If you're an Indian passport holder with a valid Schengen visa, your travel opportunities extend far beyond the 29 European countries in the Schengen Area. This visa grants access to popular destinations like France, Germany, and Italy and opens doors to numerous non-Schengen countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Many of these nations allow Indian travellers to enter visa-free, obtain a visa on arrival, or apply for an e-visa, provided they hold a valid Schengen visa.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the list of countries you can visit with your Schengen visa, detailing the entry requirements and highlighting each destination's unique experiences. Whether planning a multi-country European tour or exploring beyond Europe, this information will help you make the most of your Schengen visa.

Schengen Countries 

Indian passport holders with a valid Schengen visa can access the 29 countries within the Schengen Area. Here's a detailed guide to these destinations:

1. Austria

2. Belgium

3. Bulgaria

4. Croatia

5. Czech Republic

6. Denmark

7. Estonia

8. Finland

9. France

10. Germany

11. Greece

12. Hungary

13. Iceland

14. Italy

15. Latvia

16. Liechtenstein

17. Lithuania

18. Luxembourg

19. Malta

20. Netherlands

21. Norway

22. Poland

23. Portugal

24. Romania

25. Slovakia

26. Slovenia

27. Spain

28. Sweden

29. Switzerland

Non-Schengen Countries Accessible with a Schengen Visa

Here are some countries which allow Indian passport holders to travel visa-free if they have a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa: 

Albania: 

Indian nationals can enter Albania visa-free for up to 90 days within 180 days, provided they hold a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa that has been used at least once in a Schengen country.

Entry Requirements:

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay.

• Schengen Visa: Valid multiple-entry visa, previously used in a Schengen country.

• Proof of Accommodation: Hotel reservation or invitation letter from a host in Albania.

• Return or Onward Ticket: Evidence of return or further travel.

• Sufficient Funds: Minimum of €50 per day of stay.

• Travel Insurance: Recommended, covering the entire duration of the stay.

Andorra: 

Andorra, a picturesque microstate between France and Spain in the Pyrenees, does not impose its visa requirements. However, since it lacks an airport and is accessible only via land through France or Spain, Indian passport holders must transit through the Schengen Area to reach Andorra. Therefore, a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa is essential for Indian travellers visiting Andorra.

Entry Requirements:

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay.

• Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa: Necessary to re-enter the Schengen Area after visiting Andorra.

Important Considerations:

• Transit Through Schengen Countries: Since entry to Andorra is only possible through France or Spain, ensure your Schengen visa allows multiple entries to avoid complications when re-entering the Schengen Area after you visit Andorra.

• No Border Controls: While Andorra does not have formal border controls with its neighbours, standard Schengen entry and exit procedures apply when crossing into and out of France or Spain.

• Duration of Stay: Visitors can stay in Andorra for up to 90 days within 180 days, aligning with Schengen visa regulations.

Cyprus: 

Indian citizens holding a valid double or multiple-entry Schengen visa that has been used at least once to enter a Schengen country can enter Cyprus without requiring a separate Cypriot visa. This policy permits a stay of up to 90 days within 180 days.

Entry Requirements:

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay.

• Schengen Visa: A valid double or multiple-entry Schengen visa previously used to enter a Schengen country.

Important Considerations:

• Separate Visa Regimes: Cyprus is not part of the Schengen Area; therefore, a Cypriot visa does not grant entry to Schengen countries, and vice versa.

• Policy Verification: Visa policies can change; always verify the current requirements with official sources before planning your trip.

Georgia: 

Indian passport holders possessing a valid Schengen visa and visas or residence permits are eligible for visa-free entry into Georgia. This privilege allows for stays of up to 90 days within 180 days. 

Key Conditions:

• Validity at Entry: Ensure your Schengen visa is valid when arriving in Georgia. Expired visas, even by a day, are not accepted.

• Multiple Entries: The visa-free arrangement permits multiple entries, provided your Schengen visa remains valid.

• Documentation: Carry a physical or digital copy of your valid Schengen visa and your passport. Immigration officials may request these documents upon entry.

Additional Recommendations:

• Travel Insurance: While not mandatory, it's advisable to have travel health insurance covering your stay in Georgia.

• Proof of Accommodation and Funds: Be prepared to present hotel bookings or an invitation letter and evidence of sufficient financial means for your stay.

Serbia: 

Indian citizens with valid multiple-entry visas or residence permits from the Schengen Area are eligible for visa-free entry into Serbia. This policy permits stays of up to 90 days within six months, provided the visa or residence permit remains valid throughout the stay.

Documentation: Travellers must present their valid passport and a valid visa or residence permit upon entry.

San Marino and Vatican City

San Marino and Vatican City are landlocked microstates surrounded by Italy, which do not issue their visas. Instead, entry into San Marino is governed by Italy's visa policies. Therefore, Indian passport holders must obtain a Schengen visa to enter Italy, allowing access to San Marino and Vatican City.

• Entry via Italy: Since San Marino has no airports or seaports, entry is only possible through Italy. Thus, compliance with Italian (Schengen) visa requirements is essential.

• Duration of Stay: The Schengen visa permits stays of up to 90 days within 180 days.

• No Border Controls: There are no formal border controls between Italy and San Marino, allowing for seamless travel.
  
  

Note: While San Marino does not have its visa regime, it's crucial to ensure that your Schengen visa is valid for your intended stay.

Philippines

Indian nationals holding valid and current visas or permanent residence permits from the Schengen Area are eligible for a visa-free stay of up to 30 days.

Requirements:

• Confirmed return or onward ticket.

• Proof of accommodation.

• Evidence of sufficient financial means.

• No derogatory record with the Philippine Bureau of Immigration.

Extension: This stay is non-extendable and cannot be converted into other visa categories.

 Key Considerations

• Visa Type: Ensure your Schengen visa is multiple-entry and valid for the duration of your intended stay.

• Entry Requirements: Some countries may require that the Schengen visa has been used at least once before entry.

• Documentation: Always carry proof of accommodation, return tickets, and sufficient funds.

• Policy Changes: Visa policies can change; always verify with the official embassy or consulate before travelling.

If your dream destination isn't listed among the countries accessible with a Schengen visa, consider using Atlys, a platform that simplifies visa applications for over 150 destinations worldwide.

Holding a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa significantly broadens travel opportunities for Indian passport holders. This visa facilitates access to numerous non-Schengen nations beyond the 29 countries in the Schengen Area. Countries such as Albania, Georgia, Serbia, and the Philippines offer visa-free or simplified entry procedures for travellers with a Schengen visa.

However, it's crucial to note that visa policies are subject to change. Before planning your trip, always verify the latest entry requirements with your destination country's official embassy or consulate. Ensure that your Schengen visa is valid for your intended stay and that you meet additional entry conditions, such as proof of accommodation, return tickets, and sufficient funds.

By staying informed and prepared, you can make the most of your Schengen visa and explore a diverse array of cultures, landscapes, and experiences worldwide.