Romania and Bulgaria have now finally joined the Schengen Zone. Starting from 1 April, the countries are now officially the Schengen countries. There are now 29 Schengen countries in total. The international air and sea border checks have been lifted. The land border controls are expected to be lifted as well at the end of 2024.
President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen said: “Tomorrow marks an important day: Bulgaria and Romania join the Schengen family. I welcome the lifting of internal air and sea border checks. This is a great success for both countries. And a historic moment for the Schengen area – the largest area of free movement in the world. Together, we are building a stronger, more united Europe for all our citizens.”
The new Schengen countries list is as follows:
| Austria | Greece | Malta, | Slovakia |
| Belgium | Iceland | Netherlands | Slovenia |
| Croatia | Italy | Norway | Spain |
| Denmark | Latvia, | Poland | The Czech Republic |
| Estonia | Liechtenstein, | Portugal | Hungary |
| Finland | Lithuania | Sweden | Germany |
| France | Luxembourg | Switzerland | Romania & Bulgaria |
The EU officials have also confirmed that Romania and Bulgaria may start issuing Schengen Visa for the short term from 1 April 2024. This means candidates will be able to apply for the visa of Romania and then they can use this visa to also travel to other Schengen states.
The new rules apply immediately as well for those who want to get the Schengen Visa from these countries. The consulates and Embassies of Romania are now in the process of issuing the Schengen visas. These visas will then be used the same as other Schengen visas. There will be no checks when flying from these countries to other Schengen countries.
The Schengen visa fee, requirements for health insurance, and other regulations will also be implemented in both of these countries.
Romania Country Information
- Capital: Bucharest
- Official EU language(s): Romanian
- EU member country: since 1 January 2007
- Currency: Romanian Leu RON. Romania has committed to the euro once it fulfills the necessary conditions.
- Schengen: Yes, since 31 March 2024
Bulgaria Country Information
- Capital: Sofia
- Official languages of the EU: Bulgarian
- EU membership: from 1 January 2007
- Currency: Bulgarian Lev (BGN). Bulgaria has undertaken to introduce the euro when it fulfills the necessary conditions.
- Schengen: Yes, since 31 March 2024
Great Effort by both countries
A milestone for both countries has been achieved but with patience. It took them 13 years to wait for it. Already in 2011, the Commission confirmed in the Schengen Evaluation reports that Bulgaria and Romania have met all requirements to be fully part of the Schengen area.
Next Candidates to be a Schengen Country
There is another country that is undergoing the process of becoming a part of the Schengen travel zone. Cyprus has also applied the Schengen acquis. The Schengen evaluation process to assess the readiness to join the Schengen area is under process. The Schengen Information System in Cyprus was put into operation last year in July. This process was already verified by a dedicated Schengen evaluation in the same year.
Countries that are willing to be part of the Schengen Zone
Many other countries also are willing to join the Schengen travel zone. To be a part of the EU, countries willing to be included must incorporate the EU legislation into the national registration. Following are the countries that wish to be a part of the EU shortly but they have not completely implemented the EU laws:
- Albania
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Serbia
- Türkiye
- Ukraine
Important Quarries Answered
Will Romania join Schengen in 2024?
Yes. Romania is has joined the Schengen Zone on 31 March 2024. Romania is now a Schengen country and is set to issue even Schengen Visas from 1 April 2024.
Which country will be next Schengen?
Cyprus has also applied for the Schengen membership and is undergoing a process of being a qualified Schengen member. To be a part of the EU, countries willing to be included must incorporate the EU legislation into the national registration. Following are the countries that wish to be a part of the EU shortly but they have not completely implemented the EU laws:
- Albania
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Serbia
- Türkiye
- Ukraine
Is Schengen visa changing?
There are no big changes expected except the following:
- Romania and Bulgaria have joined the Schengen Zone on 31 March 2024.
- Schengen visa fees are changing and going to increase from 80 Eur to 90 Eur for adults and 40 Eur to 45 Eur for children applicants.
Is Romania a Schengen country in 2024?
Yes, Romania is has joined the Schengen Zone on 31 March 2024. The country has waited 13 years to be granted finally the Schengen Member Zone.
Is Romania joining Schengen country?
Yes. Romania has joined the Schengen country zone on 31 March 2024. Now the total number of Schengen countries is 29.
Will Bulgaria join Schengen in 2024?
Yes, Bulgaria is has joined the Schengen Zone on 31 March 2024. It is now a Schengen country and is set to issue even Schengen Visas from 1 April 2024.
Is Bulgaria a Schengen country in 2024?
Yes, Bulgaria will be a Schengen country in 2024. The country is an active member of the Schengen zone with air and sea border controls lifted. The land border control is also set to be lifted hopefully at the end of the year.
Which country will join Schengen in 2024?
Romania and Bulgaria are the 2 countries that have joined the Schengen in 2024. Cyprus has also applied for the status but is in still waiting mode.