Who Needs to Escape Schengen?
So, you don’t want a visa but you want to “live abroad.” If you’re a nomad at heart, the idea of paperwork and getting a long-stay visa just may not be your thing. Or you really just want a prolonged vacation in Parisian cafes balanced by shopping sprees and Instagram-friendly selfies. That’s ok. You have a glorious journey ahead of you. You’re just not on the expat road. You’re not getting a carte de séjour (residence permit). And you’ll need to escape the claws of Schengen.
Where Do You Go?
If you want to leave the Schengen, but not go all the way back home, and you don’t have the time, money or interest in switching continents, here are your escape options:
- Albania
- Andora
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria*
- Croatia*
- Cyprus*
- England
- Georgia
- Ireland
- Kosovo
- Macedonia
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- Northern Ireland
- Romania*
- San Marino*
- Scotland
- Serbia
- Russia
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- Vatican City
- Wales
Pros and Cons of Non-Schengen Europe
When I was weighing my options on how, and if, to live in Paris without commitment, I had certain criteria my “home” base needed to meet. Not all of these may apply to you, but they help with weeding through the above options.
Language
First, I love living in a country where English is NOT the primary language. (I’ll get into my reasons some other day.) So that immediately eliminates England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. You could argue that the English of the Scottish Highlands is really like a foreign language. And that there are regions of Ireland where Gallic wins the day. But, in principal, we speak the same language.
If foreign languages aren’t your thing, however, these are a good option.
Pending Schengen Status
You’ll notice some of the above listed countries have an asterisk (*). That’s because recent agreements have paved the way for these countries to join the Schengen by 2020. Or they already follow the Schengen regulations in anticipation of membership (or just to avoid logistical headaches). So it’s easier not to consider Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Romania or San Marino for a parachute landing.
On the other hand, if you want to test the accuracy of governmental deadlines, these will promise you adventure and challenge.
Practicality
Not to disparage anyone, but there are some countries that are seemingly so in name only. Meaning, they don’t truly have the type of infrastructure, housing options and cultural variety that is sustaining for the Schengen reboot window. Sorry, Andorra and Vatican City.
Be practical, even if you’re a romantic or a catholic.
Peace
We all now live with the reality of terrorist attacks, which are just as likely to happen in suburban American as in a European capital. But, as I’m no longer in my twenties, the idea of living in a country in turmoil has lost its appeal (though I’m still all for visiting them!). Peace and stability are more my thing. That nixes Albania, Georgia, Turkey and Ukraine for the moment.
If your dream is to live on the edge, go ahead and test your mettle. But, please remember, living abroad — whether as a dilettante, nomad or true expat — is a hell of an adventure in and of itself.
Yang to Schengen’s Yin
Of course, there are countries that let you escape Schengen, but have their own three-month visa-free limit. Pot and kettle. Again, I’m too old for that shit; I’m a nester. So, that nixes Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro and Serbia.
If you’ve blown your commitment quota on your relationship with your backpack, these are very viable ideas — pretty stable economies and innovative spirit.
Nyet
That leaves Russia. And you have to have a visa for any length of stay there, due to our somewhat complicated diplomatic relations.
Time to Get Your Visa
Becoming an expat, like becoming an entrepreneur, isn’t suited to everyone. Despite what much of the blogosphere might tell you.
So, as I’ve said, if you’re a nomad at heart, bon voyage! If you’re a dilettante or just love to travel for a few months at a time, no worries. Use the above guidance. Expand past Europe. Explore the world!
But if you yearn to experience the challenges and joys of duality that come with committing to a culture not your own, you’re ready to take your first step on the expat path.
This all leads to one inevitable realization: you’re gonna have to get a visa. And I’ll get into the fun of that very soon, in the continuation of this How I Became an Expat series.