From March 31, 2024, Bulgaria and Romania will partially join the Schengen area! This event entails several important changes that will affect tourists and travelers.
Changes at the border
Controls at the air and sea borders between Bulgaria, Romania and the Schengen countries have been abolished by a decision of the European Council – this means:
- Simplification of border crossing for citizens of other countries;
- Facilitating the development of tourism and business between the EU countries.
Changes in the visa regime
With the accession to the Schengen area, the conditions of entry and the rules for issuing visas will change:
- Tourists who previously used a Cyprus visa to enter Bulgaria or Romania will no longer be able to do so, as Cyprus is not included in the Schengen area. However, a Schengen visa or a Bulgaria visa still provide you with the opportunity to visit Cyprus;
- Entry documents issued by Bulgaria and Romania before March 31, 2024 will not be valid for visiting other Schengen states.
Changes at airports
Bulgarian airports introduce new measures and separate passenger flows:
- Passengers travelling to and from Schengen countries will be subject to updated border control rules;
- Passenger traffic will be divided into Schengen and non-Schengen areas.
Expected changes in tourism
These innovations may affect the tourist flow:
- A temporary decrease in the tourist flow to Bulgaria is possible due to new entry rules and related inconveniences;
- However, in the long term, simplifying border crossings and improving logistics may lead to an increase in the number of tourists.
It is important to remember that with changes in visa rules and entry procedures, additional time and patience may be needed when planning trips to Bulgaria and Romania. Tourists and travelers are advised to familiarize themselves with the updated rules and requirements in advance to avoid trouble and simplify their travels.
