Best Countries Indians Can Visit Without Schengen Visa (And Still Feel Like Europe-ish) – My Real Experiences#

If you’ve ever sat on MakeMyTrip looking at photos of Paris and Rome and then suddenly saw the Schengen visa processing time + documents list… and just quietly closed the tab – ya, same. I love Europe, but honestly this whole visa scene is exhausting. The good thing is, you really don’t need a Schengen visa to have those dreamy cobbled streets, blue water, cute old towns type vibes.

Right now a lot of Indians (including me and my friends’ gang) are doing this new thing – skipping Schengen chaos and going to countries that either:

  • Don’t need Schengen at all
  • Give visa on arrival or eVisa
  • Or feel very-European or super international, with less headache

In this post I’m just sharing the places I’ve actually been to (plus a couple that close friends did recently), where we traveled on Indian passports without Schengen. I’ll talk about visa situation, approx costs, safety scene, what to eat, best months, and also some small screw-ups I did so you don’t repeat them ya.

Quick Note On Visa & Rules Before We Start#

Visa rules change like Bangalore weather – suddenly without warning. So whatever I’m writing is the general situation right now, but always double‑check:

  • Official embassy / consulate websites
  • Government eVisa portals
  • Recent experiences on legit travel forums, not just random reels

Ok, now let’s talk about the fun part – countries where you can just pack, book and go, without touching Schengen forms.

1. Turkey – The Almost‑Europe Without Schengen#

Turkey was my gateway drug to non‑Schengen ‘Europe vibe’. Istanbul feels like if Delhi, Mumbai and a little bit of Paris had a dramatic, slightly chaotic baby. You don’t need Schengen for Turkey – Indians can apply for an eVisa or sticker visa depending on your situation.

For many Indian travelers, it’s become this perfect first international trip: close by, flights are not insane, food is familiar-ish, and people genuinely like Indians (they watch our movies, I had a shop guy humming “Tum hi ho” lol).

Visa & Entry – What Actually Happens#

So, there are two main ways most of us enter:

  • eVisa for Indians who already have a valid US/UK/Schengen visa
  • Regular sticker visa via VFS for others

Last time, I did the sticker visa. Documents were pretty standard – return flights, hotel booking, bank statements, insurance. Processing was reasonably quick if you don’t apply last minute like me. At immigration they just asked basic stuff: how long, where staying, return ticket.

Costs & Stay – Is It Expensive?#

Turkey is like, in the middle. Not as cheap as Vietnam, not as expensive as Western Europe.

  • Budget hostels in Istanbul: ₹1,200–2,000 per night
  • Mid‑range hotels / Airbnbs: ₹3,500–6,000 per night (prices keep fluctuating with their currency drama)
  • Nice meal in a local lokanta: ₹400–800

Cappadocia balloon ride is the one big splurge. I paid around ₹18–20k for sunrise ride, but ngl, it was one of those core memory experiences. If it’s your first time, just do it. Don’t overthink.

Best Time To Go & Safety Stuff#

I went in late April. Weather was chef’s kiss – light jacket in the evening, t‑shirt in day. Generally:

  • March–May and Sept–early Nov are ideal
  • July–Aug gets hot and more crowded

Safety wise, I felt mostly fine. Istanbul is a big city, so same common‑sense rules like any metro in India:

  • Beware of taxi scams (use BiTaksi or ask hotel to call)
  • Be careful in super touristy spots like Taksim, Sultanahmet – pickpocketing is a thing

For solo women, I met a lot of Indian girls traveling there alone. Some mild stares sometimes, but no major nonsense. Just dress how you’re comfortable, carry yourself confidently, and avoid deserted streets late night. Same usual drill.

Food & Hidden Gems – What I Loved#

You can survive easily as an Indian in Turkey. Lot of grilled meats, veg options, rice, bread, tea. And if you’re like me and need chai to function, Turkish çay will become your best friend.

