Romania and Bulgaria Join Schengen
Romania and Bulgaria Join Schengen - Bulgaria and Romania's Long Road to Schengen Membership
Bulgaria and Romania have aspired to join the Schengen Area since becoming EU members in 2007. However, existing members have repeatedly blocked their accession over concerns about corruption and organized crime.
To enter Schengen, candidates must demonstrate they can protect the EU's external borders and uphold civil liberties. Bulgaria and Romania initially aimed for admission in 2011 but were rejected due to shortcomings in law enforcement and justice.
Domestic politics also hindered the path to Schengen. In the Netherlands, MPs argued Bulgaria must do more to combat corruption and uphold rule of law. The Dutch parliament even passed a motion opposing Bulgaria's bid in 2011.
Despite the obstacles, Bulgaria and Romania persevered with reforms while closely coordinating with supporters like Croatia. This paid off in December 2022, when the EU approved their request to join Schengen.
What else is in this post?
- Romania and Bulgaria Join Schengen - Bulgaria and Romania's Long Road to Schengen Membership
- Romania and Bulgaria Join Schengen - Schengen Benefits for Travelers to Eastern Europe
- Romania and Bulgaria Join Schengen - How Schengen Expansion Impacts Travel between EU and Non-EU Countries
- Romania and Bulgaria Join Schengen - Exploring Romania and Bulgaria's Hidden Gems as New Schengen Members
- Romania and Bulgaria Join Schengen - Navigating the Updated Schengen Border Policies for Seamless Travel
- Romania and Bulgaria Join Schengen - Maximizing Your Travels with the Expanded Schengen Zone
Romania and Bulgaria Join Schengen - Schengen Benefits for Travelers to Eastern Europe
One major perk is the elimination of border checks between Schengen countries. Travelers can now journey seamlessly between Romania, Bulgaria and other member states without passport control. This saves time and hassle.
Schengen membership also enables smoother rail connections. Direct trains from Bucharest through Budapest to Vienna will no longer need to stop for document checks. The same goes for routes linking Bulgaria to Greece, North Macedonia and Serbia.
Travelers based in the Schengen zone can also stay for longer in Romania and Bulgaria without a visa. Stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period are permitted. This flexibility enables longer trips and multi-country Eastern European itineraries.
Romania and Bulgaria’s inclusion expands the Schengen area, giving travelers access to Black Sea summer resorts like Bulgaria’s Sunny Beach or the Romanian seaside town of Mamaia. These were previously more complicated to reach from elsewhere in Schengen.
Schengen status will likely boost Romania and Bulgaria’s appeal as tourist destinations. It sends a signal these countries meet EU standards for border control, security, and traveler rights. This could dispel outdated concerns about corruption that dissuaded some travelers previously.
Romania and Bulgaria Join Schengen - How Schengen Expansion Impacts Travel between EU and Non-EU Countries
One key impact is on border checks for flights between Schengen and non-Schengen destinations. Previously, travelers on flights between Romania or Bulgaria and other Schengen countries like France or Germany were subject to passport control due to the Schengen external border. Now that Romania and Bulgaria have joined, these passport checks will be eliminated, speeding up connections.
However, flights between Romania or Bulgaria and non-EU countries like Turkey or Ukraine will still be subject to thorough passport control and customs inspections. This is because the EU's external border now runs through Romania and Bulgaria.
Travelers entering the EU area will face scrutiny at Romanian and Bulgarian airports to ensure proper visas and documentation. This could potentially increase wait times for processing compared to previous checks at airports in Western Europe.
Land border crossings between EU and non-EU countries will also be affected. Crossing from Serbia or North Macedonia into Bulgaria, for example, will now involve an external Schengen frontier with full immigration and customs controls.
On the other hand, Romania and Bulgaria's membership makes overland travel easier from places like Moldova, Ukraine and Turkey towards Central and Western Europe through the newly expanded Schengen zone.
Romania and Bulgaria Join Schengen - Exploring Romania and Bulgaria's Hidden Gems as New Schengen Members
Romania and Bulgaria abound with off-the-beaten-path destinations that are now more accessible thanks to Schengen membership. Travelers keen to venture beyond the capitals can discover Transylvanian fortresses, Black Sea hideaways, and enthralling mountain landscapes.
