Immigration News & Updates

Romania and Bulgaria to Join Schengen Area on New Year’s Day 2025

Romania and Bulgaria are set to join the Schengen Area on January 1, 2025, lifting internal border controls and allowing for the free movement of EU citizens. Learn more.

Join Schengen Area on New Year’s Day 2025 in Romania and Bulgaria

Romania and Bulgaria will officially become full members of the Schengen Area starting January 1, 2025. The decision to lift internal land border controls between these countries and the Schengen zone was confirmed by a vote from the European Union on December 12, 2024. This historic move will significantly impact millions of EU citizens, enabling them to travel more freely between Romania, Bulgaria, and other Schengen Area countries.

A Historic Milestone for Romania and Bulgaria

After years of waiting, Romania and Bulgaria will finally join the Schengen Area, a landmark achievement for both countries. The long journey toward membership began in 2011 when Romania first met the criteria for Schengen accession. After overcoming various hurdles, including a blocked attempt in 2023 by Austria over migration concerns, the two countries have now secured approval for full membership.

This means the long queues at the 30 land borders between Romania and Bulgaria will soon be a thing of the past. While border checks at air and sea points were lifted earlier this year, land border controls will officially end, providing a more seamless experience for travelers.

Schengen Area Accession and Its Benefits

The Schengen Area is a region that guarantees the free movement of people without internal border controls, benefiting millions of EU citizens. Once Romania and Bulgaria join, the Schengen Area will consist of 29 countries, covering nearly 450 million people. Citizens of Romania and Bulgaria will now enjoy the same freedoms of movement that have been available to their EU counterparts for years.

One of the most notable benefits of this change will be the reduced travel times for Romanian and Bulgarian citizens. Travelers who previously spent hours or even days waiting at border controls will no longer face such delays. This will also have a positive impact on the transportation of goods, which has long been affected by lengthy border checks.

The Impact on Border Controls and Security

While the removal of land border checks will improve travel for many, random document checks will still occur for a while to prevent illegal activities and ensure security. These checks will be part of ongoing efforts to combat crime and maintain safety within the Schengen Area.

Romania and Bulgaria’s accession to the Schengen Area marks a major step in European integration and the expansion of the free movement zone. The transition, effective January 1, 2025, will bring substantial changes to travel and trade, offering greater convenience and efficiency for millions of people. The end of long border delays is a welcome development for both countries, and the decision further strengthens the European Union’s commitment to cooperation and unity.

Key Points:

• Romania and Bulgaria’s Schengen Accession: Full membership begins January 1, 2025.
• Impact on Travel: The end of land border controls will reduce wait times and improve trade and travel.
• Schengen Area Expansion: The Schengen Area will include 29 countries, benefiting nearly 450 million people.
• Continued Security Measures: Random checks will persist to maintain safety and prevent crime.

With Romania and Bulgaria’s integration into the Schengen Area, the EU continues to demonstrate its dedication to fostering cooperation and free movement across its borders.