Romania and Bulgaria Partially Join Schengen Area

Visa-free air and sea travel now possible, with land border checks to continue due to migration concerns.

Romania and Bulgaria have partially joined the Schengen Area, allowing for visa-free air and sea travel but maintaining land border checks.
The partial accession is hailed as a historic moment and a significant achievement after years of negotiations and efforts.
Austria's concerns over illegal migration have led to the exclusion of land border checks from the Schengen agreement for both countries.
Officials in both countries express hope for full Schengen integration by the end of 2024, aiming to remove all travel restrictions.
The partial Schengen membership is expected to boost tourism, ease travel for citizens, and strengthen European unity.