Bulgaria joins Schengen Area for land borders, boosting EU integration

Bulgaria officially joined the European Union’s Schengen Area for land borders, completing its long-awaited full integration into Europe’s passport-free travel zone alongside Romania. This step followed unanimous approval by EU member states in December 2024 to lift routine checks on persons at internal land borders with and between Bulgaria, Romania, and other Schengen countries. Prior to this, border controls on air and sea routes had already been removed in March 2024. Becoming part of the Schengen Area means that travelers crossing by land between Bulgaria and neighboring EU countries like Greece and Romania no longer face regular identity checks, significantly easing movement for tourists, workers, students, and business travelers. This milestone enhances Bulgaria’s economic and social integration within the EU’s single market by reducing administrative barriers, encouraging cross-border trade, and boosting tourism. Schengen membership also strengthens cooperation on security and migration, with Bulgaria now fully participating in shared information systems and joint law-enforcement operations across the Schengen zone. Experts say the removal of border checks has already contributed to higher visitor numbers and lower transport costs, underlining the broader benefits of deeper European integration for Bulgaria and the region.