In Romania, the region of Transylvania conjures images of Dracula's castle. While Bran Castle is a popular stop, nearby Rasnov Fortress is an intimate alternative. Perched on a rocky outcrop, its small scale and winding staircases exude old-world charm. The citadel's vantage point delivers sublime vistas over quaint villages dotted among emerald hills.
Bulgaria's Black Sea coast tempts with sun-drenched beaches, but the Strandja Nature Park offers a peaceful counterpoint. Its dense forests and coastal wetlands harbor endangered birds and mammals. Hikers can traverse trails threading through the rolling hills to discover waterfalls and charming villages like Brashlyan.
For alpine scenery, Romania's Piatra Craiului National Park is a must. The jagged Carpathian ridges piercing blue skies have earned it the nickname "The Prince's Stone." Experienced hikers can conquer the iron ladder leading to Turnuri Peak, while novices enjoy gentle strolls among wildflowers in the Zarnesti Gorge.
Romania and Bulgaria Join Schengen - Navigating the Updated Schengen Border Policies for Seamless Travel
With Romania and Bulgaria becoming part of the Schengen zone, travelers must navigate some key changes in border policies and procedures. Being aware of the updates will ensure your journeys between these new member states and the rest of Schengen remain seamless.
One major change is that passports are no longer systematically checked when crossing between Romania or Bulgaria and existing Schengen countries like France, Germany, and Spain. Previously, air travelers had passport control when flying between Romania/Bulgaria and other Schengen states. Now these checks have been lifted, expediting travel.
However, note that border staff can still conduct random passport inspections when traveling between Romania/Bulgaria and the original Schengen countries. Bringing your passport is wise in case you are selected for a spot check.
When flying between Romania or Bulgaria and a non-EU country like Turkey, thorough passport control and customs checks are still in place. In fact, these procedures may take slightly longer now since the external Schengen border runs through Romania and Bulgaria.
Travelers on land borders between EU and non-EU countries also face more stringent immigration processes. Crossing from Serbia or North Macedonia into Bulgaria, for instance, now involves clearing the external Schengen frontier.
Within Romania and Bulgaria, intra-Schengen flights and train trips no longer have passport control. But travelers from non-EU countries will need to show passports when entering Romania or Bulgaria overland before continuing onwards.
Romania and Bulgaria Join Schengen - Maximizing Your Travels with the Expanded Schengen Zone
The recent inclusion of Romania and Bulgaria into the Schengen Area opens up a world of travel opportunities for savvy adventurers. By understanding the nuances of this expanded zone, you can unlock a plethora of benefits to enhance your journeys through Europe.
One immediate advantage lies in the seamless border crossings. Travelers can now move freely between Romania, Bulgaria, and other Schengen member states without the hassle of passport checks. This eliminates precious time spent waiting in queues, allowing you to maximize your sightseeing and immerse yourself in the local cultures.
The elimination of border controls also facilitates improved rail connections. Direct train services from hubs like Bucharest through Budapest to Vienna will no longer be interrupted by document inspections. Similarly, routes linking Bulgaria to Greece, North Macedonia, and Serbia will see a smoother, more efficient flow of passengers.
Another perk is the extended visa-free stay allowance. As Schengen members, Romania and Bulgaria now grant travelers from the zone the privilege of up to 90 days of visa-free presence within any 180-day period. This flexibility enables you to craft more comprehensive itineraries, exploring the hidden gems of Eastern Europe without the constraints of strict time limits.
The expansion of the Schengen zone also grants access to previously complicated-to-reach destinations. Black Sea resorts like Bulgaria's Sunny Beach and Romania's Mamaia, for instance, are now more easily accessible for those based within the Schengen area. This opens up a world of opportunities to discover the region's stunning coastal landscapes and vibrant beach culture.
Furthermore, Romania and Bulgaria's Schengen membership sends a strong signal about the maturity of their border control systems, security protocols, and traveler rights. This can help dispel outdated perceptions and inspire greater confidence in these countries as travel destinations. As a result, you can look forward to a more seamless and rewarding experience exploring the diverse offerings of Eastern Europe.