Romania and Bulgaria: A New Chapter in the Schengen Zone

As of January 1, 2025, Romania and Bulgaria have officially joined the Schengen Zone, removing land border checks with other EU countries. This milestone significantly simplifies travel for their citizens and brings economic benefits, such as reduced waiting times at borders and lower logistical costs for businesses. Air and sea borders between these countries were already opened in March this year. However, selective checks will temporarily remain for land crossings for six months.

Bulgaria's border with Turkey is now classified as an external Schengen border. To strengthen security in this region, 100 police officers from EU countries have been deployed. These measures aim to reduce the risk of illegal migration and enhance border protection, which is especially crucial for countries neighboring non-EU states.

The changes are expected to positively impact both tourists and freight carriers. Travelers will benefit from smoother border crossings without lengthy delays. Truck drivers, who previously faced hours of waiting, are optimistic about reduced costs and faster delivery times. One driver remarked, "We used to waste time, but now we hope things will get better."

These developments are likely to encourage tourism in the region. The convenience of traveling within the EU without additional border checks creates opportunities for increased movement, both within the Schengen Zone and beyond, including in Bulgaria and Romania. For those planning trips to Turkey via Bulgaria, the new measures may mean easier border crossings, although additional checks might apply at the external border.

Despite these advancements, full integration will take time. The six-month period of selective checks at the Romania-Bulgaria border is intended to mitigate potential risks. This highlights the need to consider regional specifics even within a unified space.