The Schengen visa is a highly sought-after travel document that allows Indians to explore 26 European countries without the need for multiple visas. However, many travelers may not be aware that possessing a Schengen visa also comes with a range of additional benefits. In this guest post, we will uncover the lesser-known perks of a Schengen visa and explore 37 non-Schengen countries that Indians can visit hassle-free, thanks to this travel document.

What is a Schengen Visa?

Explain briefly what a Schengen visa is, its purpose, and which European countries are covered by it.

Perks of Schengen Visa:

• Multi-country Travel: With a Schengen visa, Indian travelers can visit any of the 26 Schengen member states without obtaining separate visas for each country.
• Ease of Entry: Schengen visa holders enjoy streamlined border crossings and reduced immigration checks, making entry and exit from Schengen countries hassle-free.
• Extended Stay: The Schengen visa allows for a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period, providing ample time to explore multiple countries in the Schengen zone.
• Business Opportunities: Apart from tourism, the Schengen visa permits Indians to engage in business activities within the Schengen countries.
• Cultural Diversity: Travelers can experience a diverse array of cultures, languages, and traditions across multiple countries.
• Convenience in Transportation: A single visa makes it easy to plan and execute travel itineraries across various Schengen countries.

37 Non-Schengen Countries Indians Can Explore with a Schengen Visa:

The Schengen visa opens up travel opportunities to more than just the 26 countries within the Schengen Area. For Indian passport holders, it also grants access to 37 non-Schengen countries. This visa, like a golden ticket, unravels a rich tapestry of diverse cultures, histories, landscapes, and cuisines beyond Europe. Let's explore these countries that welcome Indian travellers with a Schengen visa.

1. Vatican City

Enveloped within Italy, Vatican City is the smallest globally recognized independent state. It's readily accessible for a day trip via Italy for those holding a Schengen visa. The city-state gates close by evening, making it a perfect destination for a day-long spiritual and historical sojourn.

2. Serbia

Serbia now mandates a valid Schengen, UK, US, or EU country visa for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day window. The country's rich history and culture are open to explore.

3. San Marino

Getting to San Marino requires transit through Italy, necessitating a Schengen visa. Enjoy up to 30 days in this serene land, exploring its quaint streets and historical sights.

4. Romania

Romania allows a stay of 90 days within a 180-day period for passports bearing a valid multiple-entry Schengen, Bulgarian, Croatian, or Cypriot visa. This provides an opportunity to discover Romania's fascinating blend of natural and cultural treasures.

5. North Macedonia

North Macedonia permits visa-free stays of up to 15 consecutive days, with the total stay not exceeding 90 days in any 180-day span, for those with a valid Schengen visa.

6. Montenegro

Montenegro permits visa-free stays of up to 30 days for holders of a valid visa from Schengen countries. Discover Montenegro's stunning coastal landscapes and ancient architecture.

7. Monaco

Your journey to this glamorous Riviera hotspot will invariably take you through France, necessitating a Schengen visa. Here, you can stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

8. Kosovo

Kosovo, renowned for its historical sites and natural beauty, permits a visa-free stay of up to 15 days for those with valid multiple-entry Schengen visas.

9. Moldova

Moldova welcomes Indians and several other nationalities visa-free, given they possess a valid stamped visa from the EU or Schengen member states.

10. Gibraltar

Gibraltar grants Indians a 21-day visa-free stay, given they hold a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa, which should still be valid for another seven days at their departure.

11. Georgia

With a valid Schengen, UK, or US visa, individuals can relish Georgia's unique culture and scenic landscapes for up to 90 days within a 180-day timeframe.

12. Cyprus

Cyprus grants a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period for holders of double or multiple-entry Schengen, Bulgarian, Croatian, or Romanian visas.

13. Bulgaria

Bulgaria offers visa-free stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day window for individuals with visas from Schengen countries.

14. Bosnia and Herzegovina

Holders of multiple-entry visas from Schengen countries can travel visa-free to Bosnia and Herzegovina for up to 90 days.

15. Belarus

With a used Schengen visa, citizens of India can enjoy a visa-free stay of 30 days in Belarus. For Indians, entry is allowed only through Minsk National Airport.

