Two new countries fully in Schengen. There are no more border controls here
Our presence in the Schengen area is good news not only for the countries concerned, but also for tourists. At the beginning of January, new rules apply at the borders of Bulgaria and Romania.
More European countries have joined the full Schengen area. This means that after many years of fighting for change for the better, new rules are coming into force. Although both Bulgaria and Romania adopted some of the rules related to Schengen after joining the EU in 2007, they were still not full members, but now it is different.
According to Reuters, after the stroke of midnight in 2025, the interior ministers of Bulgaria and Romania symbolically raised the barrier on the bridge over the Danube. This crossing, also called the Friendship Bridge, connects the two countries and is a key transit point in international trade.
Bulgaria and Romania fully in Schengen
The changes will be noticed by, among others: tourists, because it will be easier and faster to cross the border by land. On January 1, all controls disappeared, and earlier, on March 31, 2024, they were no longer present at the EU’s internal borders in the air and at sea.
The new change is good news mainly for those who like to travel by car. Queues for inspection of personal documents have often been troublesome, especially during the holiday season. Although Bulgaria or Romania are not as popular destinations as, for example, Italy or Spain, they are considered one of the cheaper ones for Poles. They work well both in summer and winter, when you can use the local ski slopes.
Schengen in the EU. Free travel zone
Being in the Schengen area gives countries many opportunities and makes them attractive to travelers. Today, it is the largest zone of this type in the world, and the first borders were abolished in 1985. The oldest members are France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
Currently, there are 29 countries in it, and among them there are not only EU members. Travelers still need to remember that the Schengen area does not yet apply to popular destinations like Cyprus and Ireland. Countries already in Schengen still have the right to temporarily reintroduce border control at internal borders in the event of a serious threat to public order or state security.
