This article has been reviewed by Wego’s editorial team to ensure that the content is up to date & accurate.
Table of Contents
Turkey
Best for: Travelers seeking a blend of Eastern and Western cultures.
Turkey has long been the classic Plan B for travelers shut out of the Schengen area, and for good reason. As of 2025, citizens of 21 countries—including major Schengen states, Azerbaijan, Moldova, and others—can enter Turkey using only their national ID cards, with no passport required.
The Turkey e-Visa system delivers your travel permit straight to your inbox, offering a quick and convenient process. Required documents and fees vary by nationality. For example, Indian applicants must provide a valid passport, return flight ticket, hotel booking, proof of at least 50 Turkish lira per day of stay, and a valid visa or residence permit from a Schengen country, the USA, UK, or Ireland. The visa fee is USD 43, with an additional USD 6 administrative charge.
You can check the prerequisites and fee details for your country by applying through the official Turkey e-visa portal.
Costs are moderate:
- Kokorec (traditional Turkish lamb meal) at Sadrazam Mahmut, Istanbul: EUR 8.
- Private room at Beyoglu Huzur Hotel, Istanbul: EUR 25-30/night.
- Metro card in Istanbul: EUR 0.60.
Suitable for travelers seeking diverse cultural experiences.
A daily budget of EUR 45 (plus visa fees) generally covers essential expenses.
Book Cheap Flights to Turkey
Georgia
Best for: Travelers interested in cultural immersion and scenic landscapes.
Georgia often feels like Europe’s best-kept secret: a country at the crossroads of East and West that’s eager to welcome visitors with open arms and open borders. This is literally true – Georgia’s visa policy is famously generous.
Citizens of over 90 countries, including most of Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific, can enter Georgia visa-free and stay for up to a year.
Georgia offers a streamlined e-Visa system that allows travelers to obtain a short-term visa without visiting an embassy or consulate. The process involves 3 simple steps: applying online, making a secure payment, and printing the approved visa. The e-Visa grants the same entry rights as a traditional sticker visa and can be obtained from anywhere with internet access, eliminating the need for appointments or submission of original documents.
Applicants need a valid passport (issued within the last 10 years, undamaged, with at least two blank pages, and valid for 3 months beyond the visa period), a recent photo, and a credit or debit card. At the border, they must present supporting documents, including proof of travel purpose, accommodation, travel/health insurance valid throughout Georgia, and evidence of sufficient financial means such as bank statements, employer references, property documents, or a sponsor letter detailing the relationship and covered expenses.
The e-Visa is valid for up to 30 days, with the duration and conditions varying by nationality. The visa fee is USD 20 plus a 2% service charge, and processing takes a minimum of five working days. Full eligibility details and application forms are available on Georgia’s official e-Visa portal.
Traveling in Georgia is economical:
- Traditional Georgian meal at Salobie Bia, Tbilisi: EUR 5-7.
- Bed in 4-bed dorm at Hostel Nomad, Tbilisi: EUR 15/night.
- Metro ride in Tbilisi: EUR 0.60 to 1.
Suitable for budget travelers seeking rich cultural experiences.
A daily budget of EUR 35 (plus visa fees) generally covers essential expenses.
Book Cheap Flights to Georgia
Armenia
Best for: Travelers seeking historical sites and unique landscapes.
Right next door to Georgia, Armenia is another Caucasus country throwing its doors open to travelers. It may be small, but Armenia’s visa approach is big-hearted. Many nationalities (from the UAE to Japan) get visa-free entry for up to 6 months.
You can also obtain an e-visa for either a 21-day or 120-day stay. Applications are submitted via the official portal, with fees set at just USD 6 for a 21-day visa and USD 30 for a 120-day visa. Processing typically takes 3 working days.
The Armenian government also provides another service that allows citizens of certain nations, upon invitation submitted by Armenian-registered legal entities, government or local bodies, accredited embassies or organizations, or individuals through the Migration and Citizenship Service.
Requirements include an official invitation letter (signed and sealed on organization letterhead), a passport copy of the invitee, a completed visa application, and a consular fee payment receipt (AMD 5,000 via bank or online).
U.S. citizens, for instance, can stay visa-free for half the year due to the unilateral exemption of a visa. The red tape is minimal, much like Georgia, Armenia actively wants visitors to come and discover its treasures.
Expenses are modest:
- A plate of Armenian salad at the popular Dolmama, Yerevan: EUR 6.
