12 Non-Schengen Countries To Visit That Should Be on Your Radar

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If you’re coming to the end of your 90-day Schengen Visa and don’t know where to go next, or for whatever reason, you can’t obtain a Schengen Visa, you’ve come to the right place. While the Schengen area offers some of the world’s best tourist destinations, there are still many more places to visit.

For starters, there are still 21 European countries that aren’t in the Schengen area to visit. Of course, there are then almost 150 other countries worldwide to explore. With so many potential destinations, you’re spoilt for choice. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of 12 non-Schengen countries to visit to show you what’s out there.

United Kingdom

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Let’s start this list with the United Kingdom. I might be biased because I’m from there, but I firmly believe the United Kingdom is one of the world’s most fascinating tourist destinations. The island country has everything from historic cities and charming towns to spectacular natural landscapes and beautiful beaches.

It doesn’t matter what you’re looking for; you’ll find somewhere you enjoy exploring in the United Kingdom. History buffs can get lost in the past in the Shambles in York. Music lovers can visit the home of the Beatles in Liverpool. Beachgoers can stroll along golden-sand beaches in Cornwall, and outdoor enthusiasts can hit up the hills and mountains in Scotland. What’s not to like?

Albania

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly getaway with warmer weather, fewer crowds, and tropical beaches, head to Albania. Located on Southeastern Europe’s Balkan Peninsula, Albania is a hidden-gem European destination with pristine beaches, tall mountains, and vibrant towns and cities.

Most travelers visit Albania on summer vacation. Destinations like Sarandë and Vlorë offer sun-seeking tourists plenty of sunshine and glorious sandy beaches framed by turquoise waters. Meanwhile, Albania’s capital city, Tirana, is loved most for its vibrant architecture and rich cultural heritage. Don’t miss Skanderbeg Square, Et’hem Bej Mosque, and Tirana Park. Other popular places in Albania include Dhërmi, Përmet, and Korçë.

Read: Balkan Countries To Visit

Turkey

Turkey is an interesting nation because part is in Europe, and the rest is in Asia. However, neither part is in Schengen, so you don’t need a Schengen Visa to visit. Istanbul, the Turkish capital, is one of the world’s most fascinating countries. You’ll find a vibrant culture, rich history, and delicious cuisine here.

Loved by all, the city’s points of interest include the Blue Mosque, Galata Tower, and Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque. Travelers who prefer a beach break over a city break can head to the Turkish coast, where they’ll find many seaside resorts. In Bodrum, a port city along Turkey’s south shore, tourists enjoy wall-to-wall sunshine, turquoise waters, and golden-sand beaches.

Georgia

Located at the boundary of Eastern Europe and West Asia, Georgia is rarely on the radar of travelers planning a European trip. This is a great shame because this beautiful nation has much to offer. Georgia offers amazing landscapes, vibrant cities, historic landmarks, and many activities for outdoor adventurers.

Home to picturesque coastlines, deserts, mountains, lakes, and canyons, Georgia is particularly popular with hikers and campers. Gareja Desert, Paravani Lake, and Kolkheti National Park are popular hiking places. However, you’ll likely spend most of your time in Georgia exploring Tbilisi, a city known for its rich history and sulfuric hot springs. Noteworthy landmarks in the capital include the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Narikala, and the Bridge of Peace.

Cyprus

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Cyprus is an excellent alternative if you’re craving a tropical beach escape but can’t visit Greece because it’s in the Schengen Area. Cyprus is a small island nation in the Middle East best known for its beautiful beaches, ancient archaeological sites, and charming old towns. It’s popular with honeymooning couples, families, and partygoers.

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When you’re not soaking up the sun and swimming in the emerald waters at Paphos Municipal Beach, race down the water slides at Water World, get lost in Nicosia Old City, and party the night away on the Ayia Napa strip. Other notable attractions you mustn’t miss in Cyprus include the Tombs of the Kings, the Archaeological Site of Nea Paphos, and Nissi Beach.

Azerbaijan

The following non-Schengen country on our list is Azerbaijan, another nation divided between Eastern Europe and Western Asia. Like Georgia, Azerbaijan is known for its scenic landscapes and historic attractions. However, Azerbaijan is also one of Europe’s best-kept secret skiing destinations, offering winter sports fans many skiing resorts with state-of-the-art facilities.

