the visa for you.

Schengen countries that offer freelancer or remote worker visas include:

• Germany (no set income amount, but you need a business plan and upwards of 10,000 EUR in savings)
• Estonia (3,500 EUR income/month)
• Czechia (5,600 EUR in savings)
• Portugal (2,800 EUR income/month)
• Greece (3,500 EUR income/month)
• Malta (2,700 EUR income/month)
• Hungary (2,000 EUR income/month
• Croatia (17,800 HRK (2,300 EUR income/month)

Non-Schengen countries that have them include:

• Romania (no set income, reports of successful applicants range from about 3,700 EUR/month)
• Georgia (2,000 USD income/month)
• Iceland (1,000,000 ISK income/month (6,617 EUR), only valid for up to 6 months)

Germany is the country most used by people who want to reside in Europe. If you’re a freelancer, digital nomad, artist, or have some form of income, this is the visa to get. If you are from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the U.S., Israel, South Korea, or Japan you can apply after you arrive in Germany (everyone else needs to apply in advance).

The visa only lasts for three months, however, it is designed to be extended into a residency visa which would then last for three years. I have many friends who have gotten this visa. As long as you follow the steps, you should be fine. This post has more information about the process .

Most of these visas follow a similar format: apply, pay a fee, submit proof that your business can stay afloat, then wait to be accepted. However, some have more stringent requirements.

For example, Estonia’s freelancer visa requires a monthly income of at least 3,500 EUR per month leading up to your application. For the Czechia visa, you need to have at least $6,000 USD in your bank account (the lovely folks at Wandertooth, who did this process a couple of years ago, can walk you through the steps ).

If you are a digital nomad and are considering working remotely from the EU you can compare these programs to see which one bests suits your goals (though Germany is likely the best place to start since it’s one of the easiest to get).  

6. Get Married to a European

Fall in love with a European (or at least a friend) and apply for a marriage visa! You’ll get to stay there while the application process goes through and then you can move to Europe and stay there forever with the love of your life! That’s a win-win! (This is a joke. Don’t get married just for a visa to stay in Europe!)

The best, easiest, and most effective way to stay in Europe long-term is to increase the number of countries you visit so you’re in the Schengen Area for only 90 days. As I said, there are a lot of countries not in the Area so this is easy to do.

If you’re like me and want to stay in the Schengen Area longer than 90 days (or just want to move to Europe because it’s awesome), be prepared to work the system. It’s not impossible to stay long-term in the Schengen Area. By understanding the system and using the few loopholes that do exist, one can legally stay past 90 days and enjoy all Europe has to offer without worrying about being barred for life.  

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Book Your Trip to Europe: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

For suggestions on where to stay during your trip, here is a list of my favorite hostels in Europe .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Europe? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Europe for even more planning tips!

NOTE: Due to the complexities of visas and the uniqueness of everyone’s situation, we do not answer any visa related questions in the comments or via email. Thank you.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad

Travelling to the EU and Schengen area

You do not need a visa for short trips to the EU or countries in the Schengen area if both of the following apply:

• you’re staying for 90 days or less in a 180-day period
• you’re visiting as a tourist or for certain other reasons

Other reasons include:

• studying a short course
• getting medical treatment
• travelling for business for your UK employer, for example to attend a business meeting or conference
• journalism or other media activities

Check the entry requirements of the country you’re visiting to find out what you can and cannot do during your stay.

These rules do not apply to travelling and working in Ireland .

Travelling to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period

You can travel to more than one country in a 180-day period. How long you can stay in each country depends on whether or not it’s in the Schengen area.

The countries in the Schengen area are:

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Your total stay in the Schengen area must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. It does not matter how many countries you visit. The 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’.

To work out if your stay is within the 90 day limit, use the following steps.

Check the date you plan to leave the Schengen area on your next trip.

Count back 180 days from that date to get the start of the 180-day period.

Add up the number of days you have already spent in the Schengen area in that 180-day period (you can use the dates stamped in your passport showing when you entered and left a country).

Work out how many days you will spend in the Schengen area on your next trip. Add this number to the number of days you worked out in step 3.

Check that the total number of days is not more than 90.

Travelling to EU countries that are not in the Schengen area

Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania are not in the Schengen area. You can stay up to 90 days in a 180-day period in each of these countries without a visa.

Any time you spend in the Schengen area does not affect the number of days you can spend in these countries.

When you may need a visa

​​You may need a visa or permit if you want to either:

• stay for more than 90 days

If you’re travelling for work, check the rules for the country you’re visiting .

If you’re travelling for another reason or staying longer than 90 days, check the entry requirements for the country you’re visiting .

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How to stay in Europe without a visa (legally, of course)

S o many of my friends and readers have asked me this question over the years: how have you managed to stay in Europe for so long? How hard is it to get a visa, or to travel from one country to another? 

Jetting off to Europe, exploring every nook and corner of cities regularly pictured in romantic movies, sipping wine on a terrace while admiring the view of the medieval square. Yes, along-term vacation to Europe sounds quite dreamy, but there are a few rules to follow when it comes to staying in Europe legally and avoiding trouble at the border.

The post is mostly aimed at Canadians, Australians and Americans, as the visa policies are quite resembling when it comes to European territory.

Europe without a visa: understanding the Schengen Area

The most crucial notion to keep in mind when organizing a European vacation is the Schengen area.

It’s important to know that the European Union, the Euro Zone and the Schengen area, while similar in many ways, are quite different in reality.

The the two former items are economic and political areas, the latter, is geographical. The area currently covers a population of over 400 million people and an area of 4,312,099 square kilometres (in other words, enough to keep you busy for a little while!).

The Schengen area is comprised of 26 European countries that have abolished border control in-between their common border, functioning as a single country for international travel purposes, with a common visa policy. 

The general rule is a maximum stay of 90 days within any 180-day period.

Consecutive stay

Allows for 90 consecutive days within the Schengen area, during which visitors are free to move around as much as they want so long as they leave immediately once their 90 days are up – at which point they will have to wait another consecutive 90-day period to re-enter the area.

Non-consecutive stay

Allows for 90 non-consecutive days within the Schengen area, during which visitors are free to enter and exit the area as much as they want so long as long as they don’t exceed a total of 90 days over a period of 180 days from the first date of entry. Visitors opting for this scenario will not have to wait to re-enter the zone once their initial 180-day period is up.

For these two scenarios, it is very important to understand that the clock doesn’t start back every time you re-enter the zone within that same 90-day period. It only starts back 180 days after your first entry.

Europe without a visa: playing by the rules

Getting a long-term visa in europe.

Despite being part of the same geographical area, not all countries have the same rules when it comes to long-term stays. Some countries simply don’t offer the option, while others require ludicrous amounts of redtape in exchange for a tiny stamp in your passport, which will allow you to stay for a specific amount of time and under specific conditions.

A few countries offer long-term visas (Italy, France, Sweden, for example) and other offer employment-specific visas (Germany has a self-employment/freelancing visa ) that can apply to you.

Some even have mutual exchange programs that allow young citizens to live and work abroad for a definite amount of time ( Sweden-Canada , France and French-speaking Canada , for example).

Ok, the UK isn’t technically part of the European Union anymore. Regardless, citizens of Canada, United States and Australia under the age of 30 are also eligible to working holidays visas in the United Kingdom (“ Youth Mobility Scheme – Tier 5 Visa “) is what I did when I moved the UK for 10 months), which can be a fantastic and inexpensive way to legally spend a year or two in Europe, granted that you have substantial savings to prove that you can subsist on your own money and not public funding while you are there.

Details concerning these visas and the rules that apply to you can be found on your home country embassy’s website.

Exiting the Schengen Area while in Europe

It’s actually pretty easy to legally stay in Europe without a visa for more than the allotted 90 days. There are basically two scenarios possible: either get a long-term visa in one of the included European countries, or exit the Schengen area by visiting surrounding countries.

Each country has a different set of rules for visitors, but it would definitely be worth looking into including these countries to your European voyage in order to maximize your time on the continent.

If you are serious about “legally hacking” your stay in Europe, you should regularly check the status of countries that have either declined to be in or have yet to be implemented to the Schengen area, as the rules could change and therefore impact your itinerary.

Right now the main countries to follow-up on are Croatia, Bulgaria, and Romania.

Europe without a visa: good to know

• No visa is necessary to travel to the Schengen area for Canadians, Australians, and Americans for the regular 90-day stay.
• Visitors are not allowed to work or rely on public funding during that time.
• It is not possible to extend a Schengen area stay without an official visa.
• While I do not advocate going around the rules in any way, visitors should know that Northern countries are notoriously strict with entry and exit, while Southern countries tend to be less careful. Either way, it is unwise to overstay in the Schengen area, as you could end up with the “Illegal Immigrant” mention on your passport.
• The UK, Ireland, some of the Balkan countries, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine are not part of the Schengen area and may require a visa or, at the very least, border control. They are also great places to spend time in between 90-day stays in the Schengen area. Other non-European countries like Morocco, considering its geographical proximity, should also be considered.
• Southern Spain, Portugal, Poland, Ireland, the Balkans and Turkey are incredibly inexpensive places to live in, while France, Scandinavia, the UK and Germany tend to be a bit more costly.

Spending a lengthy amount of time in Europe is something many people only dream about, yet it’s surprisingly easy to accomplish with a little bit of research, organization and compromise. I always tell people that living abroad or going on an extended vacation is an incredible life experience that provides so much more than just pretty travel pictures.

Disclaimer I AM NOT AN IMMIGRATION ADVISOR. If you have specific questions regarding your immigration situation, please contact your embassy in the country you plan on visiting in Europe. Best of luck with your travels!

Marie-Eve is a native Montrealer trying to balance a deep love for her hometown and an unquenchable thirst for travel and discovery. She has been to more than 36 countries, lived abroad in both France and the U.K., and is always on the lookout for authentic experiences wherever she travels -- especially if it involves wine.

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Here’s How Long U.S. Citizens Can Stay In Every European Country Without A Visa

So you loved your Euro trip so much you don't ever want to leave, and you find yourself wondering how long you can stay in Europe without a visa if you're a U.S. citizen . Or, you're considering a long distance relationship and want to map out the possibility of love based the possibility of your visits. Either way, you're not alone. The search terms alone for "how to stay in Europe as a U.S. citizen" yields thousands of results. And while there's a lot of information out there about visa rules and restrictions, the verbiage is incredibly complicated and can vary from country to county. And with fines and deportation at stake, it's not something you really want to guess-timate. So, here are the rules:

Schengen Area

Though sometimes we refer to Europe as a singular unit, not every country within the EU operates the same, especially when it comes visas and travel restrictions. Included in the Schengen Area , aka the 26 countries within Europe that do operate as a single unit, are:

• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland

You can move freely between any of those countries as if they were one mega unit, as they all share the same border policies and essentially consider you, the American, a traveler of any or all of those countries once you first enter the Schengen Area. If you want to visit any of those countries without a visa, you'll have to leave after 90 days — and that time limit does not restart when you enter a different country, because they are all in the Schengen Area. So, for instance, if you enter Europe via Portugal, then you spend 30 days there before moving on to, say, Spain, you have 60 more days before you need to leave the Schengen Area. Then, you must leave the Schengen Area for 90 days — after that, you can return for another 90 days.

Non-Schengen Area Countries

However, though this is the standard rule, this isn't always the case. If you travel to a non-Schengen member country in Europe, like the United Kingdom , there are different rules: In the U.K., for instance, you can stay for up to 180 without a visa. Conversely, in Belarus , you can only stay for 30 days without a visa.

