Apart from the 26 Schengen states and the 4 Schengen micro-states, there are 6 non-Schengen European Union members

Schengen Visa Non-Required

United Kingdom: Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Most nationals from visa-exempt Schengen Area countries can also enter the United Kingdom without the need to previously make a visa application. Such countries are:

IMPORTANT NOTE: Citizens from the countries listed above do not require a visa when traveling to the United Kingdom for a short-term stay of a maximum of 90 days.

Even though no previous visa application is required, travelers should be able to provide proof of sufficient financial means or an official current residential address document at the passport control check. Following is a list of the types of documents that will allow the border control officers to better determine the traveler’s eligibility to cross the British border:

A bank statement or an official letter from the applicant’s employer with proof of earnings will help prove the traveler’s financial situation and ability to support themselves while in the U.K.

Proof of legal residence such as residential card or a bill with the traveler’s name and address clearly visible

Proof of employment or ongoing studies

Travelers who are under 18 years of age are advised to provide a birth certificate, as well as a letter from their parents, confirming the reason for the trip such as living arrangements and financial situation. A copy of the parent’s passports may be required

These are the general border crossing regulations for citizens of visa-exempt countries. Similar type of proof is asked of standard visa applicants for the U.K.

Republic of Ireland

The Republic of Ireland is still not part of the Schengen Area. However, there is a rather large number of countries whose citizens can enter Ireland without having to apply for a visa. These countries are:

United States

Canada

Argentina

Brazil

Taiwan

South Korea

Japan, and more.

Although citizens from the countries mentioned above currently do not need a visa to travel to Ireland, it is very probable that in the near future that will change and they will require an ETIAS visa waiver to cross Ireland’s border.

Romania

Similar to the rest of countries on this list, Romania is not yet part of the Schengen Area. However, Romania is a member of the European Union. The Romanian government has decided to authorize foreign nationals who have a Schengen visa to enter Romania for a short-term stay, as long as they have met all of the requirements.

U.S. citizens do not require a visa to enter Romania for a period of up to 90 days, every 180 days (6 months). However, once the ETIAS application is implemented and operational, this will change and citizens from countries that currently do not need a visa to enter Romania, including the U.S., will need to apply for an ETIAS.

Bulgaria

On January 25, 2012, the Bulgarian government decided that all Schengen visa holders may enter and exit Bulgaria freely. However, there are a few requirements to be followed:

Eligible country nationals must carry a valid Schengen visa

The number of entries and the time they may remain in Bulgaria must not exceed that of the Schengen visa

Those who have exceeded the number of entries and/or days to remain within the Schengen Area stated in their Schengen visa will not be allowed in Bulgaria with that same visa

A valid short-term national visa for Ireland, the U.K., Cyprus, Romania or Croatia will not allow its holder to enter Bulgaria

Once the ETIAS travel authorization system is implemented all citizens from the 60 countries, including the U.S., who currently do not need a visa for Bulgaria, will be required to complete an ETIAS online application.

Croatia

Croatia is one of the few countries that does not require visas from the U.S., Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and EU nationals even before joining the European Union in 2013. Currently there are over 50 other countries that can enter and exit Croatia without a visa, but because Croatia is part of the ETIAS agreement, this will soon change, and citizens from the visa waiver countries will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization.

Cyprus

Cyprus, similar to the rest of the countries in the non-Schengen European list, does not require citizens from over 50 different countries to apply for a visa before their trip to any of the Schengen member states. However, soon they will require an ETIAS travel authorization from all visitors.

Andorra

Andorra was initially announced as an ETIAS eligible country, meaning that it would have been a mandatory requirement for Andorran passport holders to hold a valid travel authorization to cross the border into the Schengen Area. However, Andorran government authorities have officially confirmed that their nationals will not be required to obtain an ETIAS travel authorization to cross the Schengen border. More information.