European Union/Schengen Area: Schengen Allowance Rules Applying to Bulgaria, Romania After Schengen Area Entry
December 12, 2024
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At a Glance
- Update – December 12, 2024: The European Council has confirmed that effective January 1, 2025, Bulgaria and Romania will fully join the Schengen Area, with border checks for land-based travel to cease.
- Effective March 31, 2024, Bulgaria and Romania will partially join Europe’s Schengen Area, with border checks to cease for any air- or sea-based travel between Bulgaria, Romania and other Schengen Area countries. The European Council will continue talks to lift such land border checks.
- EU authorities have confirmed that the days spent in Bulgaria and Romania will count toward the Schengen allowance of a maximum 90 days in any 180-day period (or less for visa nationals) as of March 31, 2024. Romanian authorities have already confirmed this approach; while Bulgarian authorities have not but are expected to clarify their position in the future. Update June 20, 2024: Bulgarian authorities have confirmed that days spent in Bulgaria will count towards the Schengen allowance of a maximum 90 days in any 180-day period (or the maximum allowance as stated on the visa for nationals requiring a visa).
- The two countries are also expected to commence issuing uniform Schengen C visas, instead of national visas, as of March 31, 2024.
The situation
EU authorities have confirmed that the days spent in Bulgaria and Romania will count toward the Schengen allowance of a maximum 90 days in any 180-day period (or less for visa nationals) as of March 31, 2024, following the partial joining of Bulgaria and Romania to the Schengen Area. Romanian authorities have already confirmed this approach; while Bulgarian authorities have not but are expected to clarify their position in the future. Update June 20, 2024: Bulgarian authorities have confirmed that days spent in Bulgaria will count towards the Schengen allowance of a maximum 90 days in any 180-day period (or the maximum allowance as stated on the visa for nationals requiring a visa).
A closer look
- Standard Schengen Area allowance rules. Currently, days spent in Bulgaria and Romania do not count toward the Schengen allowance (meaning that travelers are entitled to stay 90 days in each country, in addition to 90 days in any 180-period in the Schengen Area). As of March 31, 2024, days spent in Romania will count toward the Schengen allowance of a maximum 90 days in any 180-day period (or the maximum allowance as stated on the visa for nationals requiring a visa). The same is expected for Bulgaria, though it remains to be confirmed by Bulgarian authorities. Update June 20, 2024: Bulgarian authorities have confirmed that days spent in Bulgaria will count towards the Schengen allowance of a maximum 90 days in any 180-day period (or the maximum allowance as stated on the visa for nationals requiring a visa).
- National visas/Schengen C visas. Currently, Bulgaria and Romania are issuing national entry visas. This is expected to change as of March 31, 2024, when Bulgaria and Romania are expected to start issuing uniform Schengen C visas.
- The Romanian e-visa portal is unavailable between March 1 and March 30, 2024 for the submission of short-stay visa applications. Applicants will only be able to apply for visas in emergency situations by contacting a Romanian consular post directly.
- Bulgaria has not confirmed its Schengen C visa application method and no online portal exists at this time. We will provide updates as they become available.
- Countries in the Schengen Area. The 27 European countries in the Schengen Area are: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
Impact
Effective March 31, 2024, air and sea travel between Bulgaria, Romania and Schengen Area countries will become easier and quicker, as border checks will cease for air- or sea-based travel between Bulgaria, Romania and other Schengen Area countries.
Based on the most recent confirmation from authorities, visa-exempt nationals and Schengen C visa holders and their employers should closely track their stay in Bulgaria or Romania to avoid non-compliance violations for overstays in these countries.
Background
Bulgaria and Romania – which entered the European Union in 2007 – have been trying to join the Schengen Area for over a decade. In recent times, Austria has opposed admitting Bulgaria and Romania, citing concerns about management of irregular migration. In December 2023, Austria conceded this position and allowed the removal of border checks for air and sea travel.
Looking ahead
In 2024, the European Council will continue talks to lift land border checks with Bulgaria and Romania. No date has yet been set for a further vote on this issue. We will monitor and report related developments. Update – December 12, 2024: The European Council has confirmed that effective January 1, 2025, Bulgaria and Romania will fully join the Schengen Area, with border checks for land-based travel to cease.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