Again: Though you can only stay in the Schengen Area for 90 days, those days are counted only within a 180 day period. In other words, every six months, your travel allowance is reset, and you get 90 more days. So, theoretically, if you wanted to stay in Europe for more than 90 days, you could pop over to the UK, a non-Schengen country, spend 90 days, and then go right back in, via the Schengen Area.

Travelling in the EU

Your rights & eu rules.

As an EU national, you enjoy the right of free movement. This means you’re entitled to travel, work and live in another EU country. If you’re a citizen of a Schengen country  – which is most EU countries – you’re also free to travel to other Schengen countries without the need for border checks.

As an EU national, you can also benefit from EU-wide passenger rights for travel into, out of or within the EU by air, rail, bus/coach or ship. You can travel with pets and other animals in the EU provided you comply with the rules (pet passports). There are EU limits on taking alcohol, tobacco or cash with you to another EU country. Each EU country can set its own limits or restrictions, so check before you go.

Travelling to or within the EU? Follow the links below to check which documents you need to take.

Documents you need to travel in the EU

Information on travel documents needed by EU nationals, non-EU national family members, non-EU nationals and children when entering the EU or travelling across it. Find out what to do if you lose your passport or it expires when travelling in the EU.

Public Register of Authentic travel and identity Documents Online (PRADO)

View authorised travel and identity documents issued by EU countries and Iceland, Norway and Switzerland.

Schengen – ID-free travel zone

What is it.

The Schengen area is a travel zone without borders between the 29 Schengen countries. It allows EU nationals and many non-EU nationals to travel freely without border checks. Since 1985, it’s kept growing, and now covers almost all EU countries and a few non-EU countries (Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland). It guarantees free movement to more than 400 million EU nationals.

Any person, irrespective of nationality, can travel between Schengen countries without going through border checks. However, national authorities can carry out police checks at borders between these countries and in border areas.

Having abolished their internal borders, Schengen countries have also tightened controls at their common external borders on the basis of Schengen rules to ensure the security of those living or travelling in the Schengen area.

See all the Schengen countries

Common visa policy

The common visa policy enables non-EU visitors to make transit or short stays to the Schengen area. A short-stay visa issued by one of the Schengen countries generally entitles them to travel through all Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

In practice, this means that if you’re cleared to enter one Schengen country, you can travel to any of the other Schengen countries without having to show your travel document again.

Follow the links below for more information about your rights when travelling in the EU.

What can you take with you?

Information on what you can take with you when travelling in the EU, including pets, food, alcohol, tobacco and cash. Find out the luggage restrictions when flying from an airport in the EU and which EU countries use the euro.

Air passenger rights

Information on where and when EU air passenger rights apply and how to make a complaint. Find out who to contact if you need help or advice with your claim.

Assistance for travellers with disabilities or reduced mobility

Information on your rights if you’re travelling in the EU with a disability or reduced mobility. See if you’re entitled to an EU disabled parking permit.

Further information

Using the euro

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Do I need a visa to enter the EU? Rules for UK travellers explained

By Abigail Malbon

Since the  UK left the EU in January 2021 , the rules on travel have changed – but do British travellers need to have a visa to enter EU countries now? Here’s what you need to know about the current rules, and what to expect in future.

Do I need a visa to enter the EU?

At the time of writing (June 2022), if you’re travelling from the UK you will not need a visa to enter any country within the EU.

UK travellers are able to spend a maximum of 90 days in every 180 within the European Union without a visa – for longer stays, you will be required to apply for a separate visa for the country you intend to be in.

However, the rules are set to change, and UK travellers will be required to have a visa waiver to enter the EU in the future.

Will I need a visa to enter the EU in future?

Yes and no – technically it's a visa waiver. British citizens no longer enjoy the freedom of movement throughout the EU due to Brexit, and will therefore have to follow the same system that applies to residents from other countries in the world, including the  USA  and  Australia .

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is set to come into force at the end of 2022, which means that UK travellers will need an official ETIAS visa waiver in order to visit countries within the European Union. This will apply to anyone entering or transiting through an EU country on a British passport between the ages of 18 and 70 and will cost €7. It will be required for trips of up to 90 days for both tourists and business travellers and will need to be obtained at least 96 hours before departure.

The good news is, once you have the ETIAS visa waiver it will last for three years, so you won’t need to keep renewing every time you travel; just when it runs out, or if you get a new passport.

Do I need a visa to move to an EU country?

If you’re a British citizen, yes. The type of visa you need and the application process for long stays will depend on the country’s own rules – there is no blanket long-stay visa for anyone entering from outside the EU. If you intend to move to a country within the European Union it’s best to search online for your visa options; here you will find the requirements to do so.

Find visa data here for 192 passports . For travelers, it's fairly normal to have a visa ready for most exotic trips 😉🌴☀️.

When flying to visa-free countries, you'll still have to show your passport as part of the identity check 👮‍🎫.

If you are within the Schengen zone, you don't have to worry about a visa due to the freedom of movement rule 🇪🇺.

You will definitely have to show your visa when entering the first country after being outside the Schengen zone ✅.

Visa Free Countries

Select your passport from the drop-down list to see all the countries you can travel to without a visa ✈️. The list of nationalities is sorted alphabetically .

What is a visa?

A visa is a permit issued by a country that allows a person to enter the country, stating clearly the purpose of the visit and the duration of the stay.

Visas are closely associated with the request for permission to enter or exit a country, and the conditions pertaining to this vary depending on the country one chooses to visit.

Best passports

• Portuguese Passport 🇵🇹
• Singaporean Passport 🇸🇬
• Croatian Passport 🇭🇷
• German Passport 🇩🇪
• Hungarian Passport 🇭🇺
• Norwegian Passport 🇳🇴
• Polish Passport 🇵🇱
• Spanish Passport 🇪🇸

How does it work?

Visas generally work through the simple rule of seeking permission from the country one wishes to visit.

For example, a non-EU tourist who wishes to visit Spain generally must first obtain a Spanish Tourist Schengen Visa .

Nationalities within the Schengen Area can freely travel between all member countries without a visa.

There are different types of visas, but the most common include the transit visa , which lasts for less than three days and is issued to people passing through a country to another destination.

The tourist visa is for people who wish to travel for leisure. There are also business visas issued to those who wish to engage in commerce in another country.

Fingerprinting

Several countries across the globe, including the United States of America, Singapore, and Japan, require adult passport holders to be fingerprinted on arrival.

Most countries take photos when visitors arrive, but it is becoming more common to also take fingerprints for all non-residents.

In Jordan and the United Arab Emirates, they have added iris scans as well.

Criminal history

Many nations in the world require visitors to be checked for any record of criminal history in their native country or any other country.

If the person is found to have any criminal history, they may be barred from entering the particular country of interest.

Most data can be found via your passport ID.

Not so visa-free

• Syrian Passport 🇸🇾
• Afghan Passport 🇦🇫
• Yemeni Passport 🇾🇪
• Iraqi Passport 🇮🇶
• North Korean Passport 🇰🇵
• Pakistani Passport 🇵🇰
• Nepalese Passport 🇳🇵
• Somali Passport 🇸🇴

Vaccination

For countries like Chad, Uganda, and Benin, visitors are required to be vaccinated before traveling, and upon arrival, they are required to produce a current International Certificate of Vaccination as evidence.

In other countries, visitors are required to be vaccinated if they are coming from an infected area or nation.

Sufficient funds

Many nations, even if the passport holder has free access to that country, have to make sure that the visitor has enough funds to spend while in the country.

In addition to this, they may also require the visitor to show evidence of a ticket for exit.

Visa restrictions

Although holders of passports with visa-free access to certain countries can freely travel there, each country places certain restrictions to allow visitors into their country.

Make sure to check the entry requirements or call the country's embassy before buying flight tickets.

Schengen Visa Holder

If you hold a Schengen visa, it allows you to travel to certain countries without needing a separate visa.

This type of visa is a great option for those who frequently travel between different countries in Europe.

Some of the visa-free countries for Schengen visa holders include Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, North Macedonia, and Serbia.

Keep in mind that the length of your stay may be limited in some of these countries, and you may need to provide additional documentation upon arrival.

It's important to check the entry requirements for each country you plan to visit, as they may change frequently.

Make sure you have a valid Schengen visa and any other necessary documentation before embarking on your trip.

