Several countries commonly included in Eastern Europe or the wider Balkans are still outside the European Union in 2026. These include Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Moldova and Ukraine.

For travellers, however, EU membership is only one part of the picture. EU membership, Schengen membership, euro use and visa requirements are separate things. A country can be outside the EU but use the euro, or be in the EU but have different border arrangements.

For a typical Western Balkans itinerary, the six countries most relevant to travellers are Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Kosovo. All six are outside both the EU and Schengen.

Which Eastern European Countries Are Not in the EU?

The following countries are commonly included in broader definitions of Eastern Europe or the Balkans and are not EU members in 2026:

• Serbia
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Albania
• North Macedonia
• Montenegro
• Kosovo
• Moldova
• Ukraine

The exact definition of “Eastern Europe” varies by geographical and political context. This guide uses the term broadly and focuses its practical travel advice mainly on the Western Balkans.

EU vs Schengen vs Euro: What Matters to Travellers?

These are three different things.

EU membership tells you whether a country belongs to the European Union.

Schengen membership determines whether the country is part of the Schengen Area and therefore whether crossing its border involves entering or leaving Schengen.

Euro use tells you what currency you are likely to use. A country does not have to be an EU member to use the euro. Montenegro and Kosovo, for example, use the euro as a de facto domestic currency.

For trip planning, check four separate questions:

1. Is the country in the EU?
2. Is it in Schengen?
3. What currency does it use?
4. What are the visa and entry rules for my passport?

This distinction prevents several common travel mistakes.

EU, Schengen and Currency Status by Country

Country	EU member?	Schengen?	Currency	EU accession status
Serbia	No	No	Serbian dinar (RSD)	Candidate; negotiations open
Bosnia & Herzegovina	No	No	Convertible mark (BAM)	Candidate; negotiations not yet opened
Albania	No	No	Albanian lek (ALL)	Candidate; negotiations open
North Macedonia	No	No	Denar (MKD)	Candidate; negotiations open
Montenegro	No	No	Euro (€), de facto	Candidate; negotiations open
Kosovo*	No	No	Euro (€), de facto	Potential candidate
Moldova	No	No	Moldovan leu (MDL)	Candidate; negotiations open
Ukraine	No	No	Hryvnia (UAH)	Candidate; negotiations open
Bulgaria	Yes	Yes	Euro (€)	EU member
Romania	Yes	Yes	Romanian leu (RON)	EU member
Croatia	Yes	Yes	Euro (€)	EU member

* Kosovo’s international status is subject to differing positions among countries. The EU classifies Kosovo as a potential candidate for EU membership.

Important: Bulgaria and Romania are now full Schengen members. They joined the Schengen Area for air and sea travel in March 2024 and became fully part of Schengen, including land borders, on 1 January 2025. Bulgaria also adopted the euro on 1 January 2026.

Which Non-EU Countries Are Most Relevant for Balkan Travel?

For a typical Western Balkans itinerary, the six countries travellers encounter most often are:

• Serbia
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Albania
• Montenegro
• North Macedonia
• Kosovo

Moldova and Ukraine are also outside the EU, but they are a different travel-planning proposition and are not normally part of the same Western Balkans route.

The rest of this guide therefore focuses mainly on the six Western Balkan countries.

What Does Being Outside the EU Mean for Your Trip?

Being outside the EU does not automatically mean a country is difficult to visit.

For travellers, the practical differences are mainly about borders, Schengen, visas, currency, roaming and entry systems.

Do You Cross a Separate Border?

Yes, when you cross between Schengen and a non-Schengen country, you are crossing an external Schengen border.

This is why a route such as:

Croatia → Bosnia and Herzegovina → Croatia

can involve border checks even though the countries are geographically close.

The important distinction is not simply whether a country is in the EU. It is whether you are crossing the external border of the Schengen Area.

Border procedures and waiting times vary by crossing, season, traffic and current border conditions, so avoid relying on a fixed waiting-time estimate.

Do Days in Serbia, Bosnia or Other Non-Schengen Countries Count Toward the Schengen 90/180 Rule?

Generally, days spent outside the Schengen Area are not counted as Schengen days.

Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Kosovo are outside Schengen.

For a traveller subject to the Schengen short-stay 90/180 rule, this can make the Western Balkans useful when planning a longer European trip.

However, travelling to a non-Schengen country does not reset your 90/180 allowance.

Your Schengen allowance continues to be calculated using the rolling 180-day period.

Example

Suppose you spend 30 days in Schengen.

You then spend:

• 10 days in Serbia
• 10 days in Bosnia and Herzegovina
• 10 days in Montenegro

Those 30 days outside Schengen are not added to your Schengen total.

