Good news for travellers! Bulgaria and Romania gained partial membership to the Schengen Zone on March 31, 2024. This means visa-free travel by air and sea between these countries and other Schengen members.
Bulgaria and Romania will partially join Schengen zone on March 31. This will eliminate border checks for air and sea travel, but land border controls will persist due to Austria’s concerns.
What Does This Mean for Travellers?
Bulgaria and Romania now have visa-free travel by air and sea to Schengen member states, and existing Schengen visas are now valid for travel to these countries. However, there are still border controls for land crossings due to Austria’s concerns about asylum seekers. Discussions on full Schengen access will continue through 2024.
Short-Term Schengen Visas
Bulgaria and Romania will offer short-term Schengen visas from April 2024. This visa allows foreigners to visit either country for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Expansion of Schengen Zone
Bulgaria and Romania will be joining the Schengen zone, making it a group of 29 members. Romania will implement the Schengen rules across four seaports and 17 airports, including Otopeni Airport near Bucharest.
Strengthened Border Security Measures
To ensure compliance and security, additional staff will be deployed at airports, ranging from border police to immigration officers. The government aims to prevent illegal departures from Romania by intensifying checks for false documents and combatting human trafficking, particularly involving minors.
Benefits and Challenges
Bulgaria and Romania have achieved partial membership in the EU, a significant milestone for both countries. This move is expected to boost tourism and trade, but there are still challenges to overcome, such as delays for businesses relying on land transportation. Nonetheless, both countries remain committed to achieving full Schengen membership, including land borders, as soon as possible.
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