Schengen visa holders can soon add two more countries to their Europe itinerary

Come March, Schengen visa holders can visit two more countries on their trip to Europe - Bulgaria and Romania

The European Union has paved the way for Bulgaria and Romania to move closer to joining the passport-free movement within the bloc. Member states reached an agreement on Saturday, allowing the two Balkan nations to apply Schengen system rules for entering ports and airports from the end of March. This development comes as Austria, the last holdout against expanding the border-free area, partially lifted its veto.

Bulgaria and Romania, EU members since 2007, have encountered opposition from some member states due to concerns about their efforts to combat corruption, organized crime, and border security. Historically, both countries ranked poorly in the EU regarding corruption, but recent improvements have been noted.


While the approval focuses on easing maritime and air travel, there is hope that the relaxation of rules for land borders may follow. However, Austria remains cautious, fearing a potential influx of migrants. Vienna aims to strengthen land borders with additional EU funding and insists that Sofia and Bucharest play a role in hosting migrants from Syria and Afghanistan.

The potential lifting of land controls holds particular economic significance for Bulgaria and Romania. It is expected to streamline commercial traffic through these countries, reducing wait times for trucks traveling from Greece and Turkey to cross the Danube River. Bulgaria's Finance Minister, Assen Vassilev, emphasized the economic impact, stating, "We won't feel the full effect for the Bulgarian economy until the land borders are opened." He expressed Bulgaria's determination to pursue this goal tenaciously.

As discussions continue, this step toward Schengen inclusion marks a positive development for Bulgaria and Romania, signifying progress in their ongoing efforts to align with EU standards and enhance regional cooperation.

The Schengen area was created in 1985 and includes 23 of the 27 EU member states, as well as their associated neighbours Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.