Romania and Bulgaria are expected to achieve full membership in the Schengen Area by January 2025, according to Hungarian officials cited by Economic Times. This milestone follows years of partial inclusion since the two Balkan nations joined the European Union in 2007 but only gained limited Schengen access in March 2023.
Although air and maritime border checks were removed, land borders remained restricted due to Austria’s concerns over illegal migration. However, after recent discussions in Budapest involving Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Romania’s interior ministers, Austria has agreed to lift its objections. A final decision is anticipated during the EU interior ministers’ meeting in December 2024.
The Schengen Area currently includes 29 European countries, 25 of which are EU member states. These are: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, and Sweden, along with non-EU countries Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
Hungarian Minister Confirms Progress
Romania and Bulgaria are now “one step closer” to full Schengen membership, according to Hungarian Interior Minister Sándor Pintér. A key development in this process will be the deployment of at least 100 border guards along the Bulgaria-Turkey border, which marks a significant move towards integration.
This progress is a pivotal moment in the Schengen expansion. EU leaders, including Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, have praised the advancement. Johansson expressed her satisfaction, emphasizing that Romania and Bulgaria “fully belong” to the Schengen Area, marking a step toward greater freedom for the citizens of both nations.
Impact on Travelers
As a result of this integration, travelers holding Schengen visas will soon be able to visit Romania and Bulgaria without facing additional border checks. The inclusion of these two countries will streamline travel across Europe, boosting tourism, trade, and cross-border mobility within the region.
With Romania and Bulgaria’s expected full membership by January 2025, the Schengen Area will become even more accessible to travelers.
Additionally, the European Commission introduced a cascade regime for Indian nationals in April 2024. This allows for multi-year Schengen visa validity for Indian travelers with a proven travel history. Under this scheme, Indian citizens who have used two Schengen visas within the last three years can qualify for a multi-entry visa valid for up to two years. If their passport remains valid, they may then be eligible for a five-year visa.
