Schengen visa holders will soon be able to visit two more countries in Europe as Romania and Bulgaria are on track to join the Schengen Area by January 2025. This marks a significant milestone after years of partial membership and restricted access. Hungary’s Interior Minister, Sándor Pinter, confirmed that both nations are now “one step closer” to full Schengen membership, which will further ease travel within Europe.
Previously, Romania and Bulgaria, both EU members since 2007, had limited participation in the Schengen Area. Air and sea travel between these countries and the rest of the Schengen zone were free of border controls, but land borders remained restricted due to concerns over illegal migration. With this new development, both countries will soon be fully integrated, eliminating these land border restrictions and allowing Schengen visa holders to enter Romania and Bulgaria without additional checks.
Currently, the Schengen Area comprises 29 countries, including 25 EU member states and four non-EU countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The inclusion of Romania and Bulgaria is expected to enhance travel possibilities, offering more seamless access for visitors across Europe. As of 2025, travellers can look forward to exploring two more exciting European destinations with greater ease.
This expansion of the Schengen Area not only simplifies travel for tourists and business travellers but also promotes stronger economic and cultural ties within Europe. With Romania and Bulgaria’s full inclusion, travellers will enjoy greater freedom of movement, contributing to a more connected and integrated Europe. As we approach 2025, this development serves as a reminder of the continuous growth and cooperation within the European Union, making it easier than ever to explore the diverse landscapes, history, and culture of these newly accessible countries.
