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