Starting January 1, 2025, Romania and Bulgaria will officially become part of the Schengen Zone. This long-anticipated move will simplify travel between these countries and the rest of the Schengen Area, though some border controls will remain temporarily.
A Long Journey Toward Schengen Integration
Romania and Bulgaria joined the European Union in 2007, but their entry into the Schengen Zone was delayed for years due to concerns about corruption and migration controls. Despite meeting the technical requirements as early as 2011, countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands blocked their accession.
In 2023, the Netherlands lifted its veto, leaving Austria as the last obstacle. In November 2024, Austria finally dropped its opposition, paving the way for Romania and Bulgaria’s inclusion in the Schengen Zone.
Air and Sea Travel Made Easier
From January 2025, travelers arriving in Romania and Bulgaria by air or sea from other Schengen countries will no longer need to show their passports. This change means smoother entry for passengers on flights, cruises, and ferries, with border checks eliminated for these routes.
Land Border Controls Will Stay for Six Months
Travelers entering by car, train, or bus will still face border checks for at least six months after the official Schengen entry date. The European Commission has decided to maintain these controls at the land borders between Hungary and Romania and between Romania and Bulgaria to address potential security concerns, largely to appease Austria.
Non-EU Travelers: Know the Schengen Rules
For travelers from non-EU countries, time spent in Romania and Bulgaria will count toward the 90-day limit within a 180-day period for the Schengen Zone. For example, if you stay 30 days in Bulgaria, you can only spend 60 more days in other Schengen countries like Greece or Italy. Overstaying this limit could result in fines or an entry ban.
Schengen Zone Grows to 29 Countries
With the inclusion of Romania and Bulgaria, the Schengen Zone will now comprise 29 countries. This includes 25 EU member states and four non-EU members: Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
Established in 1995, the Schengen Zone allows for border-free travel, facilitating around 1.25 billion trips each year and 3.5 million daily border crossings. The last country to join was Croatia in 2022. The addition of Romania and Bulgaria marks another step in expanding seamless travel within Europe.