- Cozy bed in a 4-dorm at Kantar, Yerevan: EUR 18 to 20/night.
- City bus fare: roughly EUR 2 for a daily travel pass.
Ideal for budget travelers interested in history and nature.
A daily budget of EUR 30 (plus visa fees) typically covers meals, lodging, and transport.
Book Cheap Flights to Armenia
Montenegro
Best for: Travelers seeking coastal beauty and adventure.
If you’ve dreamed of the Adriatic coast but without the tourist hordes of, say, Italy’s Amalfi, then Montenegro is your dream come true. This little Balkan nation packs in sapphire beaches, rugged mountains, and Venetian architecture – and it does so with refreshingly relaxed visa rules.
Nearly 100 nationalities can travel visa-free to Montenegro for stays of up to 90 days, including all of Europe, North America, and much of Latin America, among others. Even travelers from countries that normally face strict Schengen requirements might catch a break here: Montenegro allows entry to anyone holding a valid Schengen, U.S., U.K., or Irish visa (or residence) for up to 30 days visa-free.
For those who don’t possess any of the visas mentioned above, there’s still an option – a Montenegrin short-stay visa (Type C). You’ll need a valid passport, 1 colour photo (35×45 mm), proof of accommodation, health insurance, and financial proof.
The visa may be issued for single, double, or multiple entries for tourism, business, personal, or other purposes. However, your total stay can’t exceed 90 days within any 6-month period from your first entry.
Costs are moderate:
- Delicious meal at Konoba ‘Lanterna’ Podgorica: EUR 10.
- Private room at Stars Aspava Hostel, Podgorica: EUR 15-20/night.
- Local bus fare: Pricing not confirmed, though generally low-cost.
Ideal for travelers seeking a balance between relaxation and exploration.
A daily budget of EUR 45 (plus visa fees) typically covers meals, accommodation, and transport.
Book Cheap Flights to Montenegro
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Best for: Travelers seeking a mix of history and natural beauty.
Rounding out the Balkan odyssey, Bosnia and Herzegovina stands as a poignant and beautiful destination – one that too many travelers overlook. Bosnia and Herzegovina draws you in quickly—maybe it’s the emerald rivers, minaret-studded skylines, or the warm hospitality. It’s a place that stays with you long after you’ve left.
Bosnia and Herzegovina grants visa-free entry for up to 90 days within a 6-month period to citizens of numerous countries. This includes nationals from the European Union, the Schengen Area, the UK, the USA, Australia, and others with which Bosnia and Herzegovina maintains visa-free agreements. Travelers from some of these countries may enter Bosnia and Herzegovina with a valid passport, in some cases even with a national ID card, without requiring a Bosnian visa.
To encourage tourism, Bosnia and Herzegovina has extended visa-free access beyond the typical Schengen list to include China, Turkey, Kuwait, Qatar, Azerbaijan, and other countries. You can check your country’s visa eligibility on the official website to see whether you are exempt or require a visa for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
If you do happen to require a visa, Bosnia and Herzegovina offers a friendly alternative: anyone holding a valid multiple-entry visa or residence permit issued in Schengen or in the USA can enter Bosnia and Herzegovina without a separate visa for 30 days.
Even if you don’t hold any of the above-mentioned visas, you can still apply directly for a Bosnian short-stay visa (Type C). This visa permits single or multiple entries, but your total stay must not exceed 90 days within 6 months from the date of first entry.
Applicants must show proof of sufficient funds, at least 150 BAM, as a minimum subsistence amount. While a complete list of required documents isn’t explicitly listed, travelers generally need a valid passport, other recognized travel identification, or an ID with a photograph, and potentially a visa or residence permit. For exact requirements, consult the relevant Bosnian embassy or consulate.
In practice, if you made it as far as Croatia or Slovenia on a Schengen visa, you can dip into Bosnia and Herzegovina as well – say, to visit the famous Stari Most bridge in Mostar. It’s a smart policy that turns Bosnia and Herzegovina into a convenient side-trip or standalone destination for many nationalities. The focus here is on welcome, not red tape.
Travel expenses are reasonable:
- A plate of Pileci Batak and cucumber salad at Ćevabdžinica Nune, Sarajevo: EUR 6.
- Neat and welcoming bed in Hostel Kucha, Sarajevo: EUR 15/night.
- City bus ticket in Sarajevo: Minimum EUR 1.
