Starting 31 March 2024, Bulgaria and Romania are now a Schengen member zone country. Both countries have also lifted the border checks on airports for air control and sea control. According to authorities, the land border control checks will be lifted until the end of 2024.
“Tomorrow marks an important day: Bulgaria and Romania join the Schengen family. I welcome the lifting of internal air and sea border checks. This is a great success for both countries. And a historic moment for the Schengen area – the largest area of free movement in the world. Together, we are building a stronger, more united Europe for all our citizens”.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission said on this occasion.
It took both countries 13 years to attain this status. Already in 2011, the European Commission confirmed in the Schengen Evaluation reports that Bulgaria and Romania have met all requirements to be fully part of the Schengen area.
The new list of Schengen Countries has now reached 29. The last entry was of Croatia on 1 January 2023 and now Bulgaria and Romania on 31 March 2024 to the list.
Romania and Bulgaria will now be able from 1 April 2024 to issue the Schengen Visas. All requirements, regulations, visa fees, and travel insurance validity will be according to the other Schengen countries.
Romania
Country profile
- Capital: Bucharest
- Official EU language(s): Romanian
- EU member country: since 1 January 2007
- Currency: Romanian Leu RON. Romania has committed to the euro once it fulfills the necessary conditions.
- Schengen: Yes. Since 31 March 2024
Bulgaria
Country profile
- Capital: Sofia
- Official languages of the EU: Bulgarian
- EU membership: from 1 January 2007
- Currency: Bulgarian Lev (BGN). Bulgaria has undertaken to introduce the euro when it fulfills the necessary conditions.
- Schengen: Yes. Since 31 March 2024
Travelers traveling from and to Bulgaria and Romania will not have to face control checks at the airports of these countries and other Schengen countries. This will indeed increase tourism in these countries. New revenue and development are also expected.
Both countries will now have to make Schengen visa services available around the world. Where they have direct consulates and embassies, applications for Schengen visas can be submitted there from 1 April 2024.
Important Questions Answered
Will Romania join Schengen in 2024?
Yes. Romania is has joined the Schengen Zone on 31 March 2024. Romania is now a Schengen country and is set to issue even Schengen Visas from 1 April 2024.
Which country will be next Schengen?
Cyprus has also applied for the Schengen membership and is undergoing a process of being a qualified Schengen member. To be a part of the EU, countries willing to be included must incorporate the EU legislation into the national registration. Following are the countries that wish to be a part of the EU shortly but they have not completely implemented the EU laws:
- Albania
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Serbia
- Türkiye
- Ukraine
Is Schengen visa changing?
There are no big changes expected except the following:
- Romania and Bulgaria have joined the Schengen Zone on 31 March 2024.
- Schengen visa fees are changing and going to increase from 80 Eur to 90 Eur for adults and 40 Eur to 45 Eur for children applicants.
Is Romania a Schengen country in 2024?
Yes, Romania is has joined the Schengen Zone on 31 March 2024. The country has waited 13 years to be granted finally the Schengen Member Zone.
Is Romania joining Schengen country?
Yes. Romania has joined the Schengen country zone on 31 March 2024. Now the total number of Schengen countries is 29.
Will Bulgaria join Schengen in 2024?
Yes, Bulgaria is has joined the Schengen Zone on 31 March 2024. It is now a Schengen country and is set to issue even Schengen Visas from 1 April 2024.
Is Bulgaria a Schengen country in 2024?
Yes, Bulgaria will be a Schengen country in 2024. The country is an active member of the Schengen zone with air and sea border controls lifted. The land border control is also set to be lifted hopefully at the end of the year.
Which country will join Schengen in 2024?
Romania and Bulgaria are the 2 countries that have joined the Schengen in 2024. Cyprus has also applied for the status but is in still waiting mode.