Vstup Bulharska a Rumunska do Schengenu

Accession of Bulgaria and Romania to Schengen

Bulgaria and Romania became members of the Schengen area on 31 March 2024. The admission of the new members was conditional on the fulfilment of the entry criteria as well as the unanimous consent of all member states, which Romania and Bulgaria only obtained last year.

As of 31 March 2024, controls at air and sea borders were abolished with immediate effect. Land controls have not yet been abolished, as Austria has agreed to only limited entry of both countries into Schengen due to concerns about illegal migration and an increased influx of asylum seekers. Crossing the border by road still requires border checks.

The accession of Bulgaria and Romania should boost travel, trade and tourism. Negotiations on a further decision to abolish land border controls will continue this year, and full integration could take place by the end of 2024.

Both Romania and Bulgaria started issuing Schengen visas from 1 April 2024, allowing entry and stay in Schengen countries for up to 90 days during any 180-day period.

In connection with the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to Schengen, the visa and residence permit agenda of the Embassies of the Czech Republic in Sofia and Bucharest was terminated as of 31 March 2024. This agenda will now be taken over by the visa centre in Dresden, which will receive and process applications for visas and residence permits in the Czech Republic submitted by foreigners from third countries who are long-term residents in Bulgaria or Romania.

If you have any questions, please contact the authors of this article or the EY advisory team you are working with.

Authors:

Eva Babincová

Michaela Poláková