• Afghan passport 🇦🇫
• Armenian passport 🇦🇲
• Azerbaijani passport 🇦🇿
• Bahraini passport 🇧🇭
• Bangladeshi passport 🇧🇩
• Bhutanese passport 🇧🇹
• Bruneian passport 🇧🇳
• Cambodian passport 🇰🇭
• Chinese passport 🇨🇳
• Georgian passport 🇬🇪
• Hongkongers passport 🇭🇰
• Indian passport 🇮🇳
• Indonesian passport 🇮🇩
• Iranian passport 🇮🇷
• Iraqi passport 🇮🇶
• Israeli passport 🇮🇱
• Japanese passport 🇯🇵
• Jordanian passport 🇯🇴
• Kazakhstani passport 🇰🇿
• North Korean passport 🇰🇵
• South Korean passport 🇰🇷
• Kuwaiti passport 🇰🇼
• Kirghiz passport 🇰🇬
• Laotian passport 🇱🇦
• Lebanese passport 🇱🇧
• Macanese passport 🇲🇴
• Malaysian passport 🇲🇾
• Maldivan passport 🇲🇻
• Mongolian passport 🇲🇳
• Burmese passport 🇲🇲
• Nepalese passport 🇳🇵
• Omani passport 🇴🇲
• Pakistani passport 🇵🇰
• Filipino passport 🇵🇭
• Qatari passport 🇶🇦
• Saudi Arabian passport 🇸🇦
• Singaporean passport 🇸🇬
• Sri Lankan passport 🇱🇰
• Syrian passport 🇸🇾
• Taiwanese passport 🇹🇼
• Tadzhik passport 🇹🇯
• Thai passport 🇹🇭
• East Timorese passport 🇹🇱
• Turkish passport 🇹🇷
• Turkmen passport 🇹🇲
• Emirati passport 🇦🇪
• Uzbekistani passport 🇺🇿
• Vietnamese passport 🇻🇳
• Yemeni passport 🇾🇪
• Albanian passport 🇦🇱
• Andorran passport 🇦🇩
• Austrian passport 🇦🇹
• Belarusian passport 🇧🇾
• Belgian passport 🇧🇪
• Bosnian, Herzegovinian passport 🇧🇦
• Bulgarian passport 🇧🇬
• Croatian passport 🇭🇷
• Cypriot passport 🇨🇾
• Czech passport 🇨🇿
• Danish passport 🇩🇰
• Estonian passport 🇪🇪
• Finnish passport 🇫🇮
• French passport 🇫🇷
• German passport 🇩🇪
• Greek passport 🇬🇷
• Hungarian passport 🇭🇺
• Icelander passport 🇮🇸
• Irish passport 🇮🇪
• Italian passport 🇮🇹
• Latvian passport 🇱🇻
• Liechtensteiner passport 🇱🇮
• Lithuanian passport 🇱🇹
• Luxembourger passport 🇱🇺
• Macedonian passport 🇲🇰
• Maltese passport 🇲🇹
• Moldovan passport 🇲🇩
• Monegasque passport 🇲🇨
• Montenegrin passport 🇲🇪
• Dutch passport 🇳🇱
• Norwegian passport 🇳🇴
• Polish passport 🇵🇱
• Portuguese passport 🇵🇹
• Romanian passport 🇷🇴
• Russian passport 🇷🇺
• Sammarinese passport 🇸🇲
• Serbian passport 🇷🇸
• Slovak passport 🇸🇰
• Slovene passport 🇸🇮
• Spanish passport 🇪🇸
• Swedish passport 🇸🇪
• Swiss passport 🇨🇭
• Ukrainian passport 🇺🇦
• British passport 🇬🇧
• Vatican passport 🇻🇦
• Algerian passport 🇩🇿
• Angolan passport 🇦🇴
• Beninese passport 🇧🇯
• Motswana passport 🇧🇼
• Burkinabe passport 🇧🇫
• Burundian passport 🇧🇮
• Cameroonian passport 🇨🇲
• Cape Verdian passport 🇨🇻
• Chadian passport 🇹🇩
• Comoran passport 🇰🇲
• Congolese passport 🇨🇬
• DR Congolese passport 🇨🇩
• Ivorian passport 🇨🇮
• Djibouti passport 🇩🇯
• Egyptian passport 🇪🇬
• Eritrean passport 🇪🇷
• Ethiopian passport 🇪🇹
• Gabonese passport 🇬🇦
• Gambian passport 🇬🇲
• Ghanaian passport 🇬🇭
• Guinean passport 🇬🇳
• Kenyan passport 🇰🇪
• Mosotho passport 🇱🇸
• Liberian passport 🇱🇷
• Libyan passport 🇱🇾
• Malagasy passport 🇲🇬
• Malawian passport 🇲🇼
• Malian passport 🇲🇱
• Mauritanian passport 🇲🇷
• Mauritian passport 🇲🇺
• Moroccan passport 🇲🇦
• Mozambican passport 🇲🇿
• Namibian passport 🇳🇦
• Nigerien passport 🇳🇪
• Nigerian passport 🇳🇬
• Rwandan passport 🇷🇼
• Senegalese passport 🇸🇳
• Seychellois passport 🇸🇨
• Sierra Leonean passport 🇸🇱
• Somali passport 🇸🇴
• South African passport 🇿🇦
• South Sudanese passport 🇸🇸
• Sudanese passport 🇸🇩
• Swazi passport 🇸🇿
• Tanzanian passport 🇹🇿
• Togolese passport 🇹🇬
• Tunisian passport 🇹🇳
• Ugandan passport 🇺🇬
• Zambian passport 🇿🇲
• Zimbabwean passport 🇿🇼
• Antiguan, Barbudan passport 🇦🇬
• Argentinean passport 🇦🇷
• Bahamian passport 🇧🇸
• Barbadian passport 🇧🇧
• Belizean passport 🇧🇿
• Bolivian passport 🇧🇴
• Brazilian passport 🇧🇷
• Canadian passport 🇨🇦
• Chilean passport 🇨🇱
• Colombian passport 🇨🇴
• Costa Rican passport 🇨🇷
• Cuban passport 🇨🇺
• Dominican passport 🇩🇲
• Dominican passport 🇩🇴
• Ecuadorean passport 🇪🇨
• Salvadoran passport 🇸🇻
• Grenadian passport 🇬🇩
• Guatemalan passport 🇬🇹
• Guyanese passport 🇬🇾
• Haitian passport 🇭🇹
• Honduran passport 🇭🇳
• Jamaican passport 🇯🇲
• Mexican passport 🇲🇽
• Nicaraguan passport 🇳🇮
• Panamanian passport 🇵🇦
• Paraguayan passport 🇵🇾
• Peruvian passport 🇵🇪
• Kittian and Nevisian passport 🇰🇳
• Saint Lucian passport 🇱🇨
• Saint Vincentian passport 🇻🇨
• Surinamer passport 🇸🇷
• Trinidadian passport 🇹🇹
• American passport 🇺🇸
• Uruguayan passport 🇺🇾
• Venezuelan passport 🇻🇪
• Australian passport 🇦🇺
• Fijian passport 🇫🇯
• Kiribati passport 🇰🇮
• Marshallese passport 🇲🇭
• Micronesian passport 🇫🇲
• Nauruan passport 🇳🇷
• New Zealander passport 🇳🇿
• Palauan passport 🇵🇼
• Papua New Guinean passport 🇵🇬
• Samoan passport 🇼🇸
• Solomon Islander passport 🇸🇧
• Tongan passport 🇹🇴
• Tuvaluan passport 🇹🇻
• Vanuatuan passport 🇻🇺

VPN for traveling

Internet safety while traveling is important. If you're unsure whether you're connected to a safe network, you can use online tools like who is my ISP provider .

An ISP, or internet service provider , is a company that provides the internet you're using right now.

Normally, the ISP has access to all your browsing data. However, you can easily install one of the many VPN services to get an extra layer of safety when traveling to any of the visa-free countries near you.

Weather forecast

Before traveling to any of the visa-free countries, it's important to check the weather forecast for the destination, which includes information on temperature, humidity, wind, and precipitation.

It's also essential to consider barometric pressure and UV index today to plan outdoor activities and take necessary precautions.

Check your altitude

Planning your next travel adventure? Wondering about your current altitude is? Explore the altitudes of visa-free countries and their breathtaking landscapes using our interactive elevation map .

Whether you're trekking, sightseeing, or simply immersing yourself in nature, knowing your elevation adds a new dimension to your travel experience.

Want to travel to Europe but are not able to get a Schengen visa? Here’s how you can apply

D reaming of exploring the charming streets of Paris, the historic landmarks of Rome, or the picturesque landscapes of Croatia or Switzerland? The allure of Europe’s diverse cultures, rich history, and breathtaking scenery beckons travelers from around the globe. However, for many, the dream of visiting Europe is often dampened by the daunting task of obtaining a Schengen visa.

As the trend of post-Covid “revenge travel ” gains momentum, with travelers eagerly planning international trips, securing a Schengen visa for European destinations has become increasingly challenging, particularly for certain countries.

The temple run: On a bike and a prayer | How to reach Tungnath, the world’s highest Shiva temple

Croatia, having recently joined the Schengen agreement and emerging as a sought-after destination, exemplifies the growing demand for visas. However, VFS Global, a prominent visa service provider in India , finds itself under scrutiny due to customer dissatisfaction over delays in processing.

Travel agents report instances of applicants resorting to deceit about their intended destinations or navigating through Scandinavian countries to secure appointment slots. However, this tactic is not without risks, as attempting to apply for a visa in a geographically distant country may raise suspicions and lead to rejection.

Despite VFS Global’s clarification that appointment availability and processing timelines are governed by client governments, frustrations persist among travelers and consultants alike. Cyrus Sethna, a visa and immigration consultant, highlights the scarcity of available appointments and the prolonged processing period, citing instances where securing a slot was akin to a miracle.

The situation varies across Schengen countries, with Greece experiencing sporadic visa processing delays and Italy facing a complete lack of appointment slots during the previous summer. Spain, while relatively consistent in visa issuance, currently faces a shortage of available appointments.

The uncertainty and inconvenience surrounding visa applications are prompting travelers to explore alternative destinations in Asia or Africa, where visa requirements are more relaxed. However, the shift away from European travel reflects a broader trend of mounting frustration with visa processes unable to keep pace with increasing travel demands.

The challenges encountered in securing Schengen visas underscore the need for proactive planning and flexibility in travel arrangements. As travelers navigate the evolving landscape of international travel, the importance of adapting to changing visa regulations and exploring diverse destinations becomes increasingly evident.

What is a Schengen visa?

The Schengen visa, a document issued by European countries that are part of the Schengen Area, allows travelers to visit multiple countries within the area with a single visa. While the visa streamlines travel logistics , the application process can be complex and intimidating. But fear not, as there are strategies to navigate the process smoothly and increase your chances of success.

Understand the Requirements: Before diving into the application process, familiarize yourself with the specific requirements of the country you plan to visit. Each Schengen country may have slightly different criteria for visa approval, so it’s essential to research and comply with their guidelines diligently.

Plan Your Itinerary: A well-defined travel itinerary is crucial for your visa application. Outline your intended dates of travel, accommodation details, and a comprehensive list of countries you plan to visit. A coherent itinerary demonstrates your purpose of travel and helps visa authorities assess the legitimacy of your application.

Financial Documentation: One of the key factors in the visa approval process is demonstrating your financial stability. Provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover your travel expenses, including accommodation, transportation, and daily expenses. Bank statements, income certificates, and sponsorship letters, if applicable, can strengthen your case.

Proof of Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is not only a wise investment for your trip but also a mandatory requirement for Schengen visa applications. Ensure your insurance policy meets the minimum coverage stipulated by the Schengen countries, including medical emergencies and repatriation.

Submit Complete and Accurate Documents: Incomplete or inaccurate documentation can lead to delays or rejection of your visa application. Double-check all forms, declarations, and supporting documents to ensure they are filled out correctly and meet the prescribed criteria.

‘The key is to balance hi-tech with high-touch’

Schedule a Visa Appointment: Most Schengen countries require applicants to schedule an appointment at the respective consulate or embassy for visa submission. Plan ahead and book your appointment well in advance to avoid last-minute rush and availability issues.

Attend the Visa Interview: Some countries may require applicants to attend a visa interview as part of the application process. Be prepared to answer questions regarding your travel plans, financial situation, and intentions for visiting Europe. Maintain honesty and clarity in your responses to build credibility with the visa officer.

Seek Professional Assistance if Needed: If you find the visa application process overwhelming or encounter difficulties, consider seeking assistance from reputable visa consultants or travel agencies. Experienced professionals can guide you through the process, offer valuable insights, and increase your chances of a successful outcome.

While obtaining a Schengen visa may seem like a daunting task, thorough preparation, attention to detail, and adherence to guidelines can significantly enhance your prospects of obtaining approval. With careful planning and perseverance, you can soon embark on your European adventure and create unforgettable memories across the continent’s enchanting destinations.

Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

53 countries you can travel VISA-FREE with a Schengen visa [2024 edition]

Updated: April 13, 2024 103 Comments

There are 27 countries you can visit with a Schengen visa. But, there are also 53 non-Schengen countries and territories that you can travel VISA-FREE with a Schengen visa.

Most people 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.

Table of Contents

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER Visa requirements change constantly but we make every effort to keep the information accurate and up to date. We provide links to official sources wherever necessary, so you can conduct your own due diligence to verify the visa requirements before planning your trip. We shall not be held liable for any damages incurred as a result of using the information in this article. Refer to our full disclaimer for more information.

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 and Cyprus are in the process of joining the Schengen zone

Reason 2: Countries trust the Schengen visa screening process

Schengen visa applicants are screened thoroughly for their strong ties with their home countries. Countries simply trust the Schengen visa application screening.

Reason 3: 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.

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What countries are included in the Schengen visa?

The following 27 countries are included in the Schengen visa.

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland

Apart from the above 27, there are about 53 non-Schengen countries and territories you can visit with a Schengen visa.

What Schengen visas are eligible for non-Schengen countries?

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)
• Residence permit from any Schengen country

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.

So, without further ado, let’s get started.