Suitable for budget travelers interested in exploring historical sites and natural wonders.
A daily budget of EUR 40 (plus visa fees) generally covers essential expenses.
Book Cheap Flights to Bosnia and Herzegovina
Azerbaijan
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers seeking a blend of tradition and modernity.
East across the Caucasus lies Azerbaijan, a land of flame and wind, where medieval caravanserais meet glitzy modern skyscrapers. For intrepid travelers, Azerbaijan is now tantalizingly accessible.
Azerbaijan’s ASAN e-Visa system offers a streamlined and fully digital process for travelers, eliminating the need for embassy visits or notarized invitations. Applicants simply complete an online form, pay the standard fee of USD 20 along with a USD 9 service charge, and receive their visa via email within 3 working days.
For those in a hurry, an urgent processing option is available, delivering the visa within just 3 hours, regardless of weekends or holidays, for a service charge of USD 40. The e-Visa, once issued, is valid for 90 days, allowing a single entry and a maximum stay of up to 30 days in the country.
After the application is submitted, applicants can check the status on the official portal and are notified via email regarding approval or refusal. The e-Visa fee is non-refundable, as it covers the application review process. As the official portal does not provide a list of required documents, applicants are advised to consult the Azerbaijani authorities directly for up-to-date information.
Traveling in Azerbaijan is affordable:
- Traditional Azerbaijani meal at Dolma restaurant, Baku: EUR 6-8.
- Private room in Turkiye Hotel, Baku: roughly EUR 25/night.
- Metro ride in Baku: EUR 0.25 for a single ride.
Ideal for budget travelers, Azerbaijan provides rich experiences without high costs.
A daily budget of EUR 40 (plus visa fees) typically covers meals, accommodation, and transport, with some extra for activities.
Book Cheap Flights to Azerbaijan
Albania
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers seeking visa-friendly European experiences.
Albania has become a top pick for budget-conscious travelers in Europe, offering generous visa policies. Most visitors, including EU citizens, can enter visa-free for 90 days. Uniquely, U.S. citizens enjoy a visa-free stay of up to 1 year.
Travelers from countries requiring visas have flexible options: holders of a multiple-entry Schengen visa, U.S., or UK visas can enter Albania visa-free. Recently, seasonal visa waivers have been offered to citizens of countries such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Indonesia, and Thailand, exclusively for tourism purposes.
For others, Albania offers an easy e-Visa application process. A Type ‘C’ tourist visa requires filling out an online form, a photo, employment proof, a round-trip ticket, accommodation details, sufficient financial means for the duration of stay, and a full bank statement—no embassy visit needed.
Despite its growing popularity, Albania remains budget-friendly:
- Lunch at Tymi King Pils in Tirana: EUR 5.
- Standard room at Hotel Deja in Tirana: EUR 25/night.
- City bus ticket: EUR 0.40 approx.
Ideal for budget travelers, Albania offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage at a more affordable cost.
A daily budget of EUR 40 (plus visa fees) typically covers meals, accommodation, transport, and some leisure activities, though individual preferences may vary.
Book Cheap Flights to Albania
Moldova
Best for: Travelers exploring lesser-known European destinations.
Moldova might not top every travel list, but for those seeking a quiet European escape with minimal visa hassle, it’s a hidden gem.
For a Type C tourist visa, required documents include: completed application, valid passport (3+ months post-stay), recent photo (35×45 mm), invitation or visa/residence proof (if needed), accommodation or host guarantee, round-trip ticket or car documents, proof of funds: at least EUR 30/day (min. EUR 300 for 10 days), travel insurance covering EUR 30,000, and a EUR 40 consular fee (plus any extras).
Eligible nationalities can apply for a Moldovan eVisa online through the official portal. You can apply for the type C visa or Transit visa (B Type) through this portal. This streamlined process eliminates the need for embassy visits, making it convenient for travelers.
Moldova offers a quiet charm with its wine regions and countryside. You can apply for an e-Visa online, streamlining the travel process.
Costs are affordable:
- Traditional pies with Mushrooms at Taifas, Chisinau: EUR 5.
- Stay at Hostel City Center, Chisinau: approx. EUR 15/night.
- City bus ticket: EUR 0.30.
Suitable for budget travelers seeking tranquility and cultural experiences.
A daily budget of EUR 35 (plus visa fees) generally covers essential expenses.
