On January 1, 2025, Romania and Bulgaria will officially become full-time members of the Schengen Area, allowing free movement between member states for 450 million citizens. Both countries have been part of the European Union since 2007 but were not part of the border-free area, necessitating the showing of passports upon entry. Border controls for the two countries will be simplified, marking a significant milestone for Romania and Bulgaria after years of obstacles to their Schengen membership.
The European Commission deemed both Romania and Bulgaria ready to become Schengen members in 2011, but their joint candidacy was initially denied by fellow EU members Germany and France due to governance and immigration concerns. Opposition gradually eased over the years, resulting in the lifting of vetoes by countries like the Netherlands and Austria. Despite Austria’s resistance, the EC lifted air and sea checks earlier this year, paving the way for Romania and Bulgaria to enter the Schengen Area in the new year.
When Romania and Bulgaria join the Schengen zone, it will be easier for travellers to visit the two countries. Citizens of Schengen countries will not need to show passports when flying between countries in the zone, but border checks will likely be maintained at land borders between Hungary and Romania and between Romania and Bulgaria for at least six months. Travellers arriving by air or sea from other Schengen countries will no longer be subject to passport checks, but those entering by road, train, or bus will still need to carry their passports.
Non-EU citizens should be aware that stays in Bulgaria and Romania count towards the 90-day maximum stay within 180 days in the Schengen Area. Exceeding this limit can result in penalties such as fines or bans on re-entry. Including Romania and Bulgaria, the Schengen zone comprises 29 states, with 25 EU members and four associated states of the European Free Trade Association. The area was established in 1995 following the signing of the Schengen Agreement in 1985, with several subsequent enlargements integrating additional countries into the free movement area.
The latest country to join the Schengen zone was Croatia in 2022, with 1.25 billion trips taking place within the area every year and 3.5 million people crossing its borders daily. With the addition of Romania and Bulgaria, the Schengen zone now includes 29 states. The zone plays a crucial role in facilitating travel and trade in Europe, promoting economic growth and cooperation among member countries. Romania and Bulgaria’s accession represents a significant step forward for the two countries in terms of integration with the rest of Europe and will likely have positive economic and social impacts.
