Romania and Bulgaria to Fully Join the Schengen Area Starting January 1, 2025
Romania and Bulgaria are set to achieve full integration into the Schengen Area, including land borders, starting January 1, 2025. This decision, confirmed by the European Union’s Justice and Home Affairs Council, completes the process initiated in March 2024 when the two countries joined Schengen for air and maritime borders.
Key Benefits of Full Schengen Membership
The removal of land border controls brings significant advantages for Romania, Bulgaria, and the European Union:
- Streamlined Travel: Citizens will be able to cross land borders with neighboring EU countries without passport checks. This includes major border crossings such as Giurgiu-Ruse, Calafat-Vidin, and Vama Veche-Durankulak between Romania and Bulgaria.
- Enhanced Regional Connectivity: Travelers between Bulgaria and Greece will also benefit from seamless passage at critical border points such as Kulata-Promachonas, Makaza-Nymfaia, and Kapitan Petko Voyvoda-Ormenio.
- Improved Freight Transport: Road transport operators will experience faster border crossings, accelerating the transit of goods and reducing delays at key checkpoints. Train operators will save approximately 30 minutes per train by eliminating border checks at major railway crossings like Curtici, Valea lui Mihai, and Ruse.
Steps Leading to Integration
Romania and Bulgaria have made continuous efforts to meet Schengen standards, including modernizing border infrastructure and implementing pilot projects for asylum and return procedures. These measures, combined with ongoing support from the European Commission and Frontex, have ensured compliance with Schengen requirements.
The European Commission emphasized that this milestone strengthens Schengen’s robustness, the EU’s internal market, and its global standing.
A Stronger and More Connected EU
The complete integration of Romania and Bulgaria into the Schengen Area is a testament to their commitment to European values and cooperation. It marks a crucial step toward a more unified, secure, and efficient European Union, benefitting its citizens, businesses, and travelers alike.
With this decision, border crossings along some of the busiest land routes in Southeastern Europe will be simplified, fostering economic growth and boosting tourism. Romania and Bulgaria now fully contribute to the world’s most visited free-travel zone, paving the way for a stronger and more interconnected Europe.