Romania and Bulgaria joined the Schengen Zone on January 1, 2025, after a 13-year wait, removing land border controls. Austria dropped its objections following a border protection agreement. The expansion is expected to boost the economies and ease travel between Romania,

Romania and Bulgaria became full members of the Schengen zone on Wednesday, expanding the borderless area to 29 members and ending a 13-year wait for the two eastern European countries.

Bulgaria and Romania are holding ceremonies to mark their full membership in Europe’s Schengen area, the culmination of years of negotiations by the Eastern European countries to join the ID check-free travel zone.

Ceremonies mark culmination of years of negotiations by the Eastern European countries to join the ID check-free travel zone.

Full membership for Romania and Bulgaria made possible after Austria lifted its veto - Both countries expect to benefit economically and their GDP to increase by at least 1%

Romania and Bulgaria officially join the Schengen Area on 1 January 2025, removing border controls and ensuring free movement across the EU

Celebrations and ceremonies marked the January 1 2025 full integration of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen visa zone, as the countries’ land borders were included, following the