Bulgaria is optimistic about achieving full membership in the Schengen Area by the end of 2024. Authorities in Sofia have expressed hopes that the country’s accession to Schengen, particularly concerning land borders, will soon be finalized.

It is worth noting here that, Bulgaria and Romania joined the Schengen Zone on March 31, 2024, removing sea and air travel restrictions. However, their partial membership means land border controls are still in place, limiting full integration into the Schengen Area.

A Major Step for Schengen Expansion

On October 10, European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson, alongside Hungary’s Interior Minister, will propose to the European Union Council the removal of checks at land borders for Bulgaria and Romania.

This proposal could mark a significant step toward integrating these two countries fully into the Schengen Zone.

Yordanka Chobanova, Head of the European Commission’s Representation in Bulgaria, noted that there are high expectations in Bulgaria for strong support from the European Commission regarding this move.

Hungary’s Support for Full Schengen Membership

Hungary has also voiced its support for the full Schengen accession of Bulgaria and Romania. Bence Retvari, Hungary’s Deputy Minister of the Interior, emphasized the importance of finalizing this process by the end of 2024. He stressed that unnecessary delays should be avoided to ensure a smooth transition.

Challenges and Priorities

• Migrant Crisis: Hungary has raised concerns about irregular migration and its impact on border security.
• EU Presidency: Hungary’s current EU presidency gives it a significant platform to advocate for Bulgaria and Romania’s Schengen membership.

What This Means for Travelers

For travelers, especially Schengen visa holders, the full membership of Bulgaria and Romania in the Schengen Zone could be transformative. Currently, Schengen visa holders enjoy unrestricted air and sea travel to these countries.

However, once land border controls are lifted, they will be able to move freely between Bulgaria, Romania, and other Schengen countries without any additional checks.

This change will simplify overland travel, reducing delays at border crossings for tourists, business travelers, and transport operators. For those traveling by road between Bulgaria or Romania and neighboring Schengen countries, this could result in smoother and faster journeys.

Benefits for Schengen Visa Holders

Full Schengen membership for Bulgaria and Romania would also expand travel options for Schengen visa holders. Travelers with a valid Schengen visa would be able to seamlessly enter Bulgaria and Romania through land routes, in addition to existing sea and air travel options.

This would make it easier for tourists to plan multi-country trips across Europe without worrying about additional border formalities.

Moreover, it would increase the appeal of road trips and cross-border tourism between these countries and the rest of Europe. For businesses, the removal of land border controls would cut transportation costs and time, benefiting trade and logistics sectors.

Conclusion

As Bulgaria and Romania near full Schengen membership, travelers and Schengen visa holders can expect greater flexibility and seamless travel across Europe. Strong support from Hungary and the EU boosts optimism for land border control removal by year-end.