  • Try menemen (kind of Turkish anda bhurji) for breakfast
  • Baklava and Turkish delight – but from small local shops, not just tourist traps
  • Simit from street vendors – cheap and filling

Btw, one random place I loved was Balat in Istanbul. Old colourful houses, cute cafes, very artsy vibes. Felt more chill than the main Sultanahmet area. I just walked around with coffee, got lost, clicked photos like mad.

2. Georgia – Visa‑on‑Arrival Vibes, Snow, Wine & Crazy Cheap SIM Card#

Georgia is where I realised you don’t need to be rich to feel fancy. It’s one of those countries a lot of desi travelers have suddenly discovered – like the new Thailand for IT crowd, but more European‑ish, more mountains, and honestly, super underrated.

Visa Situation For Indians#

Indians can generally get eVisa or visa‑free entry if you already hold valid visas for US/UK/Schengen/GCC in many cases. A lot of my friends used that rule, I personally did the eVisa route. It was straightforward, all online.

At Tbilisi immigration, they mostly cared about:

  • Return flight
  • Hotel / Airbnb booking
  • Travel insurance

They asked me how long I’m staying and what I plan to see. I said, "Wine, mountains, and khachapuri" and the officer actually smiled.

Why It’s Amazing For Indians Right Now#

The Georgian Lari vs INR is pretty reasonable, so your money goes far. Rough idea:

  • Hostels in Tbilisi: from ₹700–1,200/night
  • Good mid‑range hotel or Airbnb: ₹2,500–4,500/night
  • A nice meal with wine in local joint: around ₹600–1,000

Public transport is not very fancy but works. Bolt and Yandex taxis are cheap and easy to use, just like Uber. And one life hack – buy a local SIM at airport itself, data is fast and cheap, perfect for us Instagram addicts.

Best Time To Visit & What To Actually Do#

I went end of October, and that autumn vibe was unreal. Orange trees, mild chill, but not freezing. Generally:

  • Apr–Jun: spring, good for city + mountains
  • Sep–Nov: autumn colors, wine season, honestly perfect
  • Dec–Feb: for snow & skiing in Gudauri (but can get properly cold)

My fav bits:

  • Old Tbilisi – sulphur baths, tiny streets, random cats everywhere
  • Kazbegi – insane mountain views, you feel like you’re on a Windows wallpaper
  • Kakheti wine region – even if you don’t drink much, the landscape and little family wineries are too good

Food wise, khachapuri (cheese bread) and khinkali (their momos basically) will win your heart. I put on 2kgs in one week, no regrets.

3. Serbia – Europe Feel Without Europe Visa#

Serbia is that slightly emo, slightly retro cousin of Europe that nobody talks about in mainstream Indian travel circles yet. Which is good for us because it’s less crowded and still relatively affordable.

Visa Stuff#

Serbia has had on‑off visa‑free and visa‑on‑arrival rules for Indians, sometimes linked to having valid UK/US/Schengen visas. When I went, I entered using a multiple‑entry Schengen I already had from a previous trip, but one of my close friends recently visited without Schengen using Serbia’s own visa/eVisa process.

Point is – Serbia doesn’t require Schengen to enter. They have their own rules, and they’re way simpler than full Schengen process. Just make sure you check the latest update on their consulate site, because they do tweak policy sometimes.

Belgrade & Beyond – How It Actually Feels#

Belgrade surprised me. It’s rough around the edges but super alive. Street art, riverside clubs, cafes where people sit for hours just sipping coffee and chain smoking. You’ll see old Yugoslav blocks next to cute hipster coffee shops. Very moody aesthetic for photos.

  • Hostels: from ₹1,000–1,800/night (some party hostels, some super chill)
  • Mid hotels / apartments: ₹3,000–5,000/night
  • Local meals: ₹500–900 with meat, salad, side dish

As Indians, food is a bit heavy here – lot of meat, bread, potatoes, but you can always find pizzas, Turkish food, some Indian restaurants also in Belgrade now. Vegetarians can still survive with salads, pasta, bakeries etc, but options are less compared to say Turkey or Georgia.

