Albania, Cyprus, Ireland: Europe’s best non-Schengen countries for when you’ve used up your 90 days

Planning a year out to explore Europe? The ‘90-day’ rule is likely to catch you out: it stipulates that non-EU nationals with a valid visa can only enter Schengen Area countries for a total of 90 days in a 180-day period.

That applies in 25 out of the 27 EU countries, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

It might feel like that leaves little time to explore the continent - but don’t pack up your bags to go home just yet. 

Here’s where to break up your stay so you remain on the right side of Europe’s 90-day rule - and avoid a potential one-year ban - as recommended by travellers.

Albania is not a Schengen country, meaning many non-EU nationals - including Brits - can spend 90 days there without it counting towards the wider 90-day rule.

Albania is rising as a hot destination for tourists in Europe thanks to its beautiful beaches, mountains, affordable cost of living and welcoming locals.

Vlore, on the Adriatic coast, has “the best beaches, large promenades, great restaurants and cafes”, says one user of Reddit’s r/travel forum. For longer stays, “the apartments are super cheap to rent and the cost of living is incredible,” they add.

Further north, travellers rave about the stunning Komani Lake Ferry journey, which transports you between the towns of Koman and Fierze between the Albanian Alps, and is part of the famed Valbona to Theth hike.

Continue north and you’ll hit Montenegro, another Balkan gem with a stunning coastline that isn’t bound by the 90-day rule.

Cyprus is one of just two EU countries not bound by the 90-day rule as it is not part of the Schengen zone. However, it does have its own 90-day limit for visa applicants.

That gives you a whole three months to lounge on its Mediterranean beaches,