Book Cheap Flights to Moldova
Serbia
Best for: Travelers seeking cultural experiences on a budget.
Heading back west into Europe, the Balkans present a cluster of non-Schengen gems, starting with Serbia. Often called the heart of the Balkans, Serbia has a big heart for visitors too – it extends visa-free entry to nationals of most countries in Europe and the USA. U.S. travelers, for example, can stay 90 days without a visa.
For nationalities that do need permission, Serbia offers a unique way: if you already hold a valid visa (or residence permit) for the Schengen Area, U.S., or U.K., you can enter Serbia without a separate visa for up to 90 days within 6 months starting from the date of first entry. This substitute visa rule has made life easier for countless travelers.
Serbia offers a Digital Travel Authorization (eVisa) system that allows eligible travelers to apply online without visiting an embassy. It’s a streamlined alternative to a traditional visa, designed to boost tourism and simplify the entry process.
General requirements include a completed visa application, a valid passport (must be valid for 90 days after leaving Serbia, have two blank pages, and be issued within the last 10 years), sufficient financial means, a photo, a visa fee, proof of travel purpose, and proof of payment for the trip issued by a travel agency (voucher or other type of payment receipt), adequate and valid travel medical insurance.
Traveling in Serbia is affordable:
- Traditional meal at Mali Balkan, Šabac: EUR 6.
- Clean and cozy room in Sobe Kuzmanović, Šabac: EUR 20/night.
- Single bus ticket: minimum EUR 0.80.
Serbia suits budget travelers interested in history, architecture, and vibrant city life.
A daily budget of EUR 35 (plus visa fees) generally covers meals, accommodation, and transport, with some extra for activities.
Book Cheap Flights to Serbia
North Macedonia
Best for: Travelers interested in off-the-beaten-path destinations
North Macedonia remains one of the Balkans’ most overlooked treasures, yet its growing accessibility and generous visa policies make it a smart pick for savvy travelers.
Citizens of the EU and the Schengen Area don’t need a visa at all – and can even enter with a national ID card.
For others, the country offers multiple pathways to easy short-term visits. Travelers holding temporary or permanent residence in the EU or a Schengen member state are allowed to stay up to 15 days per entry, provided their overall time in North Macedonia doesn’t exceed 90 days within 6 months.
The same 15-day entry rule applies to those with a valid multiple-entry short-term visa (type C), as long as that visa is valid for at least 5 days beyond their intended stay.
General requirements include a valid passport (3+ months beyond stay), travel insurance, a notarized invitation letter, proof of funds (bank/credit card statement), a color photo (3.5×4.5 cm), a paid visa fee, and a completed application form.
Adding even more flexibility, a temporary visa waiver decision is in effect for all of 2025: foreign nationals holding a valid multiple-entry U.K., U.S., or Canadian visa (stamped in the passport) can also enter visa-free for up to 15 days, under the same conditions – the visa must be valid for at least five additional days beyond the stay in North Macedonia.
- Chicken in Porchini sauce at Kolektiv restaurant, Skopje: EUR 6
- A comfy bed at Mickitos Urban Hostel in Skopje: roughly EUR 12/night
- Urban bus fare in Skopje: EUR 0.65 for a single-ride ticket
A daily budget of around EUR 35 (plus visa fees) is typically enough to cover meals, lodging, local transport, and a bit of extra comfort.
Book Cheap Flights to North Macedonia
Summary
Turkey and Georgia top the list for ease of entry, offering visa-free or e-Visa access and welcoming policies for travelers from the MENA region, GCC, India, and Pakistan. Armenia, Montenegro, Bosnia, Azerbaijan, and Albania follow with flexible entry rules, while Serbia and Moldova stand out for their functional e-Visa systems. North Macedonia, although it lacks an e-Visa, remains accessible through third-country visa recognition.
On the affordability front, Albania and Serbia are the clear winners, offering low daily expenses, cheap accommodation, and affordable transport. North Macedonia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Georgia, and Armenia also deliver strong value for money.
Moldova, Turkey, and Azerbaijan round out the list with reasonable costs and wide accessibility. With simpler visa processes and lower daily costs, these non-Schengen destinations provide a practical and affordable path through Europe’s more accessible corners.
Disclaimer: Visa policies are subject to change and may vary based on your nationality. Always consult the official embassy or government portal of your destination for the most up-to-date requirements before making any travel bookings.
Book Cheap Flights on Wego
