Short-term Schengen visas are about to be issued by Bulgaria and Romania to foreign nationals who want to enter the Schengen Area. EU officials have emphasized that, from April 1, 2024, both Bulgaria and Romania would start granting Schengen C visas, which permit entry and a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

The decision by the EU Council to allow Bulgaria and Romania limited access to the Schengen Area is intimately related to this trend. The EU has made the decision to formally welcome Bulgaria and Romania into the zone by removing border restrictions at its sea and air borders in March. Although the decision to remove land border controls has not yet been made, it is expected to help people and businesses by enabling unrestricted movement by air and sea.

In 2011, the European Commission had first affirmed that Romania and Bulgaria were prepared to enter the Schengen Area. Both countries have continuously shown that they meet the requirements over time, and experts have confirmed that they will be ready in 2022 and 2023.

According to the Commission, Bulgaria and Romania have put in place measures for cooperation in security, policy, and judicial affairs in an effort to ensure safety and security. This is the Schengen Area’s eighth enlargement, with the goal of simultaneously bolstering the domestic economy and improving travel, trade, and tourism.

Free movement is guaranteed by the Schengen Area, which includes about 450 million EU citizens and non-EU visitors living in or traveling to the EU. There are no additional procedures required for EU nationals to live, work, or travel within any of the member states. Since there are no border controls inside the Schengen Area, it is anticipated that this extension will increase everyone’s freedom and convenience.