In short: Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Ukraine, Moldova, and Belarus are not EU members. Most are EU candidate countries. Not being in the EU also means not being in Schengen.
The Full List
Not in the EU (Eastern Europe and Western Balkans):
- Serbia (EU candidate since 2012)
- Albania (EU candidate since 2014)
- Montenegro (EU candidate since 2010)
- North Macedonia (EU candidate since 2005)
- Bosnia and Herzegovina (EU candidate since 2022)
- Kosovo (potential candidate)
- Ukraine (EU candidate since 2022, accession process active)
- Moldova (EU candidate since 2022)
- Belarus (not a candidate)
In the EU (Eastern European members):
- Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania (joined 2004)
- Romania, Bulgaria (joined 2007)
- Croatia (joined 2013)
What Non-EU Membership Means for Travellers
Non-EU status has practical implications beyond Schengen. These countries use their own currencies: Serbian dinar, Bosnian mark, Albanian lek, and so on — euro is not accepted in most of them. ATMs and card payments are widely available in cities, but cash remains more important in rural areas than in EU countries.
EU consumer protection law does not apply in non-EU countries. Mobile roaming rules that protect EU travellers within the EU do not extend to Serbia or Albania. UK and US travellers are unaffected by this in the same way, but EU travellers should check roaming charges with their provider.
Worker, residency, and student rights that apply in EU countries do not apply in non-EU Eastern Europe. This matters for longer stays but not for standard tourist travel.
What Candidate Status Means
Being an EU candidate country means the country has started the formal process of alignment with EU law and standards. It does not mean membership is imminent or certain. Serbia has been a candidate since 2012 and accession remains distant. Ukraine’s candidacy is politically significant but operationally in early stages.
For travellers: candidate status has no immediate effect on visa rules, Schengen access, or ETIAS requirements.
FAQ
Is Serbia joining the EU soon?
No confirmed date. Serbia has been an official EU candidate since 2012. Progress has been slow due to political issues including Kosovo relations and Serbia’s stance on Russia. No accession date is on the horizon as of 2026.
Do EU citizens need a visa for non-EU Eastern Europe?
No. EU citizens can visit Serbia, Albania, Bosnia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Kosovo visa-free for standard tourist stays.
What currency do non-EU Eastern European countries use?
Serbia uses the Serbian dinar (RSD). Bosnia uses the convertible mark (BAM). Albania uses the lek (ALL). Montenegro uses the euro, and Kosovo also uses the euro informally.
Will non-EU countries join Schengen?
Most countries must first join the EU before joining Schengen. This remains a long-term process for the Western Balkans.
Last checked June 2026
Created by WanderGuide Travel Desk
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