The Schengen area is set to include Bulgaria and Romania in 2024, which will alter the nature of travel for those who visit these nations.

The Schengen zone integration will streamline entrance procedures for those visiting Romania and Bulgaria. Certain border controls will be removed, according to the interior ministries of the two countries, especially for travelers arriving by air or sea from other Schengen zone nations. Travel will be more efficient for passengers on planes, cruises, and ferries as they won’t need to show their passports when they arrive.

Nonetheless, carrying identification is still required for anyone entering Romania and Bulgaria by land, including those arriving by bus, train, or automobile. This is because to Austria’s veto, which resulted in no formal regulations for land borders. The European Council highlights that a fresh resolution is required to determine when land border controls will be lifted.

Putting the larger picture into perspective, there are currently 27 states that make up the Schengen zone; Croatia became the newest member in 2022. Of these, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein are affiliated states of the European Free Trade Association, while 23 countries of the European Union make up the group. The Schengen Agreement from 1995 served as the starting point for the region’s evolution through multiple accords, culminating in the 2007 enlargement that added nine more nations to the free movement zone.

It is important for non-EU nationals to understand that visits to Bulgaria and Romania add to the total amount of time spent in the Schengen area, which is 90 days out of 180 days. Understanding these modifications is crucial for a flawless travel experience as the Schengen area grows.