North America

• Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
• Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas
• Permitted residence permits: A valid permanent residence permit from any Schengen country
• Entry granted: Up to 180 days
• Entry rule: Schengen visa must be valid for the entire stay in Mexico
• Official source: National Institute of Migration, Mexico

RELATED: 53 countries you can travel VISA-FREE with a US visa in 2024

Central America

• Permitted residence permits: None
• Entry granted: 30 days
• Official source: Belize.com

03. Costa Rica

• Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry D-Type Schengen visas (student and work only)
• Schengen C-Type short-stay visas are NOT accepted
• Schengen D-Type visa or residence permit must be valid for at least 3 months from the day of arrival
• Residence permit must be in the form of a “card”, residence permits in the form of visa stickers are not accepted
• Official source: Embassy of Costa Rica in Washington DC, US

04. El Salvador

• Burkina Faso
• Central African Republic
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Turkmenistan
• Entry granted: 90 days total in the entire CA-4 zone (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua)
• 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: IATA Travel Centre

05. Guatemala

• Côte d´Ivoire
• Dominican Republic
• 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

06. Honduras

• Cote d’Ivoire
• South Sudan
• Schengen visa must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
• 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. 

07. Nicaragua

• Afghanistan
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Congo, Dem Rep of
• Congo, Rep of
• Sierra Leone
• Timor-Leste
• 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)
• Permitted visas: All valid USED multiple-entry Schengen visas, except those issued by non-EU countries (Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein)
• Permitted residence permits: A valid residence permit from any Schengen country, except issued by non-EU countries (Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein)
• Schengen visa must have been used at least once to enter the visa-issuing country
• Must show proof of economic solvency for a minimum of 500 USD
• Official source: Embassy of Panama in the USA

RELATED: 38 countries you can travel VISA-FREE with Canada visa in 2024

09. Antigua and Barbuda

• Permitted residence permits: A valid residence permit from any Schengen country
• VOA fee is 100 USD, valid for 30 days, single-entry only
• Official source: Department of Immigration, Antigua and Barbuda
• Official source: Netherlands Worldwide

11. Bahamas

• Entry granted: 90 days
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Bahamas

12. Bonaire (Dutch Territory)

• Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas (C-Type and D-Type only)

13. Curaçao

14. dominican republic.

• Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas, except transit (A-Type)
• Entry rule: 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
• Entry rule: A tourist fee of 10 USD must be paid on arrival at the airport

16. Jamaica

• Permitted visas: All valid used/unused single/multiple-entry Schengen visas
• Official source: Immigration Department of Jamaica

17. Sint Maarten

• Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas (C-Type or D-Type only)

RELATED: 43 countries you can travel VISA-FREE with UK visa in 2024

South America

18. Colombia

• Permitted visas: All valid used/unused single/multiple-entry Schengen visas, except transit (A-Type)
• Entry rule: Schengen visa must be valid for at least 180 days from the day of arrival
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia
• Entry granted: 180 days
• Entry rule: Schengen visa must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru

RELATED: 18 countries you can visit VISA-FREE with an Australian visa or PR in 2024

20. Albania

• Permitted visas: All valid used multiple-entry Schengen visas
• Entry rule: Schengen visa must have been used to enter the visa-issuing country
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Albania

21. Andorra

• Permitted visas: All valid USED double/multiple-entry Schengen visas (C-Type or D-Type only)
• 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

22. Armenia

• Marshall Islands
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saudi Arabia
• Solomon Islands
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Entry granted: 21 or 120 days
• 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

23. Belarus

• South Africa
• Permitted visas: All valid used multiple-entry Schengen visas (C-Type or D-Type only)
• 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.
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus

24. Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Eligible nationalities: All nationalities, except Kosovo
• Entry rule: 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

25. Bulgaria

• Permitted visas: All valid used multiple-entry Schengen visas, except transit (A-type)
• Entry rule: Total duration of consecutive stays must not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria
• 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)
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus

27. Georgia

• 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

28. Gibraltar (British Territory)

• Permitted visas: All valid USED multiple-entry Schengen visas
• Entry granted: 21 days
• Entry rule: Schengen visa must be valid for at least 7 days beyond the period of stay
• Official source: Gibraltar Borders & Coastguards Agency
• Permitted residence permits: A valid biometric residence permit from any Schengen country
• Entry granted: 15 days
• Entry rule: The residence permit from Schengen must be biometric
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kosovo

30. Moldova

• São Tomé and Príncipe
• Entry rule: Schengen Visa or residence permit must be valid for the intended period of stay
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova
• Permitted visas: All valid USED double/multiple-entry Schengen visas
• 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

32. Montenegro

• Entry rules: Schengen visa must be valid for the intended period of the stay
• Official source: Government of Montenegro

33. North Macedonia

• Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen visas (C-Type only)
• Permitted residence permits: A valid temporary/permanent residence permit from any Schengen country
• 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

34. Romania

• Permitted visas: All valid used double/multiple-entry Schengen visas (C-Type or LTV)
• The Schengen visa entries or length of stay must not have been exhausted
• The residence permit should have been granted for 5 or more years
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania

35. San Marino

• Permitted visas: All valid USED double/multiple-entry Schengen visas (C-Type or D-Type)
• Entry rule: 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
• Schengen visa must be valid for the entire duration of the stay
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia
• Algeria (those aged 15-18 and 35-65)
• North Korea
• 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

If you hold a Schengen visa, follow this step-by-step guide to apply for Tukey e-Visa . This article will guide you to fill out your e-Visa application, pay the fee and download the approved e-Visa.

38. United Kingdom

• Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Schengen D-Type visas only (Short stay C-Type visas are not eligible)
• Entry granted: 24 hours only (Transit Without Visa)
• 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

39. Vatican City

• Entry granted: 1 day (there are no accommodation facilities for tourists in Vatican City)
• Entry rule: Vatican City doesn’t require any visa, but entry/exit to Vatican City is only through Italy which requires a Schengen Visa

RELATED: 13 VISA-FREE Countries You Can Visit with New Zealand Visa or PR in 2024

Middle East

40. Bahrain

• Entry granted: 14 days or 30 days
• 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 9 BD, valid for 14 days, entry up to 14 days
• Multiple-entry eVisa fee is 16 BD, valid for 1 month, entry up to 14 days
• For VOA, the Schengen visa must be valid for the entire stay in Bahrain
• For eVisa, the Schengen visa must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
• Official source: Bahrain eVisa Portal
• Congo, Dem. Rep. Of
• Congo, Rep. of
• Guinea Bissau
• Permitted residence permits: A valid residence permit from any Schengen country, except Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for Jordan e-Visa
• The residence permit must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
• Official source: Jordan E-Visa Portal
• El Salvador
• Entry granted: 10 or 30 days
• 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: Sultanate of Oman, Royal Oman Police
• 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 or residence permit must be valid on the day of the A3 Visa application
• Official source: Qatar Tourist Board

44. Saudi Arabia

• Permitted visas: All valid used multiple-entry Schengen visas (C-Type and D-Type only)
• Permitted residence permits: A valid residence permit from any Schengen country, except Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein
• 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

45. United Arab Emirates

• Eligible nationalities: Indian passport holders only
• Permitted visas: None
• Entry granted: 14 days
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL at UAE airports
• VOA fee is 100 AED, valid for 14 days, single-entry only
• Schengen residence permit must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
• Official source: UAE Government Portal

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

• 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
• Official source: Egypt Tourism Department

47. Morocco

• 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

RELATED: How to turn your weak passport into a strong passport (with examples)

48. Kyrgyzstan

• Permitted visas: All valid used/unused LONG-TERM multiple-entry Schengen visas issued for at least 3+ years
• Entry granted: 7 days
• 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

49. Philippines

• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of departure
• Official source: Embassy of the Philippines in India

50. Singapore

• Permitted visas: All valid used/unused single/multiple-entry Schengen visas that allow entry into Germany and Switzerland, except transit (A-Type)
• Permitted residence permits: A valid residence permit from Germany or Switzerland
• Entry granted: 96 hours (4 days)
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT but are eligible to obtain 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 or residence permit must be valid for at least 1 month at the time of arrival
• Official source: Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority

51. South Korea

• Eligible nationalities: All nationalities (except the following 23 nationalities – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cameron, Cuba, Egypt, Gambia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Uzbekistan and Yemen)
• Entry rule: Must be traveling to/from the visa-issuing country through South Korea
• Official source: South Korea Embassy in Washington DC, USA
• Permitted visas: All valid/expired used/unused single/multiple-entry Schengen visas, except transit (A-Type)
• Permitted residence permits: A valid/expired residence permit from any Schengen country
• Visa is EXEMPT but must apply for ROC Travel Authorization Certificate online before arrival
• ROC Travel Authorization Certificate is free of charge, valid for 90 days, multiple-entry
• If using an EXPIRED Schengen visa or residence permit, the visa or residence permit must have expired in the last 10 years only
• Official source: Bureau of Consular Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan)

53. Thailand

• Permitted visas: A RESIDENCE visa from any Schengen country, such as student, work, etc.
• Permitted residence permits: A valid residence permit from any Schengen countries
• Entry granted: 60 days
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for Thailand e-Visa online
• E-Visa fee is 40 USD, valid for 90 days or 180 days, single or multiple-entry
• Must submit proof of residence in the country of application such as driver’s license, utility bill, etc.
• Official source: Thai E-Visa Portal

RELATED: How to book flight tickets with 24 hour FREE cancellation on Expedia – A step-by-step guide

There you have it! 53 non-Schengen countries and territories you can travel VISA-FREE with a Schengen visa. Including the 27 Schengen countries, you can visit 80 countries and territories with a Schengen visa.

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.

Change history:  For those who are interested, here are the changes to this list.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

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01. Apply for your visa

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02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

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Green Card Holders Can Now Travel to Europe Visa-Free

Introduction, what is a green card, what are the requirements for a green card holder to travel to europe visa-free, what are the benefits of traveling to europe visa-free for green card holders, what are the countries in europe that green card holders can visit visa-free, what are the requirements for green card holders when entering europe visa-free, what are the restrictions for green card holders when traveling to europe visa-free, how long can green card holders stay in europe visa-free, what should green card holders do if they plan to stay in europe for longer than the visa-free period.

Green card holders rejoice! You can now travel to Europe visa-free. Read on to learn more about this amazing opportunity.

Checkout this video:

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The European Union has announced that starting June 15, 2021, green card holders will be able to travel to Europe visa-free. This is great news for anyone who has been waiting to travel to Europe and wants to do so without having to go through the hassle of applying for a visa.

This change comes as a result of the EU-US agreement on visa waiver reciprocity, which was reached in 2014. Under this agreement, both the EU and the US committed to fully implementing the visa waiver program by December 31, 2015. However, due to unforeseen delays, this deadline was not met.

The visa waiver reciprocity agreement between the EU and the US will now be fully implemented on June 15, 2021. This means that Green Card holders will be able to travel to any of the 26 Schengen countries for up to 90 days without a visa.

If you are a Green Card holder and you want to travel to Europe, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, you need to have a valid Green Card. Second, you need to have a valid passport from your country of citizenship. And third, you need to have travel insurance that covers you for at least part of your stay in Europe.

once you have all of these things in order, you can start planning your trip!

A Green Card is an identification card that proves that you are a legal resident of the United States. If you have a Green Card, you can live and work in the U.S. indefinitely. You can also travel freely in and out of the country.

Green Card holders are now able to travel to Europe visa-free for up to 90 days. However, there are a few requirements that must be met in order to be eligible for this visa-free travel.