You can hit the slopes at Şahdağ Mountain Resort and Tufandağ Mountain Resort. If you’d prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground, head to Baku. Baku, the nation’s capital, is a commercial hub with breathtaking skyrise buildings, a lively waterfront, and a beach. Popular attractions in the city include Shikhov Beach, Heydar Aliyev Centre, Dənizkənarı Milli Park, and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Back in Europe, the following non-Schengen country on our list is Bosnia and Herzegovina, a lesser-traveled destination with much to offer. Bosnia and Herzegovina gives tourists a brilliant combination of big cities and natural landscapes. You’ll come across vibrant towns and cities, stunning scenery, and impressive mountain peaks everywhere.

Sarajevo, the cultural center and capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a picturesque city on the Miljacka River surrounded by the Dinaric Alps. Offering scenic views, lovely river walks, and historic landmarks, it’s a fine example of what the nation provides. Significant attractions in the city include Baščaršija, Sarajevo City Hall, and Yellow Fortress. Other places worth visiting in the country include Mostar, Ilidža, and Banja Luka.

Monaco

Famed for being the playground of the rich and famous and the world’s second-smallest country, Monaco is a big hit with travelers seeking a more luxurious getaway. This is an expensive country to visit, but it’s worth visiting if you have a big enough budget and a love for the finer things in life.

In Monaco, you’ll spend your days shopping in designer shops, admiring superyachts in the harbor, dining in upscale restaurants, and relaxing on the beach. If you time your visit right, you can watch the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix. When you’re not living your best life, visit the country’s landmarks, including Cathédrale de Monaco, Casino de Monte-Carlo, and Opéra de Monte-Carlo.

North Macedonia

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Europe’s busier tourist destinations, we strongly recommend a trip to North Macedonia. Despite its beautiful scenery, laid-back atmosphere, and world-class cuisine, North Macedonia remains one of Europe’s most underrated countries. You’ll discover rich historical ruins, scenic lakes, and a paradise of sprawling mountains at every corner of the country.

Start your journey in the capital, Skopje. Here, you’ll find many monuments, sculptures, and memorials. As such, the city is often called the ‘city of statues.’ Meanwhile, the countryside surrounding the city offers scenic hiking trails and landscape vistas. Other places you might consider visiting in North Macedonia include Ohrid, Bitola, and Struga.

Bali

Moving further away from Europe, Bali is one of Southeast Asia’s most famous tourist destinations, and rightly so. Despite its small size, this Indonesian island packs a punch. Home to stunning white sand beaches, quaint villages, luxury seaside resorts, and cultural attractions, you’ll never be short of things to see and do.

Better yet, the Balinese people are lovely. You’ll quickly meet new people and make friends for life. Popular things to do on the island include dining at Ceking Rice Terrace, exploring craft markets in Ubud, sunbathing on Nusa Dua Beach, and partying at Finn’s Beach Club in Canggu. I also highly recommend visiting Uluwatu and its cliff-top temple, the Gate of Heaven at Pura Lempuyang, and Nusa Penida Island.

Thailand

Sticking with the theme of Southeast Asia, Thailand is a fantastic place to visit if you’re looking for many things to see and do, affordable accommodation, and warm weather. Thailand has something to offer every kind of traveler, so you can rest assured you’ll find something you enjoy.

Partygoers can dance the night away in Phuket, history buffs can discover historic temples in Bangkok, wildlife lovers can look for elephants and tigers in Kui Buri National Park, and beachgoers can enjoy the sun, sea, and sand in Koh Samui. That’s not it either, as there are many more exciting places to visit. Other areas of interest in Thailand include Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pai, and the Phi Phi Islands.

Montenegro

The final non-Schengen country on our list is Montenegro, a small mountainous nation in the southwest Balkans. Montenegro is one of Europe’s most naturally beautiful and historically rich countries. During your visit, you’ll likely explore the sights, hike, and relax on one of the many beaches. If you want to get the full picture of the country, Podgorica, Montenegro’s capital, is a great place to visit.

You’ll find many iconic attractions here, including the Millennium Bridge, Dajbabe Monastery, and the Orthodox Temple of Christ’s Resurrection. However, if you want to enjoy the country’s history and picturesque scenery, I recommend visiting Kator. In Kator, you can get lost inside the Old City Walls, admire the mountainous landscape, hike along the coast, and sunbathe at a waterfront resort.