Exciting news for globetrotters! As of March 31st, 2024, Bulgaria and Romania have officially joined the Schengen Area, offering smoother travel experiences for those with valid Schengen visas.
What this means for you:
- Air and Sea Travel: You can now travel freely between Bulgaria, Romania, and other Schengen countries by air and sea without border checks! No more visa worries for these routes if you hold a valid Schengen visa.
- Land Borders (For Now): The wait continues for land border crossings. Due to ongoing discussions, land borders between Bulgaria, Romania, and other Schengen members still require checks for the time being. We’ll keep you updated on any developments regarding land borders.
- Streamlined visa applications: Applying for a Schengen visa will now be valid for travel to Bulgaria and Romania as well.
Important Note:
Full membership is still on the horizon. Currently, land borders remain subject to checks. However, the European Commission is actively working towards lifting these restrictions later in 2024.