First, the Green Card holder must have a valid passport from their country of citizenship. Second, they must have a valid Green Card that is valid for at least six months beyond the planned date of travel. Finally, they must have a round-trip ticket booked and proof of enough funds to support themselves during their stay in Europe.

If the Green Card holder meets all of these requirements, they will be able to enjoy visa-free travel to Europe for up to 90 days. This is a great opportunity for Green Card holders to explore all that Europe has to offer!

Per the Schengen Agreement, Green Card holders from the United States are now eligible to travel to Europe visa-free for up to 90 days. This agreement allows for increased business and leisure travel opportunities between the U.S. and Europe, and is a boon for Green Card holders who wish to explore the continent.

There are many benefits to traveling to Europe visa-free as a Green Card holder. Perhaps most importantly, it saves time and money that would otherwise be spent on obtaining a visa. It also allows for greater flexibility in travel plans, as last-minute trips are now possible without having to go through the hassle of applying for a visa beforehand. And of course, it makes traveling to Europe overall easier and more convenient.

For those who are frequent travelers or who have family or business ties in Europe, the Schengen Agreement is a welcome development that makes traveling between the two continents easier than ever before.

Green Card Holders Can Now Travel visa-free to any country in the Schengen Area, which includes 26 European countries.

The Schengen Area is an agreement among 26 European countries to allow free and unrestricted travel between participating countries. The Schengen Area covers most of Europe, but there are a few European countries that are not members of the Schengen Agreement.

These non-Schengen countries are: Albania, Andorra, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Gibraltar, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Turkey and Vatican City.

As of January 2021, Green Card holders are eligible to travel visa-free to countries in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days. In order to be eligible, Green Card holders must:

-Have a valid Green Card -Have a passport that is valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned date of departure from the Schengen Area -Have proof of sufficient funds for the duration of their stay -Have comprehensive medical insurance with coverage of at least €30,000

As of January 1, 2021, Green Card holders are now able to travel to Europe visa-free for up to 90 days. However, there are a few restrictions to keep in mind:

-You must have a valid Green Card and passport -You must have proof of onward or return travel -You must have enough money to support yourself during your stay -You must not have any criminal convictions

If you meet all of the above criteria, you will be able to enjoy all that Europe has to offer visa-free for up to 90 days. So start planning your dream trip today!

According to the European Commission, Green Card holders can now travel to Europe visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This is a significant change from the previous policy, which only allowed Green Card holders to stay in Europe for up to 30 days in any 90-day period.

The new visa-free policy applies to all countries in the Schengen area, which includes 26 European countries that have abolished passport and immigration controls at their shared borders. The Schengen area covers much of continental Europe, but there are a few notable exceptions including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Bulgaria, Romania, and Cyprus.

If you’re a Green Card holder planning to travel to Europe, be sure to check the visa requirements of your specific destination country as some may have additional requirements such as proof of onward travel or a valid reason for your visit (e.g. business, tourism, study).

Green Card holders who plan to stay in Europe for longer than the visa-free period will need to apply for a long-stay visa from the country they wish to visit. The process and requirements for doing this vary by country, so it’s important to research the specific requirements for the country you plan to visit. Once you have obtained a long-stay visa, you will be able to stay in that country for an extended period of time.

The European Parliament voted on Thursday to allow visa-free travel for citizens of Kosovo, a former Serbian province that declared independence in 2008. The move cleared the way for visa-free travel across the 26-member Schengen Area, which includes most of Europe but not Britain or Ireland.

Kosovo still technically requires a visa for travel to five European Union countries — Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Poland and Romania — but those countries are expected to lift their requirements soon.

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Europe visa-free: Countries that do not need a visa for Schengen

A number of nationalities from around the world are permitted to enter Europe visa-free and stay in the countries that make up the European Schengen Area for passport-free travel.

Nevertheless, those who currently do not need a visa for Europe will be required to register with ETIAS from 2025 , once this electronic travel authorization system for the Schengen Area is introduced.

Eligible travellers will need to complete an ETIAS application online , which only takes a few minutes to complete with basic personal, passport, and travel details.

Once approved, an ETIAS authorization is electronically linked to the traveller’s passport, and allows multiple entries to the Schengen Area during its validity.

Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Europe?

Whether or not you can travel to Europe visa-free depends on your nationality and how long you intend to spend in the destination country.

Nationalities that are permitted to travel to Schengen without a visa are permitted short stays of up to 90 days within every 180-day period.

Visa-free travel to Europe is granted for purposes of:

• Short-term Study

Once ETIAS is introduced, visa-exempt travellers will be able to use an approved electronic authorization to visit any and all Schengen countries for the same period of time and motives of travel.

Nevertheless, transit passengers will only need to use their ETIAS if they are planning to leave the international transit area of a Schengen airport while en route to their final destination.

If a visa-exempt traveller wishes to visit a Schengen country for longer consecutive stays or other purposes , such as to work or study long-term, then they are required to apply for a Schengen visa. They must visit the nearest embassy or consulate of their destination to do so.

Schengen visa-free countries

The Schengen Area is a group of European countries that have abolished passport controls at their common borders. The area also includes four European microstates: Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco and San Marino.

You can find a complete list of Schengen countries and Schengen-affiliated countries and states below:

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Vatican City

Due to a shared border policy, all nationalities that can travel to Schengen without a visa are able to travel freely with the Area visa-free .

Nationalities that can travel to Schengen without a visa

The following countries are currently eligible to travel to Shengen without a visa:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• El Salvador
• Marshall Islands
• New Zealand
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent
• Solomon Islands
• South Korea
• Timor Leste
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States of America

By 2025, the same visa-exempt travellers will need an approved ETIAS to travel to and within the Schengen zone for short-term stays.

Visa requirements for Europe for visa-free travellers

Nationalities who can travel to Europe without a visa do not need to meet the visa requirements for Europe for short stays.

They simply need to have a biometric passport with at least 3 months validity from the date of departure from the Schengen Area.

If the traveller’s passport is due to expire soon before their entry to Europe, they are advised to first renew the document before the trip to ensure they do not have any problems at Schengen border control.

As mentioned above, visa-exempt travellers will also need to register with ETIAS to travel to the Schengen Area for short stays by 2025.

To obtain an ETIAS visa waiver , it is simply necessary to:

• Fill out the online form
• Answer a few security questions
• Pay the ETIAS fee using a valid debit/card
• Receive confirmation of the approved ETIAS by email

An ETIAS authorization is processed quickly , and electronically linked to the traveller’s passport. They can then use the same passport they used to complete the ETIAS application for visa-free travel to Europe.

Visa-free travel to Europe with ETIAS

If a visa-exempt citizen wishes to travel to Europe without a visa, they will need to present a valid passport and have an approved ETIAS (once the system is introduced).

An approved ETIAS authorization is valid for 3 years from the date of approval, or until the associated passport expires. This means there is no need to reapply for the authorization before every trip to the Schengen Area.

A difference between ETIAS and a Schengen visa is that an ETIAS allows the holder to travel freely between all Schengen countries once they enter the zone. A Schengen visa, on the other hand, is only issued for one individual European country.

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The best non-schengen countries in europe for nomads in 2024.

If you’re visiting Europe and want to know how to  stay longer than 90 days on a Schengen visa , discover the rest of Europe with these non Schengen countries where you can reset your visa.

The Best Non-Schengen Countries in Europe for Nomads in 2023

If you’re a digital nomad or just want to stay in Europe long-term and you’re traveling to Europe on a  Schengen Visa  or visiting Europe from a country that doesn’t require a specific Schengen visa, like the  USA, Australia, or Canada ,  and you’re interested in staying in Europe for   longer than the allowed 90 days ,  you’ll need to know how to move around the continent so that you don’t overstay your legal welcome in the Schengen area.

Note that starting in November 2023, you will need a visa to enter Europe! You can learn more about this new visa requirement, known as the   ETIAS Visa, here.  Visa policy is constantly changing, so check back frequently. And remember, no matter your visa status, you always need to have a valid passport when entering Europe from another continent!

• What is the Schengen Zone?

What is the Schengen Zone and what are you even talking about?! If you have absolutely no idea what I’m talking about, don’t fear, you can learn more on my detailed  guide to the Schengen area here .

But the basic gist is that there are 27 countries in Europe that signed what is called the  Schengen Agreement . These Schengen Agreement countries have all decided not to require border controls while traveling between them.

Keep in mind that you can have a Schengen country within and without the European Union. Being part of the EU does not automatically mean that it is part of the Schengen area. And being outside of the Europen Union doesn’t mean that you’re not in the Schengen area.

This means you can travel freely between these  27 Schengen region countries  without having to even pull out your passport! It sounds nice, doesn’t it? Well, it is until you decide you want to stay longer than 90 days.

Here's a Short Cut

Schengen Countries List

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So which countries are in the Schengen Area? There are 51 countries in Europe, and 26 of them are in the Schengen Visa countries. Non-EU Schengen countries are also included. Some non-EU countries can be in or out of the Schengen, so keep that in mind. Yes, I know it’s complicated. Focus on the lists, that will help. This list of Schengen countries is current as of February 2023. Keep in mind, that things do change, though I try to keep this up to date.  

• Croatia (this is a new addition)
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands

This Schengen countries map will help you to see which are Schengen Area countries. Basically, everything in beige is up for grabs if you’re looking for non-Schengen countries in Europe.

As a US citizen or a holder of a valid Schengen Visa,   you are only allowed to stay within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days every 180 days.   This is a rolling 90 days, meaning that technically you could be in the Schengen Zone for one day, then out for one day for the rest of your life. I don’t know anyone who wants to live this way, so that’s why I’m helping you figure out a way to stay in Europe beyond the Schengen Zone rules.

The best way to get around this 90 Schengen Area rule is to  leave the Schengen area at least every 90 days.  Remember that you’re allowed a  rolling 90 days , so if you stay for 90 days, you will have to leave for 90 days in order to enter the Schengen Area with a clean state.   This does NOT mean that you MUST leave for 90 days!  You can leave the Schengen Zone for 30 days, then be allowed back in for another 30 days, leave for 10, and come back in for 10, etc.

I know it seems very complicated, but it’s not too bad once you grasp the idea. Your best bet is to use a Schengen calculator like   this one .

This rule can seem really frustrating until you think about all of the places that are available to you in Europe. Europe is the second smallest continent, yet there are 50 countries in this tiny space. Only half of them are in the Schengen Zone, so there’s no need to worry!

If you’re planning to leave the Schengen Zone, these are the non-Schengen Countries in Europe:

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Northern ireland.

• Ukraine (obviously, don’t go right now)
• Vatican City

Leaving the Schengen Zone and visiting these 26 non Schengen destinations is a great way to wait out your days until you can re-enter, but many people don’t know much about these incredible places, so I’m outlining each of the non Schengen countries in Europe so that you can decide where you want to go.

It is important to keep in mind that these countries will have their own specific visa requirements, which I have included below.

Albania is one of the non Schengen EU countries that is a great place to hop into for a few weeks or months.

Albania is a beautiful country located in the Balkan area. While Albania is not often visited by tourists, aside from the cruise city of Saranda and its surroundings, it has everything for an incredible trip. From amazing mountain ranges to some of the last wild rivers of Europe. And from beautiful meadows to incredibly friendly people.

One of the things you have to do in Albania is to visit the region of the Albanian Alps. Around the villages of Valbona and Theth, you can do incredible hikes. Or you can even do the most famous hike of Albania, from Valbona to Thethi or the other way around. Another thing I recommend you to do is to visit the old Greek city of Butrint and its ruins. Last, you have to visit the Unesco World Heritage site of Gjirokaster. The entire old town is a monument and mostly known for its houses and stone rooftops.

