Previous Visas Valid for Romania and Bulgaria Post-Schengen Entry
Romania and Bulgaria have announced land border controls in preparation for becoming full members of the European Union’s Schengen free travel area. This move will integrate both countries into the EU travel zone.
Fireworks lit up the sky near a border crossing close to the Bulgarian city of Rousse shortly after midnight on January 1, 2025. Symbolically, the Bulgarian and Romanian interior ministers raised a barrier on the Friendship Bridge spanning the Danube River.
The crossing is a major hub for international trade, according to Reuters.
Thus, travelers from around the world holding EU visas can now enter Bulgaria and Romania using previously granted visas.
Bulgarian Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev stated: “This is a historic moment. From Greece in the south to Finland in the north, and as far west as Portugal, travel without restrictions is now possible.”
Border controls for air and sea travel from Bulgaria and Romania were lifted in March 2024. However, land inspections continued until Austria dropped its veto last month, which had been justified by a need for more measures to curb irregular migration.
Border checks between France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg were first abolished in 1985.
The Schengen Area currently covers 25 of the 27 EU member states, along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
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