Romania and Bulgaria are set to gain full Schengen Area membership by January 2025. This milestone, achieved after years of negotiations and partial inclusion, opens new horizons for seamless travel across Europe.
Romania and Bulgaria have been part of the European Union since 2007. However, despite their EU membership, their entry into the Schengen Area faced hurdles. While air and maritime border checks were removed in March 2023, restrictions on land borders persisted, largely due to concerns over illegal migration raised by Austria.
Recent discussions in Budapest between Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Romania's interior ministers resulted in Austria lifting its opposition. This breakthrough paves the way for a final decision by EU interior ministers in December 2024. Hungarian Interior Minister Sándor Pintér confirmed that both countries are on track for full Schengen membership, with plans to deploy 100 border guards to the Bulgaria-Turkey border as part of the process.
Starting January 2025, Schengen visa holders will have even more opportunities to explore Europe effortlessly. With Romania and Bulgaria joining the Schengen Area, travelers can cross into these two countries without additional border checks. This move simplifies itineraries, boosts tourism, and enhances connectivity within Europe.
The Schengen Area, known for its principle of free movement, currently comprises 23 of the 27 EU member states, along with Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Romania and Bulgaria’s integration will expand this network, offering travelers greater flexibility and ease of travel across the continent.
For Romania and Bulgaria, Schengen membership is more than just symbolic. It represents a leap forward in
fostering economic growth, enhancing tourism, and strengthening their ties within the EU. As Home
Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson noted, this development signifies “full freedom” for the citizens of
both countries.
For travelers, this expansion of the Schengen Area adds two culturally rich and historically significant
destinations to their European itineraries. From Romania’s Transylvanian landscapes to Bulgaria’s Black
Sea coastline, exploring these nations will soon be as simple as crossing from France to Germany.
With the integration of Romania and Bulgaria into the Schengen Area, now is the perfect time to start planning a trip that includes these two Balkan gems. Whether you're drawn by Romania’s legendary castles or Bulgaria’s ancient ruins, the expanded Schengen Area ensures your journey will be smoother and more accessible than ever.
Want to turn your immigration dream into reality?
Book a call
