Romania and Bulgaria officially join Schengen area

2 April 2024: As of 31March, Romania and Bulgaria officially joined Schengen area for air and sea transport. 

Following the Council decision of December 2023, both Bulgaria and Romania have become Schengen members, lifting controls at the two countries’ air and sea borders.

The Council needs to have further discussions regarding lifting controls at land borders: some countries such as Austria are advocating for better irregular migration control before opening these land crossings too.