Non-Schengen Countries You Can Visit with a Multiple Entry Schengen Visa from Qatar

Did you know you can visit countries beyond Europe with your Schengen visa?

It might come as a surprise to many who think a Schengen visa is only valid for Schengen countries. But in reality, you can visit 38 non-Schengen countries with a multiple-entry Schengen visa.

Hey Wanderlust from Qatar,

Are you ready for the adventure?

If yes, this blog is the perfect fit for you. Let’s see which countries are waiting to welcome you as a holder of a Schengen multiple-entry visa.

Let’s jump straight into it!

What is a Multiple Entry Schengen visa?

A Multiple Entry Schengen Visa allows you to enter and exit the Schengen Area as many times as you want, as long as your visa is valid and you don’t exceed 90 days within any 180 days.

This type of visa is useful if you plan to:

• Visit multiple Schengen countries
• Leave the Schengen Area and return (for example, to visit nearby non-Schengen countries)
• Travel for tourism, business, or to visit family more than once

Whereas, when you get a single-entry Schengen visa:

• You can enter the Schengen Area only once.

• Once you leave, even if your visa is still valid, you cannot re-enter.

• It’s ideal for short trips with no plans to return before the visa expires.

If you want to know the complete details about Schengen visa requirements, here they are for you.

 Or if you’re looking for a travel guide from Qatar, we’ve got that too. Our visa experts from Qatar have prepared it for you.

So, let’s get back to our topic.

A valid multiple-entry Schengen visa can also help you enter some non-Schengen countries that accept it as a supporting document for entry. If you want to know the step-by-step details about applying for a Schengen visa, they’re here. But there are a few key things to remember:

• The visa must be used at least once to enter a Schengen country before using it to go to a non-Schengen country that accepts it.
• The visa must still be valid at the time of entry to the other country.
• Some countries (like Albania, North Macedonia, or Serbia) may allow travelers to enter without a separate visa if they hold a valid, used multiple-entry Schengen visa.

Here’s an example for you.

Imagine you have a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa and you have already used it to visit France. Later, you want to travel to Albania. Since Albania accepts travelers with a valid, used Schengen visa, you may not need to apply for a separate Albanian visa.

It means, if you’re a travel freak and want to explore every nook and corner of different countries, here’s how a Schengen multiple-entry visa comes in handy.

• You can plan to visit several Schengen countries, leave to visit nearby non-Schengen countries, then return.
• You can take multiple trips in a few months and easily avoid reapplying for a visa each time.
  You are able to go on a business tour or a leisure trip across Europe with stops inside and outside the Schengen Area.

As always, check the visa policy of each country you plan to visit to confirm its rules.
Just do one thing: consult our visa agents at The Visa Guy.

We’re ready to assist you and provide proper guidance on the Schengen visa.

Do you know what the statistics show?

In 2024, people from Qatar spent around $13.5 billion on international travel, showing how often they travel and how much they’re willing to spend on trips.

If you’re a frequent traveler living in Qatar, what we’re about to share will help you immensely — so read on!

This is all about how having a Schengen visa benefits Qatari travelers.

How Multiple Entry Schengen Visa Helps Qatar-Based Tourists Travel More

Imagine you have a multiple-entry Schengen visa. That means you can visit 38 countries beyond the European Union.

Having a multiple-entry Schengen visa is one of the easiest ways to explore not just Europe, but also nearby regions.

It creates a smoother, more efficient way to travel through areas like the Balkans, Turkey, and parts of the Middle East.

Once people discover this opportunity, guess what attracts them the most?

They don’t need to apply for separate visas every time they want to explore a new country.

The advantage?

It saves time, paperwork, and costs, making your travel experience much smoother.

And of course, traveling to these countries is even easier with direct flights available.
For instance, there are multiple direct flights to Balkan countries like Albania, Serbia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina.

From Hamad International Airport, you can catch daily flights to Turkey and Greece.
Plus, there are budget-friendly options and seasonal offers to make your travel even easier and more affordable.

To put it simply, both Qatari citizens and residents can take advantage of this wonderful opportunity, especially during Eid holidays and national holiday breaks.

Are you excited to know which countries you can visit with a multiple-entry Schengen visa? Here’s a list we’ve curated for you.

