The European Commission Council unanimously agreed on December
12, 2024, to remove the internal land border controls with Romania
and Bulgaria starting from January 1, 2025. This significant move
marks the complete integration of both nations into the Schengen
area, enhancing not only the Schengen region but also bolstering
the internal market, and promoting travel, commerce, and tourism.
The strengthening of the Schengen area symbolises the unity of the
EU and enhances its global standing.
From January 1, 2025, unrestricted land border travel to and
within Bulgaria and Romania will be possible for citizens. Since
the Council's decision last December to incorporate Romania and Bulgaria into the Schengen
area, both Member States have implemented all necessary
measures for the smooth enforcement of the Schengen rules starting
March 31, 2024. On this date, the controls at the internal air and
sea borders were removed, and the Schengen rules, including the
issuance of
