Starting April 1, 2024, Bulgaria and Romania will begin issuing short-term Schengen visas, allowing stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The move follows the EU Council’s decision to grant both countries partial access to the Schengen Area. Earlier in March, the EU lifted border controls for air and sea travel with Bulgaria and Romania, welcoming them to the zone.
While the decision on land border controls is pending, this step is expected to benefit individuals and businesses, enabling easier travel by air and sea. The EU Commission confirmed Bulgaria and Romania’s readiness to join the Schengen Area, emphasizing their commitment to safety and security through implemented measures in 2011, 2022, and 2023.
This marks the ninth expansion of the Schengen Area, promising to boost travel, trade, and tourism while strengthening the internal market.
Bulgaria Schengen Visas, Romania Short-Term Visas, April 2024 Visa Changes, European Travel Updates, Schengen Visa News