Romania and Bulgaria officially join Schengen Zone after 14-year wait

January 1, 2025 – Romania and Bulgaria have officially joined the Schengen Zone today, ending years of political delays and fulfilling a goal set more than a decade ago.

The two countries, EU members since 2007, met the technical requirements for Schengen entry in 2010. However, their accession was blocked by several member states over concerns about border control and immigration. Today’s milestone closes a chapter that began in 2011 when the European Commission first declared them ready for membership.

A boost for free movement

Their inclusion in the Schengen Zone – the world’s largest border-free travel area – will allow citizens to travel, live, and work across Europe without internal border checks. It is expected to strengthen tourism, trade, and regional cooperation in Eastern Europe.

Croatia, which joined the EU in 2013, became a Schengen member in January 2023. Romania and Bulgaria’s accession now unifies all eligible EU countries under the zone, apart from Cyprus and Ireland.

What is the Schengen Zone?

The Schengen Zone, established in 1985, includes 27 countries, allowing seamless travel for over 420 million people. It also extends to non-EU members like Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.

Romania and Bulgaria’s membership reflects their commitment to modernising border systems and aligning with EU standards. Experts say this move strengthens EU cohesion at a time of growing geopolitical challenges.