Bulgaria, Romania take first steps into Europe's visa-free Schengen zone

With Bulgaria and Romania's inclusion, the Schengen area now has 29 members, including several European Union states along with Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.

By ET Online | Mar 31, 2024, 07.07 AM IST

Bulgaria and Romania have finally entered Europe's expansive Schengen area, marking a significant moment in their 13-year journey towards greater integration. This move, effective as of Sunday, facilitates seamless air and sea travel, eliminating the need for border checks within the Schengen zone. However, a veto by Austria has limited this status solely to air and sea routes, citing concerns over potential asylum seekers.

With this move, tourists who are flying into these countries will not be needing a separate visa and can use their Schengen visas. Those travelling by road, however, will need additional documentation.

With Bulgaria and Romania joining, the Schengen zone now includes 29 members, including various European Union states, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Romania plans to implement Schengen rules at four sea ports and 17 airports, with Otopeni airport near Bucharest serving as a key hub.

However, challenges remain, particularly concerning border security and combating illegal migration. Both countries are committed to full integration into Schengen by year-end, though Austria's concession thus far only extends to air and sea routes. Croatia, having joined the EU after Bulgaria and Romania, preceded them in becoming Schengen's 27th member in January 2023.

While the milestone is cause for celebration for many, it has left truck drivers feeling neglected, grappling with prolonged border queues and financial losses. Road transport unions, such as Romania's UNTRR, advocate for urgent measures to address these issues, emphasizing the significant economic toll faced by hauliers.

Despite these challenges, both Bucharest and Sofia affirm their commitment to irreversible progress. Romanian Interior Minister Catalin Predoiu asserts the necessity of completing the integration process by 2024, extending it to land borders. As Bulgaria and Romania take this significant step forward, the path towards a more unified Europe continues, albeit with hurdles yet to overcome.

Travelling to Europe? How to get 5 year Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa

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If you are entering the Schengen Area from a country where there is no visa-free travel agreement, you need to apply for a Schengen visa. The four main Schengen Visa types—A, B, C, and D—are available for these.

The most common kind of Schengen visa, known as a Uniform Schengen Visa, encompasses kinds A, B, and C and allows you to visit any Schengen Zone country once every six months for up to 90 days. It also gives you access to your airport transit visa. If you're traveling to Europe for a short time, you will require this visa.