Romania and Bulgaria partially join Europe’s Schengen travel zone, but checks at land borders remain
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Romania and Bulgaria have partially joined Europe’s ID-check-free travel zone, allowing free access for travelers arriving by air or sea from both countries. However, land border checks will remain in place due to opposition primarily from Austria over illegal migration concerns. The Schengen Area, the world’s largest free travel zone, now includes 25 of the 27 EU member countries. Austria vetoed Romania and Bulgaria’s admission into the Schengen zone in 2022 but allowed Croatia full accession. Romania and Bulgaria joined the EU in 2007 and Croatia in 2013. The lifting of border control is expected to facilitate operations at Bulgaria’s four international airports and positively impact the tourism sector. However, concerns have been raised about long queues at the EU’s land borders and the impact on trade in the bloc’s single market, as well as the health and safety of drivers.

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https://apnews.com/article/romania-bulgaria-schengen-eu-c8290cf515e6755f1fa57cf7be09abcb