One of the Albanian foods you have to try is Qifqi. Whether you’re a vegetarian or meat lover, I can guarantee that you will love this. They’re a specialty from the town of Gjirokaster and look like a risotto ball, but doesn’t taste that way. It’s delicious though. Another food you have to try is byrek.

Passport Validity: 3 months Blank Passport Pages: One page required for entry stamp Visa Required: None Length of Stay: Under 1 year

• Currency: Albanian lek
• Accommodation:  Hostels can be found from the price of around 1500 Albanian Lek. Great hotels start from around 3500 Albanian lek.
• Food:  A byrek is easily bought for the price of 50 lek. A cheap dinner will set you back around 450 – 600 lek.
• Entertainment:   If you’d like to go to the cinema you can be expecting to pay around 500 Albanian lek. To enter the site of Butrint you can expect to pay 700 Albanian lek.

From Visiting the Dutch Countryside

Andorra is a beautiful, mountainous land-locked principality high in the Pyrenees. Bordered by Spain and France, it’s a great place to visit throughout the year. In the winter, there are skiing and snow sports but in the summer, it’s all about hiking and cycling. We traveled to   Andorra with our toddler   and loved it. The capital, Andorra la Vella is compact and easily walkable but the real reasons for visiting are the breath-taking mountain views and range of outdoor activities.

• Parc Natural de la Vall de Sorteny for hiking and nature
• Visit one of the famous ski resorts in winter, like Grandvalira
• Take in the views at the Mirador Roc Del Quer viewpoint/ skywalk

Passport Validity:  3 months required, 6 months recommended Blank Passport Pages: One page required for entry stamp Visa Required: None Length of Stay: 90 days

• Currency: Euro
• Accommodation:  £100-£150 a night for a family suite
• Food:  A meal with drinks for 2 adults and 1 child came to around 50 euros
• Entertainment:  Ski passes at the big resorts are about 50 euros a day for an adult / most hikes and viewpoints are free From World for a Girl

Passport Validity: 3 months recommended, but not required Blank Passport Pages: Not required Visa Required: None Length of Stay: 180 days or less

• Currency: Armenian Dram
• Accommodation: Hostel is around $5 a night and a hotel is around $25-30.
• Food: $2-$5.
• Entertainment: $2-5

Azerbaijan is one of the most beautiful non-EU non-Schengen countries in Europe.

Passport Validity:  6 months Blank Passport Pages: One page required for entry stamp Visa Required: Yes, apply for the Visa here Length of Stay: 30 days

• Currency: Azerbaijani manat
• Accommodation: Around €10 for a bed in a dormitory at a hostel in Baku. Accomodation gets cheaper outside of Baku.
• Food: Street food like shawarma is very cheap and costs between 1 or 3 euro. If you sit down in one of the inexpensive cafes expect to pay between 5 and 8 euro’s for a meal with something to drink.
• Entertainment:  A lot of the attractions are free in Azerzerbaijan and the ones that do charge a fee are not too expensive. For example, a ticket to the Heydar Aliyev cultural center, one of the top things to do in Baku, is only 5 euro’s From Backpack Adventures
• National Library of Belarus (including the panoramic viewing deck hidden at the back of the building)
• the World’s Most Spectacular KFC restaurant (trust me!)
• the traditional TsUM department store
• Draniki (potato pancakes)
• Foraged wild mushrooms
• Nalistniki (Belarusian crepes).

Passport Validity: 3 months Blank Passport Pages: Two pages required for entry stamp Visa Required: Yes, if planning to stay more than 30 calendar days or if you enter or exit at border crossings other than the Minsk Airport, or if you travel directly to or from the Russian Federation.  Length of Stay:  Under 30 days without a visa

• Currency: Belarusian ruble
• Accommodation: I stayed in a hostel dorm room for about €6 per night, and also spent one night in a luxury spa hotel for €75
• Food: Cheap meals in sit-down restaurants are less than BYN 10 (€4).
• Entertainment: Entrance to museums and other attractions is usually about 6-8 BYN (EUR 3-4). From Fearless Female Travels

Passport Validity: 3 months Blank Passport Pages: One page required for entry stamp Visa Required:  No Length of Stay: Under 3 months

• Currency: Bosnia and Herzegovina convertible mark (BAM)
• Accommodation:  $100/night for a 4* property in Sarajevo
• Food:  Cheap. A good meal can be had for a family of four for less than $40.
• Entertainment:  Cheap. Everything here is cheap. Full Day trips from $15/person From Kids are a Trip
• Currency: Bulgarian Lev
• Accommodation: There are many great places to stay in Sofia on a variety of budgets. On average, a hostel bed will cost about $10 USD per night, whereas a double room in an average hotel will cost around $50-60 USD a night. Luxury hotels usually are around $100-200 USD per night.
• Food: A banitsa and coffee breakfast can cost as little as $2 USD, and a typical meal out will cost around $5 USD. However, you can spend $20 USD on a multi-course meal with drinks at many of the finest restaurants in the city and it’ll be well worth the splurge.
• Entertainment: Your average museum costs about $3 USD. A movie is $5 USD.

From Sofia Adventures

Updated 2023: Croatia is now part of the EU and the Schengen area, but it’s still worth a visit. Just not a great fit if you’re trying to find time outside of the Schengen.

Croatia is full of breathtaking sites, but the top favorites include Plitvice National Park where you’ll be able to meander on wooden walkways along 16 terraced lakes, with cascading waterfalls that surround you in a limestone canyon. Be sure explore the upper and lower lakes to truly appreciate this natural wonder.

Further South, the town of Split which is known for its beaches and Diocletian’s Palace, which was constructed in the 4th century by a Roman emperor. Be sure to wander the town to appreciate its numerous shops, cafes, bars and white stoned buildings.

At the southernmost end of Croatia, Dubrovnik delights visitors with it’s massive stone walls that encircle the city. If you are a Game of Thrones fan, this is the place to visit! It also features a baroque church, Renaissance Palace and history museum.

Passport Validity: 3 months Blank Passport Pages: One page required for entry stamp Visa Required: None Length of Stay: 90 days

• Currency: Croatian kuna
• Accommodation:  $120 for a three-star hotel (double)
• Food: A typical meal will cost around $15-20 per person (starter and main dish)
• Entertainment:  Tours will run $50-$70, but attractions are inexpensive, costing less than $10 per person in entrance fees.

From Pack More Into Life

• Visit the Blue Lagoon
• Visit the Tala Monastery Cats
• Go horse riding, visit the beach
• Visit the Zoo
• Visit the Archaeological Park
• Visit the tomb of the Kings
• Cypriot Meze (small plates of savory dips, vegetables, meat, and seafood)

Passport Validity:  6 months recommended Blank Passport Pages:  Two pages required for entry stamp Visa Required: None Length of Stay: Under 90 days

• Accommodation: €40 average hotel per person per night
• Food: €33 average per person per day
• Entertainment: €10 average per person per day From The Travel Fairies

England is a no-brainer when looking for non-Schengen countries in Europe. London is one of our favorite cities in the world and we spent six months in the UK waiting out our time.

• London – the capital city
• National Parks – e.g. Lake District and Peak District
• Castles e.g. Windsor Castle
• Stratford Upon Avon – the birthplace of Shakespeare
• Cambridge and Oxford
• Surrounding beaches
• Fish and chips
• pie and mash

Passport Validity:  Whole duration of stay, 6 months recommended Blank Passport Pages: One page required for entry stamp Visa Required: None Length of Stay: Less than 6 months

• Currency: Pound sterling
• Accommodation:  For a family budget of 2/3/4* hotels, ranging from chain budget hotels like the Premiere Inn £60 per room, per night, to more expensive around £150 on average.
• Food:  Around £10-£25 a dish dependent on food choice and restaurant choice and location
• Entertainment:  Family ticket on average around £35 dependent on attraction and location

From Double Trouble

There are so many things I   love about Georgia   it’s hard to narrow it down! Did you know you can go from summer to winter in just a couple hours? Go skiing up in the Caucasus Mountains, travel two hours, and go sun yourself on the subtropical beach Black Sea beaches.

What I really love about the country is the rich Georgian culture. There’s the amazing traditional music and dance, the unique language (both written and spoken), and of course the FOOD! I don’t know anyone who’s visited Georgia and hasn’t come home raving about the food and the amazing dinner party called the supra.

However, what makes Georgia stand out most to me is the people. Georgians absolutely love to invite visitors into their homes and share their culture and a good time. Somehow, wherever you go (completely unplanned), a Georgian family is able to pull off a fabulous dinner party on the spur of the moment!

They urge you in and have you eating, toasting, and singing before you can blink. In no time, visitors sing the praises of Georgian cheese bread (khachapuri) and vow tearfully Georgia is their second home country. I love it.

In the capital of Tbilisi there are many sites to see. Be sure to wander Old Town Tbilisi, see Sameba (Trinity) Cathedral, ride the cable cars up to Naricala Fortress, and the funicular up to Mtatsminda Park for fabulous views of the city.

If you are able to get out of the capital, go see the boardwalk and beaches of Batumi. Visit the towers of Svaneti, or go to the caves of the David Gareji Monastery. Every region of the country has something amazingly rich in history to offer.

• All forms of Khatchapuri (cheese bread that varies by region)
• Khinkali (dumplings filled with meat or other fillings)
• Mtsvadi (awesome Georgian BBQ)
• Currency:  Georgian Lari
• Accommodation:  Varies by region and style. I’ve paid about $10 USD a night for a room near the beach or you can find up to hundreds of dollars for the high-end Radisson Blue or Marriott.
• Food:  Again it varies. You can get really good cheese bread (khachapuri) for under a dollar or dine very well at a touristy restaurant for more U.S. prices. Generally speaking, the cost of food is significantly less expensive than the U.S. equivalent. Much of this is due to the current exchange rates. Right now the Georgian Lari is .37 of a dollar (be sure to check the current exchange rate).
• Entertainment:  Tbilisi State Opera performance is currently 10-25 GEL (Georgian lari). Batumi dolphinarium visit: 15 GEL. Tbilisi Open Air Museum: Child 1 GEL, Adult 3-7 GEL.

The Channel Islands

One of our favorite places in Europe to spend outside of the Schengen area is the Channel Islands. Guernsey Island , in particular, is one of our favorite places in the world!

While Guernsey and Jersey are not technically their own countries (they’re part of the UK, like Northern Ireland), it’s a great place to go to wait out the Schengen time due to its close proximity to France. You can take a quick 45 minute ferry ride from St-Malo, France and be out of the Schengen area. Guernsey is a gorgeous island packed with history and Jersey is lovely and full of great beaches.

The Channel Islands are the only British territory that was occupied by the Nazis during WWI. The islands are packed with history! Be sure to see the Occupation Museum in Guernsey and the Underground Nazi tunnels on both islands.

Food to Try in the Channel Islands

• Guernsey Gache: a fruit-filled bread served with butter
• A fusion of British and French foods
• Currency: Pound Sterling
• Accommodation: $100-200/night for a hotel or Airbnb
• Food: $10-$20/meal
• Entertainment:  Many things in the Channel Islands are free, like beaches and historical buildings. Entrance to museums are around $5.

