Changes in Bulgarian and Romanian border checks from 31 March 2024

Bulgaria and Romania will become Schengen members from 31 March 2024. Schengen membership means that those legally staying in member countries can move freely without passport checks. However, the membership of Bulgaria and Romania is exceptional – the removal of passport checks only applies to air and sea transport. Passport checks are still valid at land borders.

As a result of a years-long process, Bulgaria and Romania will become Schengen members from 31 March 2024. Schengen membership means that those legally staying in member countries can move freely without passport checks. However, the membership of Bulgaria and Romania is exceptional – the removal of passport checks only applies to air and sea transport. Passport checks are still valid at land borders. If you cross the Bulgarian and Romanian border by road, you must have a valid passport with you. Rivers and lakes between countries are considered land borders.

We recommend always traveling with a passport or identity card, as the authorities have the right to check your identity. In addition to this, the airline has its own regulations for verifying identity, which must be taken into account when traveling.

Schengen visa

Citizens of so-called third countries need a Schengen visa to enter the Schengen area. Schengen visas issued by Bulgaria and Romania after March 31, 2024 entitle them to travel in Schengen countries for a maximum of 90 days in a 180-day period, in the same way as other Schengen visas. More detailed instructions from Romanian embassies and the website of the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs(Link to another website.).

National short-term visas issued by Bulgaria and Romania before 31 March 2024 do not entitle you to travel in other Schengen countries. However residence permits and long-term D visas issued by Bulgaria and Romania before March 31, 2024 entitle them to free movement in the Schengen countries as long as the permits are valid.