"Breathtaking landscapes", Albania, the first in the list of summer destinations outside the Schengen area to visit

2023-06-20 07:53:29Aktualitet SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

"Breathtaking landscapes", Albania, the first in the list of summer

Obtaining a Schengen visa to travel to any of the current 27 member states of the Schengen Area has become a challenge for many, not only because of the lack of visa application sites, but also because of the high rate of rejection, which has increased in recent years.

Around 18% of Schengen visa applications worldwide were rejected in 2022, newly published Schengen visa statistics show. This means that one in five applicants received a negative response.

The downside of obtaining a Schengen visa, which is valid for six months, a year or more, is that you cannot stay in the Schengen Area for the entire duration of the visa's validity. But, you only have the right to stay for a total of 90 days, every 180 days.

However, a Schengen visa, although issued exclusively to members of the Schengen Area, gives its holder the opportunity to travel to 17 other countries in the world, most of them in Europe, which are not part of the borderless area.

The official website of Schengen visas has selected five of these countries, which are the perfect destination for you to spend your summer vacation, if you have already spent the permitted period in Schengen.

Albania

Albania, a candidate country for the European Union, located in the Balkan Peninsula of Southeast Europe, has a visa policy in accordance with that of the EU, but nevertheless, the stay of a tourist in Albania is not counted in the total permissible period of stay in the Schengen area with a short-term visa.

As a result, tourists can enter Albania with such a visa, and stay up to 90 days.

Albania is also one of the cheapest countries in Europe, and has a 450 km long coastline. It is well known for its stunning beaches, many of which are hidden off the main roads, diverse, breathtaking natural landscapes, and historical sites, such as the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Butrint and Gjirokastra.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a member country of the EU, but has not yet joined Schengen and as such, allows entry to travelers holding Schengen visas. The stay in this country does not count towards the total Schengen stay.

2023 could be the last year anyone can visit Bulgaria with a Schengen visa, as the country is at the end of the process to join the border-free zone.

Montenegro

Another candidate country for the EU, which has aligned its visa policy with the bloc, is Montenegro. The country shares a border with Albania, so you can easily visit both countries in one trip.

Coastal towns are characterized by narrow streets, beautiful squares, ancient architecture, sandy beaches and a lively nightlife. Some of the most famous cities are Kotor, Budva, Perast and Saint Stefan.

Mexico

Surprisingly enough, Mexico allows entry to Schengen visa holders without requiring them to obtain an additional tourist visa.

Although quite far from Europe, Mexico is a destination worth visiting, especially for travelers who love the summer season, as the country is home to some of the world-famous beaches such as Cancún, Tulum, Isla Mujeres, Cozumel and La Paz. .

Turkey

Turkey also aims to become a member of the EU in the future. However, visiting Turkey with a Schengen visa is a little more complicated, as it allows entry to citizens from a limited number of countries, and even they must be equipped with an e-visa.

Turkey offers tourists a wide variety of accommodation, from large hotels, which welcome hundreds of tourists at a time, to smaller houses and family hotels. The country is surrounded by many seas and is known for its hospitality and delicious food. / Schengen Visa Info


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