When you return to Schengen, you still need to calculate your remaining allowance based on the relevant 180-day period. Leaving Schengen does not create a new 90-day allowance.

Can You Use Euros in Non-EU Balkan Countries?

Sometimes.

Montenegro and Kosovo use the euro as a de facto domestic currency, despite not being EU or euro-area members.

Other Western Balkan countries use their own currencies:

Country	Currency
Serbia	Serbian dinar (RSD)
Bosnia & Herzegovina	Convertible mark (BAM)
Albania	Albanian lek (ALL)
Montenegro	Euro (€)
North Macedonia	Denar (MKD)
Kosovo	Euro (€)

Do not assume that having euros in your wallet means you can pay everywhere.

In countries that use another currency, carry some local cash, particularly for smaller businesses, local transport and places where card payments may not be available.

Also check ATM fees and the exchange rate before accepting a cash withdrawal or currency conversion.

Does the EES Apply When Travelling Through the Balkans?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is the EU’s electronic system for recording entries and exits of certain non-EU nationals travelling for short stays across the external borders of participating Schengen countries.

EES became fully operational on 10 April 2026.

If you are a non-EU national covered by EES, travelling between Schengen and a non-Schengen Balkan country can therefore involve a recorded Schengen entry or exit.

The system does not mean that Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina or Montenegro have suddenly become Schengen countries. Their own national border systems remain separate.

The exact procedure can vary according to your nationality, travel document, border crossing and applicable exemptions.

Do I Need ETIAS for the Western Balkans?

ETIAS is not operating yet.

The European Union currently expects ETIAS to begin in the last quarter of 2026, although the exact launch date has not yet been announced.

ETIAS is intended for eligible visa-exempt travellers visiting participating European countries. It is an electronic travel authorisation, not a visa.

The current planned ETIAS fee is €20.

If you are planning a trip for late 2026 or later, check the official EU ETIAS website shortly before travelling because the launch date and transitional arrangements may change.

Do I Need a Visa for Non-EU Eastern Europe?

Visa requirements depend primarily on your passport and the country you are visiting.

Many EU, UK, US, Canadian and Australian passport holders can visit several Western Balkan countries visa-free for short stays, but the permitted stay and conditions vary by nationality and destination.

Do not assume that:

• being from an EU country automatically gives you the same rules everywhere;
• holding a Schengen visa automatically gives you entry to every non-EU Balkan country; or
• visa-free entry to one Balkan country applies to all the others.

Before travelling, check the destination country’s current official immigration or foreign-ministry guidance for your specific passport.

Does EU Roaming Work in the Western Balkans?

Do not assume that EU “roam like at home” rules automatically apply in the Western Balkans.

The EU and Western Balkan countries are working toward closer roaming integration, but your mobile operator’s current terms are what matter for your trip.

Before travelling, check:

• roaming data charges;
• call charges;
• whether your plan includes the Western Balkans;
• whether a regional eSIM is cheaper;
• whether a local SIM is available.

Roaming policies can change, so avoid relying on an old price from a travel blog.

How Non-Schengen Countries Affect Your 90/180 Days

The Western Balkans can be useful for travellers who are planning a longer European itinerary because several of these countries are outside Schengen.

For example:

Schengen → Serbia → Bosnia & Herzegovina → Montenegro → Schengen

The days spent in Serbia, Bosnia and Montenegro are outside the Schengen Area.

But there is an important distinction:

Leaving Schengen does not reset the 90/180 calculation.

The Schengen rule is based on a rolling 180-day period, so you should count your previous Schengen days carefully before returning.

If you are close to the limit, use the official EU short-stay calculator or obtain professional immigration advice rather than relying on a travel-blog calculation.

Western Balkan Countries: What Travellers Should Know

Serbia

Serbia is outside both the EU and Schengen.

Its currency is the Serbian dinar (RSD).

For travellers, the biggest practical difference is that entering Serbia from a Schengen country involves crossing an external Schengen border.

Serbia can work particularly well as part of a longer Balkan itinerary because it connects naturally with neighbouring non-Schengen countries.

Carry some dinar cash for smaller purchases, but card acceptance is common in many urban businesses.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina is outside both the EU and Schengen.

Its currency is the convertible mark (BAM).

If you are travelling through Bosnia, carrying some BAM cash is sensible, especially for taxis, smaller businesses and rural areas.

Travelling between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina also means crossing the external Schengen border.

This is particularly important when planning routes around Dubrovnik and the Bosnian coast.

Albania

Albania is outside both the EU and Schengen.

Its currency is the Albanian lek (ALL).

