What Schengen Membership Means for Travel in Romania and Bulgaria |

What Schengen Membership Means for Travel in Romania and Bulgaria

Starting January 1, 2025, Romania and Bulgaria will officially become full members of the Schengen Area, Europe’s borderless travel zone.

This landmark move will simplify travel between these countries and the rest of the Schengen states for over 450 million citizens.

Romania and Bulgaria joined the European Union (EU) in 2007, but border controls have remained in place as they were excluded from the Schengen zone.

Now, with full membership, travellers will enjoy smoother journeys to and from these nations. So, what exactly will change, and how will it impact travellers?

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What Does This Mean for EU Travellers?

Air and Sea Travel:
Passengers flying or arriving by sea (including ferries and cruises) from other Schengen countries will no longer need to show passports when entering Romania and Bulgaria. This aligns with the passport-free travel rules within the Schengen zone, streamlining journeys for tourists and frequent flyers.

Road and Rail Travel:
While Romania and Bulgaria are joining the Schengen zone, some land border checks will remain temporarily. The European Commission (EC) has announced that controls at land borders – such as those between Hungary and Romania, and Romania and Bulgaria – will continue for at least six months. This is to mitigate any potential risks to public order and security.

If you’re driving, taking a bus, or traveling by train, you’ll still need to carry your passport until these checks are phased out.

What About Non-EU Travellers?

Travellers arriving from outside the EU will also see changes:

Digital Border Controls: Romania and Bulgaria will adopt the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), a digital border management system expected to roll out across Schengen countries next year. This system will streamline passport checks for travellers from non-EU countries.
ETIAS Travel Authorisation: Non-EU travellers who don’t require a visa, such as U.S. or UK citizens, will need to obtain an ETIAS travel permit (costing €7) before visiting Romania and Bulgaria. ETIAS is part of the EU’s efforts to enhance security and monitor visa-exempt travellers.

What About Legal Residents In Bulgaria and Romania?

Holders of valid Bulgarian and Romanian residence permits or long-term national visas can, under Article 21 of the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement, travel freely within other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This is allowed based on their permits and a valid travel document, provided they meet the entry requirements outlined in Article 6 of the Schengen Borders Code.

The 90-day limit applies regardless of whether the stay is continuous or consists of multiple entries and exits within the Schengen Area.

Schengen’s 90/180 Rule Applies

Travellers without EU citizenship should note that time spent in Romania and Bulgaria will now count toward the Schengen Area’s 90/180-day rule.

Here’s an example: If you spend 30 days in Romania, those days count toward your 90-day limit in the entire Schengen zone. If you then travel to Greece, you’ll only have 60 days left in the Schengen area within a 180-day period.

Overstaying this limit can lead to penalties, including fines or bans from re-entering the Schengen Area.

What is the Schengen Area?

The Schengen Area is the world’s largest visa-free zone, facilitating borderless travel across member countries. It was established in 1995 following the Schengen Agreement, initially signed in 1985 by Germany, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.

Here are some key facts:

Number of States: With Romania and Bulgaria joining, the Schengen Area will now include 29 countries: 25 EU members and 4 associated non-EU states – Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
Latest Additions: Croatia became the most recent member in 2022.
Travel Impact: Every year, the Schengen zone enables 1.25 billion trips and facilitates the crossing of 3.5 million travellers across borders every day.

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Why is This a Big Deal for Romania and Bulgaria?

Full membership in the Schengen zone marks a significant achievement for Romania and Bulgaria after years of waiting. It will:

Boost Tourism: Simplified border procedures will make the countries more accessible to tourists.
Enhance Trade and Economy: Businesses and logistics sectors will benefit from faster, barrier-free transportation across borders.
Strengthen EU Integration: This move solidifies their place within the EU’s borderless travel framework.

Romania and Bulgaria’s entry into the Schengen Area is a game-changer for travellers, businesses, and the EU economy. While some temporary land border checks remain, the benefits of smoother air and sea travel, along with enhanced digital systems like ETIAS and EES, will make journeys easier and more efficient.

For tourists and frequent travellers, this is one more reason to explore the rich culture, history, and landscapes of Romania and Bulgaria in 2025 and beyond.

What are your thoughts on this issue? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

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