Safety wise I had no issues. I walked back to my hostel at 1–2am from the riverfront area. Just normal big‑city caution, don’t get too drunk and wander alone, keep an eye on your belongings, that’s all.

4. Albania – Europe’s Best Kept Secret That Indians Barely Know#

Albania honestly felt illegal it was so beautiful for the money I spent. Turquoise water, mountains, ancient ruins, and yet so chill and not crowded like Greece. And yes – you don’t need a Schengen visa to visit Albania itself, though sometimes they give easier entry if you already have one or a US/UK visa. Again, check official rules before booking.

Why It’s Amazing For Us#

Tirana, the capital, is very walkable. The ‘Block’ area has cafes, bars, cute brunch places. But the real magic is along the Albanian Riviera – places like Sarandë, Ksamil etc. It legit looks like Maldives + Greece mashup on a budget.

  • Guesthouses: ₹2,000–3,500/night
  • Beachfront apartments (if you book early): from around ₹3,500–5,000
  • Restaurant meal with seafood: ₹700–1,200

I spent long evenings just sitting on the promenade in Sarandë eating gelato, watching sunset. One old uncle randomly started talking to me about how Indian movies used to be popular there earlier. He knew ‘Disco Dancer’. I almost choked on my ice cream.

Best Time & How To Move Around#

Summer obviously is peak for beaches – June to September. July–Aug can get hot and busier, but still nothing like Goa NYE madness. Spring and early autumn are great if you want milder weather and less people.

Buses between cities are cheap but a bit random with timings. If you’re going in a small group, renting a car makes sense, especially to explore hidden beaches and mountain villages.

5. Montenegro – Tiny Country, Massive Views#

I did Montenegro right after Albania, and honestly, that coastal drive was one of the prettiest I’ve ever done. Kotor looks like a postcard that accidentally came to life. You’ve got mountains falling straight into the sea, terracotta roofs, old churches, everything.

Entry For Indians#

Montenegro has its own visa rules but also often allows easier entry for holders of valid multi‑entry visas for Schengen/US/UK etc, or through its own visa process. The point again – you don’t need Schengen, it’s just sometimes useful. My entry was using an existing visa, but a Bangalore couple I met in Kotor had come on a separate Montenegrin visa without any Schengen drama.

Just double check on their official consulate page because Balkan visa rules do keep evolving depending on politics and migration stuff.

Where To Stay & What To Do#

Kotor is the main base for most people. You’ve got:

  • Hostels from ₹1,500–2,500/night inside the Old Town
  • Stone houses / apartments: ₹3,500–6,000/night depending on view

My biggest tip – wake up early, like before 7am, hike up the city walls or fort. You’ll see sunrise over the bay and avoid crowds. Don’t do what I did which was start at 11am and then complain about sun and steps like an idiot.

Day trips from Kotor:

  • Perast – small pretty town with island church
  • Budva – more party/beach vibe
  • Durmitor National Park – if you like hiking and mountains

Best months: May–Oct for good weather. July–Aug is peak, bit pricey but still manageable compared to Western Europe coasts.

6. UAE – Desi Friendly, Zero Schengen Needed, Full Paisa Vasool#

Okay yes, I know, UAE is not Europe or anything. But honestly, for a lot of Indians, this is literally our first international trip. Easy flights, rains of shopping malls, endless biryani options, and half your relatives already in Dubai anyway.

Visa & Practical Stuff#

Indians need a UAE visa, but it’s not related to Schengen at all. You can apply through airline portals (like Emirates, Etihad), travel agents, or online portals. Processing is usually pretty fast if your documents are clean – passport, photo, tickets, hotel booking, sometimes bank statement.

Typical tourist visa cost is roughly ₹6k–10k range depending on type and agent fees. Many Indians also get easy UAE visas if they have valid US/Schengen/UK visas, but again that’s an additional route, not mandatory.

