After the confirmation of the EU Council, Bulgaria and Romania are becoming fully part of Schengen Area from 1 January 2025 through land borders as well. Both countries already enjoyed partial membership since 31 March 2024 through air and sea borders.
The expansion of the Schengen zone will bolster the EU’s internal market, enhance cross-border travel, boost trade, and stimulate tourism—unlocking new opportunities for citizens and businesses alike.
Key Changes in Border Controls
- Airports and Seaports: Border checks at airports and seaports were lifted on March 31, 2024.
- Land Borders: Internal land border controls are set to be removed by 1 January 2025, completing the transition.
Schengen Zone Expanded to 29 Countries
The inclusion of Bulgaria and Romania brought the total number of Schengen countries to 29. They followed Croatia, which had joined on January 1, 2023. The new List of “Schengen Countries” is as follows:
| Austria | Greece | Malta, | Slovakia |
| Belgium | Iceland | Netherlands | Slovenia |
| Croatia | Italy | Norway | Spain |
| Denmark | Latvia, | Poland | The Czech Republic |
| Estonia | Liechtenstein, | Portugal | Hungary |
| Finland | Lithuania | Sweden | Germany |
| France | Luxembourg | Switzerland | Romania |
| Bulgaria |
Decision of the European Union
On December 12-13, the Justice and Home Affairs Council convened in Brussels, bringing together key policymakers, including Magnus Brunner, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, and Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy.
A pivotal outcome of the meeting was the Council’s decision to lift internal land border controls with and between Bulgaria and Romania starting January 1, 2025. This milestone marks the full integration of both nations into the Schengen Area, a significant achievement in fostering European unity.
The Prime Minister of Romania, Marcel Ciolacu also stated this historical decision:
We also reached an agreement today at the level of the interior ministers of the four states involved, who are present in Budapest, and I would like to thank all the teams involved in the negotiation. Given all these concrete things, after 13 years, Romania will achieve full accession to Schengen as of January 1, 2025.
Bulgaria and Romania Officially Joined the Schengen Zone
On March 31, 2024, Bulgaria and Romania officially became part of the Schengen Zone, marking a historic milestone for both nations. This achievement came after a 13-year journey, during which the European Commission confirmed in 2011 that both countries had met all necessary criteria for full Schengen membership.
Issuance of the Schengen Visas
Starting April 1, 2024, Bulgaria and Romania began issuing Schengen visas. Their requirements, visa fees, and travel insurance policies are aligned with those of other Schengen member states.
This development strengthened European cohesion, simplifying travel, trade, and tourism within the region. Bulgaria and Romania’s entry into the Schengen Zone signaled a new era of enhanced connectivity for citizens and businesses alike.