16. Andorra

Though Andorra is visa-free for everyone, access to this country is only through France or Spain, thereby requiring a multiple-entry Schengen visa.

17. Albania

Albania permits a 90-day visa-free stay in a period of 180 days for all passport holders with a used multiple-entry Schengen visa.

18. Singapore

For Indians in transit through Singapore with a visa from certain countries, the Singaporean immigration service may grant a Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF). This permits a maximum stay of 96 hours.

19. The Philippines

Indians with a multiple-entry visa from a Schengen country can enjoy visa-free access to the Philippines for up to 14 days.

20. Peru

Peru grants visa-free stays of up to 180 days for Indians with a Schengen, US, UK, Australian, or Canadian visa.

21. Colombia

Holders of Indian passports can travel visa-free to Colombia with a Schengen or US visa.

22. Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic offers visa-free access for 30 days to any person with a valid Schengen, UK, US, or Canadian visa.

23. Bahamas

Uniquely, only Indians can travel to the Bahamas visa-free with a Schengen visa, UK, US, or Canadian visa and stay for up to 90 days.

24. Netherlands' Caribbean Territories

Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St Eustatius & St Maarten, under the Kingdom of the Netherlands, ordinarily require separate Caribbean visas. However, tourists with multiple-entry Schengen visas can enjoy visa-free access.

25. Panama

Holders of a used multiple-entry visa from the EU, Schengen Area, US, or Canada can enjoy visa-free entry to Panama for up to 30 days.

26. Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua

These Central American countries are part of the CA-4 zone that guarantees free mobility amongst them for tourists holding a valid Schengen visa, US, UK, or Canadian visa.

27. Belize

Belize offers visa-free entry for 30 days to travelers with multiple-entry Schengen visas, US visas, or Canadian visas.

28. Mexico

Mexico, known for its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, offers a visa-free stay of less than 180 days for travelers with a multiple-entry Schengen, US, Canadian, Japanese, or UK visa.

29. Taiwan

Taiwan offers a unique opportunity for Indian nationals, among others, who can visit the country visa-free with an ROC Travel Authorization Certificate. This is applicable for those with a valid visa from Australia, Canada, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, any of the EU and Schengen countries, the United Kingdom, or the United States. This allows a stay in Taiwan for 14 days, with the certificate being valid for 90 days.

30. Malaysia

Malaysia offers a visa-free travel option for Indians transiting through its airports and holding a valid visa from a Schengen member country. This transit pass, valid for 120 hours, allows for a brief exploration of the country.

31. Thailand

Thailand allows visa-free entry for Indians with a Schengen visa for a stay not exceeding 15 days. Known for its beautiful beaches and bustling city life, Thailand provides a great vacation destination.

32. United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates grants a 14-day visa on arrival to Indian nationals holding a resident visa or a valid visa from the United Kingdom, the European Union, or the Schengen Zone.

33. Oman

Oman offers a visa on arrival for Indian passport holders with a residence or visit visa issued by the USA, Canada, Australia, UK, Japan, or Schengen States. The visa is valid for a one-month stay in Oman.

34. Qatar

Qatar grants visa-free entry to Indian citizens holding a valid visa or residence permit from the Schengen countries, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Canada, or the USA. The duration of the visa-free stay is 30 days.

35. South Korea

South Korea offers a transit tour program for travelers of certain nationalities including India. If you hold a valid visa for the United States, Japan, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, you can avail a free transit tour, ranging from 1 to 5 days, without a visa.

36. Iran

Iran offers visa-on-arrival for Indian citizens at major Iranian airports. Having a Schengen visa would ease the process significantly, making Iran an accessible destination for history and culture enthusiasts.

37. Indonesia

Indonesia provides a visa-free facility for Indian passport holders with a valid Schengen visa. With this, you can stay in the country for up to 30 days, exploring its natural wonders and rich cultural heritage.

Conclusion

A Schengen visa not only unlocks the doors to the 26 countries in the Schengen Area but also to an additional 37 countries across the globe. As an Indian passport holder, your global itinerary can become significantly more diverse, enabling you to set foot in various continents and experience a world of cultures, traditions, cuisines, and landscapes. Ensure you stay within the visa rules of each country, and the world is your oyster. Happy traveling!