Bulgaria and Romania to Join Schengen Area on 31 March: What Travelers Need to Know
Starting from 31 March this year, Bulgaria and Romania will become part of the Schengen zone, allowing free movement between member states for approximately 400 million citizens. Despite being EU members since 2007, both countries were not included in the border-free area, requiring travelers to present their passports upon entry. However, as of this year, border controls for Bulgaria and Romania will be significantly simplified, easing travel restrictions for visitors.
Do You Need a Passport to Enter Romania and Bulgaria?
With the inclusion of Bulgaria and Romania in the Schengen zone, visiting these two countries will become more convenient for travelers. In December, the interior ministries of both countries announced that certain border checks will be lifted. Air and sea travelers arriving from other Schengen zone countries will no longer be required to present their passports upon arrival. This means that passengers on flights, cruises, and ferries will no longer be subjected to extensive checks.
However, if you are planning to enter Romania and Bulgaria by car, train, or bus, you still need to carry your identification documents, as rules regarding land borders have not yet been established due to Austria’s veto. The European Council states on its website that a new decision will need to be made in order to set a date for the lifting of controls at land borders.
Which European Countries Can You Enter Without a Passport?
The most recent addition to the Schengen zone was Croatia in 2022. The Schengen area currently comprises 27 states, with 23 being EU members and four associated states of the European Free Trade Association: Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
The Schengen Area was established in 1995 after the signing of the Schengen Agreement by five member states of the European Economic Community: Germany, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Over time, several other agreements were made, leading to the enlargement of the free movement area in 2007 with the integration of nine additional countries.
Non-EU citizens planning to travel to Bulgaria and Romania should keep in mind that their stays in these countries will count towards the total time spent in the Schengen zone, which cannot exceed 90 days within a 180-day period.