Costs & What A Normal Trip Looks Like#

  • Budget stays / hostels in old Dubai: ₹2,000–3,000 per night
  • Decent hotels: ₹5,000–9,000 per night (prices spike around New Year, Expo events, etc)
  • Metro pass is super useful and cheap for city travel

Foodwise you can go full budget or full fancy. Karama and Deira have LOT of Indian, Pakistani, Filipino joints where a hearty meal is ₹300–600. Of course if you go to fancy brunches or rooftop places, you can burn a month’s salary in one night also.

I like UAE for quick 4–5 day trips where you just want to switch off, shop a bit, maybe do desert safari, Miracle Garden, and endless mall walking to complete your daily step count.

7. Qatar & Oman – Chill Gulf Options Without Schengen#

Lot of Indian travelers forget Gulf beyond Dubai/Abu Dhabi, but honestly Qatar and Oman are very solid choices if you want safe, clean, easy trips with no Schengen drama.

Qatar – Short, Sweet, City + Desert#

Doha is small but super modern. Indians usually need eVisa or pre‑approved visa depending on rules, but it’s all separate from Schengen. Flights from India are frequent, especially with Qatar Airways connections.

Things I’d say don’t miss:

  • Souq Waqif – feels a bit like old bazaar, good food, shisha, people watching
  • Museum of Islamic Art – beautiful building and views
  • Inland sea desert trip – dune bashing, camping if you want

Stay costs are slightly high, similar or a bit lower than Dubai. But food options for Indians are plenty, from Kerala joints to chaat to biryani everywhere.

Oman – Understated & Very Beautiful#

Oman is honestly slept on. Muscat is quiet, clean, and the natural scenery is crazy – wadis (natural pools), mountains, beaches, desert. Visa for Indians is usually eVisa or pre‑arranged, no Schengen required.

I did a roadtrip from Muscat to Sur and Wadi Shab. Swimming in that clear blue water between rocky cliffs was one of those moments where you’re like, okay, life isn’t that bad yaar.

  • Hotels: ₹4,000–8,000/night for mid‑range
  • Car rental is super worth it if you’re comfortable driving

Huge Indian expat population in Oman also means easy access to Indian food and general familiarity – you don’t feel totally lost.

8. Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam) – The Classic Non‑Schengen Playground#

Now, I know everyone and their chacha has been to at least one of these, but they have to be on any list of best countries Indians can visit without Schengen. Each has its own visa rules and trends for Indian travelers, but none of them need Schengen for entry.

Thailand – Visa friendly, Party + Temples + Beaches#

Thailand is like that reliable friend who’s always free on the weekend. Sometimes visa‑on‑arrival, sometimes eVisa, they keep tweaking but overall they actively want Indian tourists. And we go happily.

For budget travelers, this is still one of the most affordable international destinations:

  • Hostels in Bangkok/Chiang Mai: from ₹600–1,200/night
  • Street food meals: ₹150–300 (pad thai, curries, etc)
  • Island stays (Phuket/Krabi/Koh Samui): from ₹1,200–3,000/night for decent guesthouses

I always tell people – don’t just do Bangkok + Pattaya. Go north to Chiang Mai, Pai, or south to the smaller islands. That’s where the real charm is.

Malaysia & Singapore – City Life, Nature & Super Connected#

Malaysia is very Indian‑friendly. Tamil signboards in KL, Indian food everywhere, easy eVisa or eNTRI type schemes for us. You can mix city, islands like Langkawi, and Cameron Highlands tea plantations in one trip.

Singapore is pricier but very safe, very clean, and good for first‑time family trips. Visa is separate, done via VFS/agents, but again, no Schengen needed.

I like doing a combo trip – 2–3 days in Singapore, then bus/train over to Malaysia and spend more time there where things are cheaper and slower.

