The Schengen area covers major countries in Europe that are ideal for a full European tour for leisure, business, etc. The Schengen region comprises 27 countries that have an agreement for the ease of travel across their borders. The term Schengen comes from a small village in Luxembourg, on the border of Germany and France, where the Schengen Convention and Agreement were signed in 1985 and 1990.

The continent of Europe is not limited to these 27 Schengen countries. 

So, what about the rest? 

Let’s take a look at the non-Schengen countries in Europe. 

Non-Schengen countries are those which are not a part of the Schengen Agreement. Not every European state is, by default, a Schengen state. These countries require travellers to apply for a separate national travel visa to visit or gain entry into those countries.

Here is the list of 21 countries that do not belong to the Schengen area:

• Albania

• Andorra

• Azerbaijan 

• Belarus

• Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Bulgaria

• Cyprus 

• Holy See

• Kosovo

• Moldova

• Monaco 

• Montenegro

• North Macedonia

• Romania

• Russia 

• San Marino

• Serbia

• Turkey

• Ukraine 

• United Kingdom which comprises of England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales

• Vatican City

There are a few countries you can visit with a Schengen visa, even if they are not a part of the Schengen zone. These include Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia and Turkey. It is advised to refer to the visa regulations from the country’s original site before applying.

The microstates of San Marino, Monaco, and Vatican City are not official members of the Schengen Zone. However, they are considered ‘de facto’ (in practice) inside the area; and, therefore, do not impose border controls.  

Russia, while geographically part of Europe, is a non-Schengen country as well. It, therefore, imposes its own border controls and travel restrictions.

The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union among 27 countries. They detail more than just travel and visa policies for the member states. The list of non-Schengen EU Countries are:

• Bulgaria

• Romania

• Cyprus 

• Ireland

There are also four non-EU countries that are members of the Schengen area. They are:

• Switzerland

• Liechtenstein

• Norway 

• Iceland

Obtaining a Schengen Visa reduces the workload immensely if you are travelling to multiple countries in Europe. Apart from the 27 Schengen countries, you can also travel to a list of non-EU countries with a Schengen Visa. They are:

1. Albania
   
2. Antigua and Barbuda
   
3. Belarus
   
4. Bosnia and Herzegovina
   
5. Colombia
   
6. Northern Cyprus
   
7. Georgia
   
8. Gibraltar
   
9. Kosovo
   
10. Mexico
    
11. Montenegro
    
12. North Macedonia
    
13. Sao Tome and Principe
    
14. Serbia
    
15. Turkey
    

Note: Bulgaria and Romania are two EU countries that are not a part of the Schengen Agreement, but if you have a valid Schengen visa, you can still enter and visit these countries without a visa.

Holders of any type of valid and multiple entry visa (such as a Schengen Visa) need not apply for a separate country-specific visa to travel for business, tourism or transit.

You can also read about the different types of Schengen Visas here.