Agreement on Bulgaria and Romania’s Accession to the Schengen Area

On December 30, 2023, the Council of the European Union agreed to lift controls at internal air and sea borders with Bulgaria and Romania. The two member states fully apply the Schengen acquis from March 31, 2024; from this date onwards, controls at internal air and sea borders have been lifted. After this first step, the Council will need to take a new decision on setting a date for lifting controls at internal land borders.
Since 1985, the Schengen area has allowed individuals and businesses to travel and operate without border controls. Schengen countries have also strengthened security at their common external borders.