Starting January 1, 2025, Romania and Bulgaria will officially become part of the Schengen Zone, simplifying travel for millions of people. However, some border controls will remain in place temporarily.
A Long Road to Schengen Membership
Romania and Bulgaria have been members of the European Union (EU) since 2007. Although the European Commission declared in 2011 that both countries met the requirements to join the Schengen Zone, concerns over corruption and migration led to repeated delays. Countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands initially opposed their entry.
After the Netherlands lifted its veto in 2023, Austria remained the final holdout. In November 2024, Austria withdrew its opposition, clearing the path for Romania and Bulgaria to join the Schengen Zone.
Easier Travel by Air and Sea
From January 2025, travelers entering Romania and Bulgaria by plane or ship from other Schengen countries will no longer need to show their passports. This change simplifies travel for airline passengers, cruise-goers, and ferry travelers, as border checks will no longer apply.
Land Border Controls Remain for Now
However, if you plan to enter Romania or Bulgaria by car, train, or bus, border checks will still be in place for at least six months. The European Commission decided to maintain controls at land borders with Hungary and between Romania and Bulgaria to address security concerns and to accommodate Austria’s reservations.
Important Rules for Non-EU Citizens
For travelers from outside the EU, visits to Romania and Bulgaria will count toward the 90-day limit within a 180-day period for the Schengen Zone. For example, if you spend 30 days in Romania, you will have only 60 days left for visits to other Schengen countries, such as Italy or Greece. Exceeding this limit can result in fines or an entry ban.
Schengen Zone Expands to 29 Countries
With Romania and Bulgaria joining, the Schengen Zone will include 29 countries. These consist of 25 EU member states and four non-EU countries — Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein — which are part of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
Since its inception in 1995, the Schengen Zone has facilitated 1.25 billion trips annually, with 3.5 million people crossing internal borders each day. The most recent addition was Croatia in 2022. The inclusion of Romania and Bulgaria further strengthens freedom of movement within Europe and makes cross-border travel more seamless.