Vietnam – Current Hot Favourite For Indians#

Indian tourists have discovered Vietnam in a big way. Hanoi old quarter, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An lantern streets, Da Nang, Nha Trang – it’s endless. There’s an eVisa system for Indians that’s fairly smooth as long as you apply properly.

  • Hostels: ₹500–1,000/night
  • Hotels: ₹1,500–3,500/night easily
  • Street food: ₹100–250 per dish – banh mi, pho, spring rolls, all too good

If you’re on a strict budget and want maximum “places covered” feeling, Vietnam is honestly unbeatable right now.

9. Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan) – Offbeat, Budget & Very Interesting#

Another region that’s slowly popping off for Indian travelers is Central Asia. Direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai are increasing, packages are popping up everywhere, and again, no Schengen is needed.

Kazakhstan – Big Landscapes, Soviet Aesthetic, Very Different#

Almaty is becoming a weekend getaway for some people from North India because flights are short and tickets can be quite reasonably priced in off‑season. Visa options for Indians are there via eVisa and sticker visas depending on purpose.

My must‑do picks around Almaty:

  • Big Almaty Lake – unreal blue water
  • Charyn Canyon – mini Grand Canyon vibes
  • Shymbulak – for snow and cable cars in winter months

On ground, food is heavy – lot of meat. But you’ll find Indian restaurants and also generic pizza/pasta/burger places. City is safe, people are a bit reserved but helpful when you ask.

Uzbekistan – Silk Road Feels#

Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara – if you like history, architecture, these ancient Silk Road cities will blow your mind. Mosques and madrasas with blue tiles, huge courtyards, markets – it’s like stepping into some old story book.

Visa systems for Indians include eVisa options, and plenty of tour packages are available from India now. Costs are still on the affordable side compared to many mainstream destinations.

Money, Safety, And Random Tips For Non‑Schengen Trips#

Instead of giving some perfect list, I’m just going to dump the things I actually do and learned the hard way:

  • Always carry a mix of INR card + forex card + some USD cash. In some countries it’s easier to change USD than INR.
  • Download offline maps. Many of these places – Balkans, Central Asia – have weird network patches.
  • Don’t blindly trust every reel that says “visa‑free for Indians”. Check what conditions. Sometimes it’s only if you already have another visa.
  • For solo travelers, book first 2 nights in a central area even if it’s slightly costlier. You can move to cheaper outskirts once you understand the city.
  • Food wise, if you’re vegetarian, always learn how to say “no meat, no fish, no chicken” in local language. Simply saying veg doesn’t always work.

Health / safety wise, I keep one small medicine pouch – basic cold, stomach, painkillers, ORS, band‑aids. In most of these countries pharmacies are there, but explaining what you need with hand gestures is sometimes… an adventure.

So… Where Should You Go First Without Schengen?#

Honestly depends on your budget, vibe and how much effort you’re okay to put in.

If you want something very easy, with family, almost no culture shock:

  • UAE, Qatar, Oman, Singapore

If you want European vibe without actual Europe visa:

  • Turkey, Georgia, Serbia, Albania, Montenegro

If you’re on tight budget but want maximum fun and nature:

  • Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, maybe Georgia again (it’s that good)

If you want something really different and offbeat:

  • Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, parts of Central Asia or Balkans

Whichever you pick, don’t stress too much about this whole Schengen visa FOMO. There are so many countries right now that are literally rolling out red carpet for Indian travelers – easy eVisas, visa‑on‑arrival, direct flights, vegetarian food, the works.

We sometimes act like Europe hi sab kuch hai, but after roaming around Turkey’s Cappadocia, chilling in a Georgian wine cellar, and watching sunset in Albania, I honestly don’t feel that pressure anymore. Europe will happen when it has to. Till then, world is big enough, bro.

If you want more ideas, proper itineraries and real trip stories (not just those 30‑sec reels), I keep browsing and sharing on AllBlogs.in – lot of desi travelers are putting detailed stuff there these days. Go deep dive there when you start planning your next non‑Schengen escape.