The Non-Schengen Countries You Can Visit with a Schengen Visa

Several non-Schengen countries allow travelers to enter without a separate visa if they hold a valid, used Schengen visa. This is a huge advantage for frequent travelers, especially expats from visa-required countries like India, Pakistan, or the Philippines.

Are you excited to know which countries you can visit with a multiple-entry Schengen visa? Here’s a list we’ve curated for you.

After reading this, if you don’t have a multiple-entry Schengen visa, you might feel eager to apply for one. Our visa consultant in Qatar is here to help you. Here is a list of places where you can apply for a multiple-entry Schengen visa.

Where to Apply for a Schengen Visa in Qatar?

You can apply for a Schengen visa through:

• VFS Global: They handle visa applications for many Schengen countries like France, Italy, and Germany.

• Embassies or Consulates: Some countries accept direct applications. Always check the official website first.

• The Visa Guy: A helpful local service that provides up-to-date information, visa updates, and step-by-step guides. You can also follow us on Instagram and our The Visa Guy Blogs for useful tips.

Smart Travel Tips

No traveler wants to experience stress during their trip. So, there are certain things you should keep in mind when visiting non-Schengen countries with a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa. This will help you maintain peace of mind and make your trip more memorable.

Let’s hear what our visa consultants in Qatar have to say.

• Carry printed copies of your hotel bookings, return tickets, and Schengen visa.

• Make sure your visa is valid and that you’ve used it at least once to enter a Schengen country.

• Visit embassy websites before travel. Rules can change, and each country may have different requirements.

• Review visa policies for each country you want to visit – especially non-Schengen countries.

• Even if a country accepts an e-visa or a visa-on-arrival, carry printed documents just in case.

• Buy travel insurance that covers all the countries on your trip, including both Schengen and non-Schengen destinations.

What Every Multiple Schengen Visa Holder  Should Keep in Mind

Having a multiple-entry Schengen visa gives you access to around 38 non-Schengen countries.
A little planning before each trip can help you enjoy your travels even more.

For example, think beyond Europe – combine Schengen and non-Schengen destinations for a richer experience. Start in Spain, hop over to Montenegro, then relax in Turkey – all in one trip.

If you’re looking to explore unique destinations or enjoy rich cultural experiences, our blog is a great place to start.

Just explore! If you have any doubts or questions at any point, please don’t hesitate to contact The Visa Guy.

FAQS

1. Will my time in non-Schengen countries affect my 90/180 Schengen visa rule?

No, it won’t. The 90/180 rule only counts the days you stay inside the Schengen Area. Time spent in non-Schengen countries like Albania or Serbia does not count toward those 90 days.

2. Do I need to first enter a Schengen country before going to Serbia?

Yes, in most cases. You usually need to use your Schengen visa at least once by entering a Schengen country before traveling to Serbia with that same visa. Serbia allows visa-free entry only if your Schengen visa is valid and already used.

3. How long can I stay in Mexico with a Schengen visa?

You can stay in Mexico for up to 180 days if you hold a valid Schengen visa.
However, this applies to certain nationalities. Always check Mexico’s embassy website to make sure your nationality is eligible.

4. Are flights available directly from Qatar to these non-Schengen destinations?

Yes, there are direct or connecting flights from Qatar (especially Doha) to many non-Schengen destinations, including:

• Albania (Tirana)

• Serbia (Belgrade)

• Bosnia & Herzegovina (Sarajevo)

• Turkey (Istanbul)

• Georgia (Tbilisi)

• Mexico (Mexico City via connection)

Low-cost and full-service airlines offer various options, especially during peak seasons.

5. What if I only have a single-entry Schengen visa?

If your Schengen visa is single-entry, you can enter the Schengen Area once.
Once you leave, you cannot re-enter, even if the visa is still valid. So, if you go to a non-Schengen country like Albania or Serbia, you won’t be able to go back to Schengen during the same trip.

6. Is it mandatory to fly from Qatar to a Schengen country first before visiting these non-Schengen destinations?

Yes, in most cases. Countries like Serbia, Albania, and Bosnia require that your Schengen visa has been used at least once.
So, it’s usually best to fly first to a Schengen country, use your visa, then continue to the non-Schengen destination.

7. Can I re-enter a Schengen country from a non-Schengen one during the same trip?

Only if you have a multiple-entry Schengen visa. This type of visa lets you go in and out of the Schengen Area as many times as you want, within the visa’s validity.
If you have a single-entry visa, you cannot re-enter once you leave.