Enter
On March 31, 2024, Romania and Bulgaria will officially join the Schengen Area, significantly easing travel between member countries. This is an important event for 400 million citizens, enabling free travel in Europe without border checks. Although both countries became EU members in 2007, they have not been part of the border-free area until now. This meant that travelers had to pass passport control when entering Romania and Bulgaria.
Official date
The article cites March 31, 2024 as the key moment for joining Schengen.
Air & sea arrivals
For flights, cruises and ferries arriving from Schengen, passport checks are reduced.
Land travel
By car, train or bus, you still need to carry an identity document.
Non-EU stay limit
Time spent in Romania and Bulgaria counts toward Schengen’s 90 days in any 6-month period.
Why land borders differ
A separate decision is referenced regarding removing checks at land borders.
What gets easier at the border
With 2024 approaching, border-crossing procedures will be simplified for travelers. According to the interior ministries of both countries, some border checks were removed in December, especially for those arriving by air or by sea from other Schengen countries.
Air, cruise and ferry passengers
Passengers on flights, cruises and ferry lines will no longer be asked to present passports upon arrival.
Land travel: car, train, bus
However, for those traveling overland — by car, train or bus — it will remain necessary to have an identity document with them.
The reason is the veto imposed by Austria, with a new decision expected regarding the removal of checks at land borders.
How many countries are in Schengen (as stated)
Currently, in addition to Romania and Bulgaria, the Schengen Area includes 27 states, 23 of which are EU members and 4 of which are associated states of the European Free Trade Association.
Non-EU travelers: the 90/180 rule still applies
Do not forget that, for non-EU citizens, stays in Romania and Bulgaria will be counted toward the total allowed time in the Schengen Area, which is limited to 90 days within a six-month period.
Source: Euronews
25.01.2024
What to do: make the most of smoother travel
Pick the right route
If your goal is the smoothest crossing, air or sea arrivals from Schengen are highlighted as the simplest scenario.
Keep ID accessible
For land crossings (car/train/bus), the text emphasizes carrying an identity document.
Non-EU travelers: track your days
Days spent in Romania and Bulgaria are counted in the overall Schengen 90/180 limit.
1-day itinerary: a quick “test trip”
Choose a short city break: morning departure (ideally by flight), a relaxed walk in the center, one local meal, and a return in the evening. This format helps you feel, in practice, how simplified procedures work on air routes.
2-day itinerary: mix air travel and a land segment
Day 1: arrival by plane, a light program, and an overnight stay. Day 2: a day trip by train/bus/car and return. This makes it easy to understand why an ID document remains important when traveling overland.
How to get there: flights, ferries, trains, driving
By air
The article notes reduced checks for air arrivals from other Schengen countries.
By sea
Cruises and ferry lines are also mentioned as benefiting from simplified arrival procedures.
Overland
If traveling by car, train or bus, keep your identity document with you, as land-border checks may remain in place.
FAQ: Romania & Bulgaria and Schengen
When do Romania and Bulgaria join Schengen (as stated in the article)?
The text cites March 31, 2024.
What is the biggest practical change for travelers?
Simplified border procedures, especially for air and sea arrivals from other Schengen countries.
Do flight passengers still need to show passports on arrival?
According to the article, passengers on flights may no longer be asked to present passports upon arrival.
Does this also apply to cruises and ferries?
Yes. Cruises and ferry lines are explicitly mentioned in the text.
What about traveling by car, train, or bus?
The article says you still need to carry an identity document for land travel.
Why are land-border checks treated differently?
The text references Austria’s veto and mentions a future decision regarding land-border checks.
How many countries are in Schengen (as stated)?
The article states 27 countries, including 23 EU members and 4 EFTA-associated states.
When did Romania and Bulgaria join the EU?
The text says both countries joined the EU in 2007.
How does Schengen’s 90/180 rule affect non-EU travelers?
Days spent in Romania and Bulgaria count toward the overall limit of 90 days within any six-month period.
Should I still carry ID even if checks are reduced?
Yes. The article stresses carrying an identity document for land travel, and it’s generally best practice to keep your documents accessible.
Does this matter for non-EU citizens specifically?
Yes. The text highlights that stays in Romania and Bulgaria are counted in the total Schengen allowance for non-EU travelers.
What source is cited?
The article credits Euronews and keeps the original link as the source reference.