The Republic of Ireland

You can’t visit Ireland without spending at least one evening down at the local pub having a craic and listening to traditional music, even if you don’t drink alcohol. Ireland offers many castles and historic sites to explore, many dating back over a thousand years. Some great options are Bunratty (a beautiful castle near Galway) and Rock of Cashel (an old ruined castle in the south). Of course, many choose to visit Blarney Castle to kiss the fabled stone! Ireland is a wonderful country for exploring the outdoors, especially along the Wild Atlantic Way. For an easy day of scenic beauty, go out in Slea Head Drive to discover the Dingle Peninsula; even if you aren’t a dedicated hiker, there are some short walks that will suit all ages and abilities! More adventurous? Try the adrenaline-pumping bike ride through the Gap of Dunloe in Killarney National Park!

Passport Validity: Duration of stay Blank Passport Pages: One page required for entry stamp Visa Required: None Length of Stay: 90 Days

• Accommodation: The cost of accommodation varies substantially based on location, season and size. But you’re still in Western Europe and spending Euros so budget accordingly!
• Food:  A simple dinner in a pub will run €6-10 depending on what you order
• Entertainment:  So many of the best things to do in Ireland are free! Others are affordable compared with the major cities of continental Europe.

Tiny, landlocked and troubled nation of Kosovo might not have the greatest of international reputations… but when we traveled to  Kosovo with a toddler , we fell in love. Kosovo is a gorgeous, friendly and charismatic country. Our toddler was welcomed with open arms everywhere we went. The food is delicious, there are beautiful towns to visit and Pristina, the capital city, is vibrant and cosmopolitan.

• Visiting the UN Peacekeeper-guarded Visoki Decani Monastery
• A guided tour around the captivating marble caves at Gadime
• Coffee and cake in the picturesque town of Prizren
• Filja (pancakes layered with yoghurt)
• Burek (yummy stuffed pastries)
• delicious kebabs

Passport Validity: 3 months recommended Blank Passport Pages: One page required for entry stamp Visa Required: None Length of Stay: Less than 90 days

• Accommodation: 45 euros a night for a 2-bed apartment in Pristina
• Food: A meal with drinks is around 6-7 euros per adult
• Entertainment:  2 euros each for a 30 mins tour of the Gadime Caves
• shopska salad,
• tavche gravche

Passport Validity:  6 months beyond your stay recommended Blank Passport Pages: One page required for entry stamp Visa Required: None Length of Stay: Less than 90 days

• Currency: Macedonian denar
• Accommodation: Around $40 USD/night
• Food: Around $15 USD/meal
• Entertainment: Around $1o USD

From Kami and the Rest of the World

• Monte Carlo Casino
• Prince Rainier’s Private Collection of Shiny Cars
• Salad Nicoise, a French composed salad with tuna, green beans, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, onion, capers, and potatoes
• Accommodation: About $300. We stayed in Nice and did a day trip to Monaco
• Food: $30 per person
• Entertainment:  Most attractions are free. 8 Euros for visiting Prince Rainier’s Private Collection of Cars

From Outside Suburbia

Passport Validity:  6 months Blank Passport Pages: One page required for entry stamp Visa Required: None Length of Stay: Less than 90 days

• Currency: Moldovan lieu
• Accommodation: A night in a five-star hotel can be had for a little over $100. The best deals, however, are for apartments in the city center that can be found for about $50 per night.
• Food: Prices in Moldova are relatively cheap. A good meal can be had for less than $20.
• Entertainment: As with restaurants and lodging, entertainment and attractions costs are also low.

From Reflections Enroute

• Kayaking in Montenegro   in the Bay of Kotor and the Blue Cave
• Hiking in Durmitor National Park
• Climbing the Fortress in Kotor
• White water rafting on the Tara River
• Punjene Paprike – stuffed peppers. Yummy peppers are filled with meat, vegetables, cheese, rice, or sauce and baked.

Passport Validity: Valid at time of entry Blank Passport Pages: One page required for entry stamp Visa Required: None Length of Stay: Less than 90 days

• Accommodation: We paid $1500/month for a 2-bedroom vacation rental on the Adriatic Sea.
• Food: In the less touristy mountains meals could be as little as $6/entree, in Tivat or Kotor a high-end restaurant could be $30/entree.
• Entertainment: We primarily did things on our own and for free, but a 1/2 day kayak tour runs around $90, and a 3-hour speedboat tour costs around $30.

From Traveling Mel

Northern Ireland has some of the most iconic sites on the Emerald Isle! Beautiful sea views, dramatic cliffs, and rolling green hills make it an ideal destination to wait out your time outside the Schengen. Not only is it gorgeous, but it’s people are also lovely.

There are so many things to do in Northern Ireland but don’t miss Carrick-a-rede bridge, Dark Hedges, and Giant’s Causeway.

• Brown bread
• Shepherd’s Pie
• Accommodation: $50-200/night depending on how you choose to stay. There are plenty of Airbnb all around Northern Ireland for really affordable.
• Food: $10-$15/restaurant meal,
• Entertainment: Giant’s Causeway and Dark Hedges are Free. Carrick-a-rede bridge is £9
• The Palace of Parliament in Bucharest
• Bran Castle – the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”
• The medieval Old Town of Sighisoara
• The many medieval fortifications in Brasov

Passport Validity: Three months beyond departure date required, 6 months recommended Blank Passport Pages: One page required for entry stamp Visa Required: None Length of Stay: Less than 90 days

• Currency: Romanian Leu
• Accommodation: In Romania, accommodations are typically quite a bit cheaper than in other European countries. This is, of course, dependent on the city or town you are in – but generally quality guesthouses and hotels can be found for cheap. A typical, beautiful guesthouse in the heart Old Town of Brasov can be an affordable 30 Euro/night.
• Food: As with many other associated travel costs in Romania, food is generally quite cheap. A hearty meal in Sighisoara with drinks and dessert was 16 Euro for two people, while a very large lunch (plus drinks and tip) at a popular restaurant in Bucharest cost only 10 Euro per person.
• Entertainment: Romania is a country known for many things – namely the magical castles tucked away in the famed Transylvanian mountains. Getting to these locations is easy via car, bus, or train, and entrance fees to Bran Castle cost around 8.50 Euro. In the cities, there are plenty of   things to do in Brasov   such as visiting the Black Church, while cities like the capital Bucharest allow tours of the gargantuan Palace of Parliament for around 7 Euro. With a neat old town, stunning architecture, and a bustling nightlife, Bucharest is quickly becoming a destination for families and revelers alike.

From Penguin and Pia

Scotland is one of our favorite non-Schengen countries in Europe! With places like Edinburgh , Inverness , and the Isle of Skye , it’s the perfect place to wait out your time.

• Walk the Royal Mile in Edinburgh,
• Soak in the natural beauty of Loch Lomond National Park,
• Explore the countless attractions on the  Isle of Skye
• Black Pudding
• Scottish Salmon
• Accommodation: $100-$200 a night
• Food: $10-$30/meal
• Entertainment:   Varies

From Green Global Travel

• Explore the colorful and beautiful Northern cities of Subotica and Novi Sad
• Spend a wild night out experiencing Belgrade’s nightlife on a boat!
• Explore Belgrade’s many cool districts and trendy cafes
• Enjoy the views from Belgrade Fortress
• Take in history and culture at local farms and monasteries in the Fruska Gora region
• Sip on rajika
• Go hiking in Tara National Park

Passport Validity:  6 months beyond date of entry Blank Passport Pages: One page required for entry stamp Visa Required: None Length of Stay: Less than 90 days

• Currency: Serbian dinar
• Accommodation: Expect to pay 30-40 euros for hotels and 20 euros per night for hostels per person!
• Food: 10 euros for a nice meal out. You can easily spend less if you eat casual meals to-go! 1 euro for coffee.
• Entertainment: In Belgrade, one of the best activities to add to your Belgrade itinerary  is seeing the Belgrade Fortress, which is the oldest part of Belgrade. It is free to visit. The main attractions worth playing for include the newly opened National Museum in Belgrade (600 RSD – 5 euros) and the Nikola Tesla Museum in Belgrade (4- euros)

From Wanderlustingk

Passport Validity:  6 months beyond date of entry Blank Passport Pages: One page required for entry stamp and one page for exit stamp Visa Required: Yes, apply here Length of Stay: Less 90 days

• Currency: Turkish Lira
• Accommodation: It is completely up to you. You can get a nice Airbnb for $50-100, or for not much more get a pretty amazing apartment with a view.
• Food: Restaurant and street food in Turkey is very affordable for most foreigners, as the exchange rate is typically in our favor. For instance, snacks, baklava, and street food typically costs less than $1 USD, while most nice meals will cost much less than back home.
• Entertainment: Many sites are 20-25 lira (that was only about $5-6 USD when I was there). Hagia Sophia is a bit more, around 40 lira. Mosques do not generally cost to enter, nor does the Grand Bazaar or Spice Market in Istanbul. A site like Ephesus will be about 60 lira, while Pammukale is around 35 lira.

From One Girl Whole World

• Andriyivskyy Descent
• St. Sophia’s Cathedral
• St. Michael’s Monastery
• Motherland Statue
• Maidan Square
• Chicken Kiev

Passport Validity:  Must be valid at time of entry and exit Blank Passport Pages: One page required for entry stamp Visa Required:  No Length of Stay: Less 90 days

• Currency: Ukrainian hryvnia
• Accommodation: Average prices around $50 per night
• Food: Meals under $10. Our family of 4 could often eat out for less than $25 at a restaurant.
• Entertainment:  Opera tickets from $2, entry to churches free or less than $1, and children’s indoor entertainment centers are around $4

From Abroad Wife

• Welsh Cakes are a must try when in Wales, a delicious teatime treat.
• Accommodation: Suitable accommodation is available for all budgets, from camping and youth hostels to cottage rentals and hotels.
• Food: Food costs are very much the same throughout the UK. Again there are options to suit all budgets, from self-catering and takeaways to fine dining establishments.
• Entertainment: Attractions vary in their cost. Some activities, like hiking, are absolutely free. A family ticket to Caernarfon Castle costs £20. Cave trampolining at ZipWorld costs from £20 for an hour.

From Go Live Young

I hope this list of non-Schengen countries will be helpful to you. There’s a whole lot of Europe to explore and you don’t need to be confined to limit yourself to 90 days. If you need any help planning your trip to Europe, please get in touch on Instagram , Facebook , or Email .

Wanderlust Crew

2 thoughts on “ the best non-schengen countries in europe for nomads in 2024 ”.

Thanks for the article, very informative. I was wondering, as far as Monaco, Vatican City and San Marino goes, it seems they do not have airports to fly out of. If you escape there I would assume you would have to stay there the full 90 days to then go back to any EU Schenagan country, correct?

To be honest, I wouldn’t recommend staying in any of those. There are better options, and you’d go nuts to stay in any of these for 90 days haha! And you only need to be OUT of the Schengen for as long as you want to go back in. For example, if you’ve used up your 90 days, you can leave for 10, then come back for 10. It’s a “rolling 90.” I explain it all here: https://wanderlustcrew.com/can-i-stay-in-europe-more-than-90-days/ Honestly, It’s complicated to understand, but I hope that helps! Have an awesome time.

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Do I need a visa to travel to Europe?

This website does not belong to, nor is it affiliated with, the EU. The official website of the European Union is europa.eu.

• Citizens of more than 50 non-EU countries can travel to Europe without a visa.
• You can visit most European countries visa-free from these non-EU nations.

