Please sign in to post.

Non Schengen Options May be Dwindling

It looks like Romania and Bulgaria are closer to implementing the Schengen Agreement, as soon as March of 2024.

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/romania-bulgaria-agree-partial-schengen-entry-with-austria-ministry-2023-12-28/?utm_source=reddit.com

They have ironed out some differences with Austria, the main objector to the move.

I assume the partial agreement will retain land border checks, but from the perspective of your 90/180 days, days in country will count toward your 90 regardless of how you arrived.

Of course, no final decision yet, but be aware for planning. A number of people were messed up with planning when Croatia implemented Schengen.

Posted by
20556 posts

Thank you sir. Useful update,.

But that still leaves ....
United Kingdom, Ireland, Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Cyprus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkiye and Ukraine.

Posted by
3579 posts

Thank you Paul. We will soon be traveling 5-6 months a year and this will really effect us. I would say that yes, there are still choices for non Schengen, but for us, the choice spots and more budget spots are dwindling.
Weather is also a factor, we don’t want to be in Montenegro in summer months!

Posted by
20556 posts

These are actually the places I am most interested in. Sort of the new Back Doors to Europe. Fewer tourists, better prices, undiscovered wonders (okay un-hyped), Truly amazing places for those who want to escape and be awed.

One of my favorite regions in Montenegro has an average high of 70 and an average low of 49 in August. Quite nice actually; but a bit cool. The Albanian Alps are also beautiful in the summer as is the high country in BiH,

Among the most budget friendly places in Europe are: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Cyprus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkiye and Ukraine. Here is a good ranking: https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/europe/rankings

Of course cheap doesn't matter if it doesn't interest you. For things of interest this has a lot of travel video links: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/general-europe/back-doors-to-the-back-doors-of-europe