Romania and Bulgaria Set for Full Schengen Access by 2025, Easing Travel and Visa Process

Romania and Bulgaria are set to fully join the Schengen Area by January 1, 2025. Travellers can expect visa-free land travel across borders and streamlined Schengen visa processes.

Romania and Bulgaria are set to achieve full Schengen membership, including land border access, starting January 1, 2025. This development comes after Austria lifted its veto, clearing the path for both countries to integrate into the EU’s border-free travel zone fully.

It is worth noting here that Bulgaria and Romania officially joined the Schengen Zone on March 31, 2024, allowing unrestricted air and sea travel.

However, land border controls remain in place due to their partial membership, preventing full integration and limiting seamless overland travel across the Schengen Area.

Key Announcement from Romanian Prime Minister

Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu announced the breakthrough during a joint press conference with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in Budapest.

Ciolacu expressed confidence that after 13 years of waiting, Romania will finally achieve full Schengen accession. He also confirmed that Romania and Bulgaria will join as a package deal, meaning both nations will gain full access at the same time.

Austria Lifts Its Veto on Schengen Membership

Austria had previously blocked Romania and Bulgaria’s Schengen land border accession over migration concerns. However, Austria, Hungary, and other EU partners lifted the veto after extensive negotiations. This decision marks the removal of the last major obstacle.

A final vote on their Schengen status will take place on December 12-13 at the EU Council for Justice and Home Affairs.

What It Means for Travellers

Starting January 1, 2025, travelers can expect:

1. Seamless Travel: Visa-free movement across Romania, Bulgaria, and other Schengen countries by land, in addition to air and sea routes already in place.

2. No Border Checks: Authorities will abolish land border controls, reducing wait times and simplifying cross-border trips for tourists, business travellers, and commuters.

3. Enhanced Travel Convenience: Easier access for road trips and tours across the Balkans and beyond, offering more flexibility for travel plans.

Short-Term Schengen Visas: What to Expect

Romania and Bulgaria currently issue national short-stay visas. However, full Schengen membership will enable both countries to start issuing Schengen short-term visas. This means:

Travellers holding Romanian or Bulgarian Schengen visas can explore the entire Schengen Area without applying for separate visas.
Visa applications will be streamlined under Schengen rules, simplifying the process for tourists.
This change is expected to take effect closer to the full land border integration date of January 2025.

Next Steps in the Process

EU leaders will vote on Romania and Bulgaria’s land border Schengen accession on December 12-13. If they approve the plan, both countries will remove land border controls on January 1, 2025, completing their integration into the Schengen Zone.

European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson expressed optimism about the vote, while European Parliament President Roberta Metsola emphasized that a stronger Schengen means a stronger Europe.

Conclusion

Romania and Bulgaria’s full integration into the Schengen Area is excellent news for travellers. It offers seamless movement across borders and simplifies visa requirements. By 2025, tourists and business travellers will enjoy easier access to both countries, enhancing travel opportunities across Europe.

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Manish Khandelwal

Manish Khandelwal, a travel-tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience in the travel industry. Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Travelobiz.com, he's passionate about writing.

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