Albania is one of the easiest countries to combine with a wider Western Balkans itinerary, but travellers should still check the current entry rules for their nationality.

For practical travel, keep some lek available for smaller purchases rather than assuming euros or cards will work everywhere.

Montenegro

Montenegro is outside the EU and Schengen but uses the euro as its de facto domestic currency.

This makes it particularly straightforward for travellers who have already been using euros elsewhere in Europe.

Montenegro is also an EU candidate country with accession negotiations open.

For a traveller, its biggest practical advantages are the euro and its location between Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo and Albania.

North Macedonia

North Macedonia is outside both the EU and Schengen.

Its currency is the Macedonian denar (MKD).

Skopje is a useful base for travellers exploring the country, while North Macedonia also works well as part of a broader Balkan route.

Carry some denar for smaller purchases and local transport.

Kosovo

Kosovo is outside both the EU and Schengen and uses the euro as its de facto currency.

Its border arrangements require particular attention if your itinerary also includes Serbia.

Travellers planning a Serbia–Kosovo route should check the latest border-entry requirements before travelling rather than relying on assumptions based on other European land borders.

Kosovo is currently an EU potential candidate, rather than an EU candidate country with accession negotiations open.

Which Non-EU Balkan Country Is Easiest for a First-Time Traveller?

There is no single best country for everyone, but the practical differences are useful:

Traveller priority	Good option	Why
Use euros	Montenegro or Kosovo	Euro is used as the de facto domestic currency
Explore a larger city	Serbia	Belgrade is a major regional transport hub
Adriatic coast	Montenegro or Albania	Strong coastal travel options
Combine with Croatia	Montenegro or Bosnia & Herzegovina	Easy geographical combination
Avoid changing currency	Montenegro or Kosovo	Euro use
Lower-cost travel	Albania, North Macedonia or Bosnia & Herzegovina	Local costs can be lower than Western Europe
Longer Balkan itinerary	Serbia, Montenegro or Albania	Useful locations within regional routes

These are broad travel-planning recommendations rather than guarantees of cost or convenience. Prices, transport and border conditions vary by season.

What Should You Know Before Planning a Non-EU Eastern Europe Trip?

Before booking your itinerary, check these five things:

1. Your passport’s visa requirements for every country you will enter.
2. The Schengen 90/180 calculation if you are subject to the short-stay rule.
3. Whether you are crossing a Schengen external border.
4. The currency and payment situation in each destination.
5. Current border, EES, ETIAS and transport information close to your travel date.

The fact that a country is “not in the EU” is only the starting point. The practical travel rules depend on the combination of EU status, Schengen status, nationality, destination and route.

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FAQ

Which Eastern European countries are not in the EU in 2026?

The main non-EU Eastern European countries are Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Ukraine, and Moldova. The Western Balkan countries are part of the EU enlargement process, but they are not EU members yet. For the latest official status, check the EU enlargement page.

Do I need a visa to visit Serbia, Bosnia, or Albania?

Usually no, if you hold a US, UK, Canadian, Australian, EU, or most other Western passport. Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Kosovo generally allow visa-free tourist stays for many Western passport holders. Rules vary by nationality, so check official sources before travel, including the Serbia visa requirements page, the Bosnia and Herzegovina visa page, and the Albania e-Visa portal.

Do days in Serbia or Bosnia count toward my Schengen 90-day limit?

No. Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Kosovo are outside the Schengen Area. Time spent in these countries does not count toward your 90-day Schengen allowance. The Schengen 90/180-day rule applies only to time spent inside the Schengen Area. For the official rule, check the European Commission Schengen visa policy page.

Does EES biometric registration apply in non-EU Balkan countries?

No. The EU Entry/Exit System applies when non-EU travellers enter or leave Schengen countries. It does not apply when travelling only within non-Schengen Balkan countries such as Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, or North Macedonia. EES becomes relevant when you cross into a Schengen country such as Croatia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, or Greece. Check the official EU Entry/Exit System page before travel.

Do I need ETIAS to visit the Western Balkans?

No. ETIAS applies only to Schengen countries once it launches. Non-Schengen Balkan countries such as Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, and North Macedonia will not require ETIAS for entry. ETIAS will matter only when entering Schengen countries on the same trip. Use the official ETIAS website for the latest launch and application information.

Can I use euros in non-EU Balkan countries?

Montenegro and Kosovo use the euro, although they are not in the Eurozone. Albania may accept euros in tourist areas, but the Albanian lek usually gives better local prices. Serbia uses the Serbian dinar, and Bosnia and Herzegovina uses the convertible mark, so euros are not widely accepted for normal daily spending in those two countries. For current Serbian exchange rates, check the National Bank of Serbia.

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Last checked: August 2026

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