Starting 1 January 2025, Romania and Bulgaria will officially join the Schengen area, marking a significant milestone for both countries and allowing 450 million European citizens to travel more freely across member states.
Although Romania and Bulgaria have been European Union (EU) members since 2007, they were previously excluded from the Schengen zone, which required travellers to show passports when entering these countries. This new development simplifies border controls, creating smoother travel experiences.
Key Changes for Tourists
The most notable benefit of this decision is the removal of passport controls for travellers arriving in Romania and Bulgaria from other Schengen countries. This policy will now apply to all modes of transport, including road, air, and sea.
While air and sea travel between Schengen countries and Romania or Bulgaria became passport-free on 31 March 2024, land borders remained under stricter regulation. From January 2025, the simplified rules will be extended to road travel, offering seamless movement for tourists and citizens alike.
Continued Land Border Checks
Despite full Schengen membership, the European Commission has announced that border checks at certain land crossings will remain in place for at least six months. Specifically, checks will continue at the Hungary-Romania border and the Romania-Bulgaria border. This measure is designed as a precautionary step to address potential risks to public order and internal security.
The gradual integration of Romania and Bulgaria into the Schengen area marks a new chapter for both nations, enhancing travel efficiency while maintaining necessary safeguards during the transition period.