More than a billion people from across the world can enjoy visa-free travel to Europe.

Passport holders from over 50 non-EU nations can enter Europe and stay for up to 90 days without applying for a visa.

To help you understand Europe’s visa-exemption policy, this page explains:

• Which nationalities can travel to Europe without a visa
• Which European countries you can visit visa-free

From 2025, you need to register with the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) to travel without a visa.

Travellers from these countries can visit Europe visa-free

If your nationality appears on the list below, you can travel to European countries without Schengen visa . You must meet the conditions for visa-free entry.

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• El Salvador
• North Macedonia
• Marshall Islands
• New Zealand
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Solomon Islands
• South Korea
• Timor Leste
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States of America

*IMPORTANT: Special conditions apply to Ukrainian nationals at this time. The information on this page is not currently applicable to displaced Ukrainians in EU Member States.

Which European countries can I visit without a visa?

If you hold a passport from one of the listed countries, you can visit European countries where Schengen visa policy applies visa-free .

As this does not include all European nations, it’s important to know which countries are included when planning your trip.

Understand the difference between the EU and the Schengen Area

To know which European countries you can visit without a visa, it is helpful to understand the difference between the European Union and the Schengen Area.

The EU is an economic and political union . Its primary objectives are to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in Europe.

The Schengen Area is a border-free travel region . People can travel within the Schengen Area without showing their passport or other identification.

Not all EU countries are in the Schengen Area, some are still in the process of joining. Ireland, as an opt-out, is the only EU country that is not legally obliged to join Schengen.

Which countries are in the EU and which are in the Schengen Area?

Ireland is a Schengen opt-out and is the only EU country not in the process of joining the Schengen Area.

Summary of visa-free countries in Europe

If you are visa-exempt based on your nationality, you do not need a Schengen Visa for any of the European countries in the table above except Ireland .

Europe’s visa-exemption policy applies to Schengen members and countries in the process of joining the travel area (Cyprus).

You can also visit European microstates that have open borders with a Schengen country without a visa. Schengen visa policy applies to these nations de facto, even though they are not in the EU or the Schengen Area.

These microstates are:

• Vatican City

What you need to travel to visa-free European countries

Your travel documents are checked at the external Schengen border when travelling to Europe. Here is what you need:

Biometric passport

• Issued by an eligible country.
• Valid for at least 3 months after you’ll exit the Schengen Area.
• Issued within the last 10 years.
• Starting in 2025.

ETIAS is essential to visa-free European countries

From 2025 you need to register with the European Travel Information and Authorisation System to visit Europe without a visa.

ETIAS is a visa waiver, similar to the United States ESTA, for visa-exempt travellers. If you are from a visa-exempt non-EU nation and you are travelling to a country where Schengen visa policy applies, you do not need a visa for Europe but you do need ETIAS .

The application process is online. You need to fill out an electronic form with basic personal and passport details. The approved travel authorisation is linked to your passport and verified when you cross an external Schengen border.

You do not need to apply for ETIAS every time you travel to Europe without a visa. It is valid for 3 years (unless your passport expires sooner) and multiple trips to the ETIAS countries .

Rules for travelling to Europe without a visa

There are some limits on travelling to Europe without a visa. You can go to Europe without a visa for:

• Up to 90 days per 180-day period
• Tourism, business, and other short-stay activities

To work in Europe or stay longer than 3 months, you must apply for a visa. You need to get a national visa for your European destination.

Questions about visa-free travel to Europe

Can i travel across europe without a visa.

You can travel across Europe without a visa, provided you are from a visa-exempt nation. Your passport and, from 2025 your ETIAS, are checked at the external Schengen border.

Once you have crossed the border, you can travel freely around all countries in the travel zone. Your stay must not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period.

Make sure all the countries you wish to visit are included in the visa-exemption policy—visa-free entry does not apply to all countries in Europe.

What do I need to travel to Ireland?

Ireland is an EU country but it is not in the Schengen Area . Ireland sets its own visa policy which , although similar to that of the Schengen Area, is not exactly the same.

Some nationalities that enjoy visa-free entry to Schengen countries need a visa for Ireland . In addition, Ireland’s visa-exemption programme includes several additional countries.

If you plan to visit Ireland, you must check the visa requirements for your nationality.

How long can I spend in Europe without a visa?

You can go to Europe without a visa for up to 90 days per 180-day period . These can be consecutive days or divided amongst different trips.

For longer stays in Europe, you must apply for the relevant visa.

Can I travel to the UK without a visa?

Whether or not you need a visa for the UK depends on your nationality and your reason for travelling.

Citizens of several countries can visit the United Kingdom without a visa for up to 6 months for reasons including tourism, visiting family or friends, or short-term study.

You must get a visa for the UK to stay for more than 6 months or for work or long-term study. Make sure you check the latest entry requirements for your nationality.

Which European countries do I need a visa for?

If you plan to visit any of the countries listed below, you must check the visa requirements.

These countries are not part of the EU or the Schengen Area. Schengen visa does not apply which means you may need a visa to travel.

Search Smartraveller

Visas and entry requirements in europe and the schengen area.

This page is for Australians travelling to Europe.

Read this page to learn about:

• the Schengen Area
• entry and exit to the Schengen Area
• other European countries with visa waivers
• non-Schengen European countries

The Australian Government doesn't issue visas for other countries. We can't provide final information on border rules. Ask your destination's high commission, embassy or consulate for details before you travel.

The Schengen Area

The Schengen Area is made up of 27 European countries with common border rules. It lets travellers move freely between member countries without

• going through border controls
• getting a visa for each country.

The members of the Schengen Area are:

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• The Netherlands
• Switzerland

Bulgaria  and  Romania  partially joined the Schengen area on 31 March.  Border checks should have ceased for air or sea travel  between Bulgaria, Romania, and other Schengen Area countries. Checks are still undertaken for land-based travel. Stays in Bulgaria and Romania now count towards your total visa-free stay in the Schengen Area (see below).

Entry and exit in the Schengen Area

Australians can travel visa-free in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. Your travel must be for:

• business purposes
• visiting friends and family
• tourism and holidays
• cultural and sports events
• official visit
• medical reasons
• short-term study

Apply at the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country where you'll stay the longest. If you're staying for the same length of time in each country, apply at the embassy of the country you'll visit first.

You'll need to apply for a visa if:

• you're planning to stay for more than 90 days
• your reason for travel changes, and you no longer qualify for visa-free travel.

You'll need to apply outside the country you want a visa for.

Calculating your 90/180 days

Calculating your visa-free days can be complicated. The European Commission provides a calculator to help you track your visa-free days .

• The 180 days isn't fixed in time. It's calculated backwards from today.
• Your 90 days are calculated from your first day in the Schengen Area within the 180 days.
• If you leave and return within 180 days, your last stay will count towards the 90-day maximum.
• If you use up your visa-free days, you must leave until you accumulate more or apply for a visa.
• You may be fined or banned from the Schengen Area if you overstay your 90 days.

Example You arrive in Spain on 18 March. You fly to the UK on 21 April and stay there until the 29th. On 30 April, you travel to Greece and stay until 23 June. Your trip was 97 days, but only 90 were in the Schengen Area. You can't re-enter the Area until at least 14 September, when the Spanish leg of your trip falls outside your 180 days. If you re-enter on 14 September, you can only stay another 35 days as your time in Greece still counts towards your current 90 days. If you re-enter on 22 September, you can stay another 90 days, as you haven't been in the Area in the past 180 days .

Entering and exiting the Schengen Area

You must show a valid passport when entering the Schengen Area.

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave.

Make sure you get a clear entry stamp in your passport when you enter the Schengen Area for the first time. Without a stamp, you could be fined or detained.

Some countries need you to register within 3 days of arrival.

See our destination-specific travel advice for entry and exit details for each country. Check the European Commission for information on temporary border controls .

These visa rules only apply when travelling on your Australian passport . If you're a dual national travelling on your other passport, check the rules for that nationality.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is an electronic security system. It will do a security check before you can enter participating European countries . ETIAS is expected to start in mid-2025 if the new system is working.

You won't need an ETIAS for EU countries who aren't taking part in the program.

Other European countries with visa waivers

There are other European countries where you can travel visa-free. Travel to these countries does not count towards your 90 days for Schengen Area travel.

Countries can change their border rules at short notice. Before you travel, ask your destination's nearest embassy or consulate for the latest rules.

Visa waiver agreements with Australia

Australia has visa waiver agreements with several countries in the Schengen Area. These agreements may allow you to spend 60 to 90 days in the country for tourism.

Visa waiver agreement countries include:

Using visa waiver agreements with Schengen visa-free arrangements is complex. Each country operates the visa waiver in its own way.

Most countries need you to use the visa waiver at the end of your Schengen Area travel.

Visa-free tourism programs in non-Schengen countries

Some European countries outside the Schengen Area allow you to enter visa-free for tourism. Most let you stay up to 90 days. Some are for longer. See our country advisories for details on border rules.

• Bosnia & Herzegovina
• North Macedonia (Republic of North Macedonia)
• United Kingdom

Non-Schengen European countries

Many European countries are not part of the Schengen Area. Non-Schengen countries have their own border rules. These countries include:

Ask these countries' high commission, embassy or consulate for visa information.

• General advice on  visas .
• Before you go, get the right travel insurance .
• Read about Australia's 11 reciprocal health care agreements .
• The Schengen Area explained

Related content

Many Australians hold two or more nationalities. If you're travelling to the country of your other nationality, find out how your citizenship can impact you.

Foreign governments often require you to get a visa before they let you enter. This page provides general advice and information about visas overseas.

EU proposes youth mobility agreement with UK to help youngsters travel, work and live in both areas

The agreement would make it easier for under-30s to live, work and travel between the EU and the UK.

The European Commission proposed on Thursday to start negotiations with the United Kingdom to allow young people to move freely, work and study in both regions after Brexit .

According to the EU, the withdrawal of the UK from the EU following a referendum in 2016 has damaged mobility between the two areas.

“This situation has particularly affected the opportunities for young people to experience life on the other side of the Channel and to benefit from youth, cultural, educational, research and training exchanges,” the Commission said.

When the UK was still a member of the economic and political bloc, its nationals had the right to live and work freely in the EU, with reciprocity for EU nationals in the UK. Under the agreement proposed by the EU's executive arm, EU and UK citizens between 18 and 30 years old would be eligible to stay up to four years in the destination country.

• DiscoverEU: How to get one of the EU’s 35,500 free rail passes for young people this summer
• From Luxembourg to Swiss wine country: Lesser known UNESCO sites to visit in 2024

International tuition fees could be scrapped for EU students studying in UK

The deal would also allow equal treatment of EU and UK students in the field of university tuition fees . Most EU students must now pay international tuition fees if they want to study in the UK. The Commission says these vary between £11,400 and £38,000 (€13,300-€44,400) per year and are a strong deterrent for EU students who generally don't have to pay as much within the bloc.

The Commission’s recommendation will be discussed by EU member countries who must give the green light before the executive arm can start negotiations with the UK .

“We have successful Youth Mobility Schemes with 13 countries, including Australia and New Zealand, and remain open to agreeing them with our international partners, including EU member states,” the British government said in a statement.

The UK has its own Youth Mobility Scheme, which it has offered to some EU member states. The Commission believes the British plan is less ambitious than its own proposal.

“Our agreements provide a valuable route for cultural exchanges providing partner countries are also willing to offer the same opportunities for young British people,” the British government added.

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