Romania and Bulgaria to Join Schengen Zone on March 31, 2024
Romania and Bulgaria will partially join the Schengen area on March 31, 2024, ending border controls at airports and maritime ports while land border discussions continue.
As announced for many months, the European Union’s external borders will open to Bulgaria and Romania for partial Schengen membership on 31 March 2024. Let’s unpack this significant milestone in both countries’ journeys.
Schengen visas soon accessible for travellers to Bulgaria and Romania
Foreign nationals planning short stays in Bulgaria or Romania will be able to apply for a Schengen C visa. This long-awaited gateway will streamline travel between the two countries and existing Schengen members, unlocking fresh cultural exchanges, business opportunities and tourism options.
Easier access via airports and seaports
Thanks to partial adoption of Schengen territory rules, Bulgaria and Romania have removed border checks at airports and maritime ports as of March 2024. This measure now allows smooth entry and exit for individuals and businesses alike.
Land border checks still under review
Final clearance on lifting checks at terrestrial frontiers remains under discussion and is expected to be adopted later this year—an extra step that will shore up free movement by air and sea.
A collaborative success after years of effort
Partial integration follows years of joint preparation to meet full Schengen standards. Bulgarian and Romanian governments have pledged further measures against illegal immigration, border controls and integration into the Schengen Information System.
The two countries now stand among the 26 existing members of one of the world’s largest free-movement zones, encompassing nearly 450 million citizens and visitors.