No More Checks at Romania's and Bulgaria's Borders
As of January 1, 2025, Bulgaria and Romania are full members of the Schengen Area. Border controls are now a thing of the past – a historic milestone for the region. Explore our interactive infographic to see the Schengen countries, their year of entry, and the current temporary internal border controls within the EU.
Sofia/Bucharest - Nearly two decades after joining the EU, Bulgaria and Romania have become full members of the Schengen Area. As of the new year, land border checks with Hungary, Greece, and between the two nations have been abolished, facilitating travel and trade while saving billions annually. Austria’s recent withdrawal of its veto paved the way for this move. The Schengen Area now spans 29 countries, though some have reintroduced temporary checks to address irregular migration.