Schengen Area additions: Romania and Bulgaria have joined Europe’s common visa policy territory

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In 2024, 2 beautiful and affordable European countries I’ve grown quite fond of joined the Schengen Area, but only for air travel. Since January 1st, 2025, the land border is no longer excluded: Romania and Bulgaria are now fully part of the Schengen Area! The Schengen Area is the part of Europe where border controls are completely abolished and you can travel as if it were a single country. Here’s what it means for travelers like you and me — and also why you should visit these magnificent countries.

Here are the details of Romania and Bulgaria joining Europe’s Schengen Area.

Contents hide
Overview of the 2 new Schengen countries
Analysis of Romania and Bulgaria’s entry into the Schengen Area
Why visit Romania
Why visit Bulgaria
Map of the Schengen Area
Remaining non-Schengen options near Europe
Learning how to travel for less
Summary

 

Overview of the 2 new Schengen countries

Here are the basics of the Schengen Area:

  • It’s an agreement between several countries on the European continent
    • They have a common policy for entry rules and requirements
    • It is therefore an Area without border controls
  • It’s the world’s largest free-movement zone (29 countries officially + 3 others)
    • It includes most European Union countries (25 of the 27)
    • But also some non-EU countries (4)
    • And a few microstates are de facto part of it (3)

Here are the basics of the most recent expansion of the Schengen Area:

  • Romania and Bulgaria are now members
    • March 31, 2024: entry by air
    • January 1, 2025: entry by land
  • This affects travel between these 2 countries and all other Schengen countries
    • Border controls have been abolished
    • Traveling by land border-free is now possible from Portugal to Greece
  • Impact is good or bad for travelers
    • Depending on what type of traveler you are
    • Good for the vast majority

Honestly, for the vast majority of travelers, the 2025 change has little impact. Last year’s change was already the most useful, because it made it easy to enjoy the benefits of the Schengen Area in 2 more countries by air: flights are as low as $48 between the rest of Europe and Romania (to give just one example)!

The remaining 3 land borders were certainly not the most popular, even though these are countries I loved visiting.

But now, if for some inexplicable reason you’re tempted to go from one end of Europe in Portugal to the other end in Greece by land, for the first time it’s possible to do so by staying entirely within the Schengen area and therefore avoiding all border controls.

I’ve included a map of the Schengen Area below.

 

Analysis of Romania and Bulgaria’s entry into the Schengen Area 

This is a very positive development for almost all travelers.

Good news! This is clearly good news for most foreign travelers, who can now travel more easily and quickly to these 2 countries — as well as for Bulgarians and Romanians, of course!

On the other hand, it can be a drawback for 2 types of travelers:

  • Long-term travelers (like me) from non-European countries (Canada in my case)
  • Travelers who wanted to go to these countries without having to fill in a simple form starting this year

The 1st drawback doesn’t affect anyone who unfortunately travels very little: there are now more countries that count towards the total number of visa-free days allowed in Europe.

Indeed, Canadians now have even fewer options for countries in Europe to leave the Schengen Area (I list them below, along with those close to Europe). This was already a major issue for digital nomads who love Europe.

Yes, citizens of countries that are not members of the Schengen Area (such as Canada) are allowed to spend a maximum of 90 days in the Schengen Area per 180-day period.

That’s the rule! Let me remind you of the most basic thing about planning any trip: the only mandatory step is to check the entry rules and requirements of each country. Literally the only one.

Speaking of rules, the 2nd drawback is still very very minor: there are now more countries that will require a travel authorization (electronic visa) starting later in 2025.

Yes, to enter the Schengen Area (i.e. almost all of Europe), all Canadians will need a travel authorization (which is basically the same thing as an e-visa). The United Kingdom’s electronic visa requirement starts even sooner, in just a few days.

For 20+ countries in Europe, it’s also going to be a form that will be simple to fill out online, as almost everything is simple to do in a few clicks — we’ll tell you more about it closer to the planned start date in mid-2025, so you can relax for quite a while.

But anyway, it will be an extra step for Romania and Bulgaria, too. We’ll share a guide about the new European travel requirement soon.

 

Why visit Romania

Romania is the 6th most populous country in the European Union, with 19 million inhabitants on a territory about twice as big as the island of Newfoundland or the same size as the U.S. state of Minnesota.

Location of Romania (image credit: Google Maps)

 

This country, known to many as the setting for Bram Stocker’s book Dracula, has much to offer travelers.

With its impressive castles, medieval villages, magnificent landscapes, and fascinating folklore, Romania could well become your new favorite destination.

Sinaia, Romania (photo credit: Gloria Cretu)

 

What’s more, the locals are known for being extremely friendly and multilingual. Despite all its charms, Romania is still an overlooked destination for many travelers, who always just go to expensive, overcrowded Western and Southern Europe.

Bucharest, Romania’s pretty capital, is often nicknamed “Little Paris” for its architecture or even “New Berlin” for its lively nightlife. If you like to party, you know where to go!

Bucharest, Romania (photo credit: Adrian Dascal)

 

I really liked the city during our very short stay in 2019 with Andrew, Flytrippers’ other co-founder, on our way to Moldova and Transnistria. He just went back briefly during his round-the-world trip to get 1 million points and loved it once again.

You can read our post about 9 things to do in Bucharest.

What’s more, this Eastern European country is cheaper than many others on the Old Continent. So it’s a great destination for travelers who want to spend less.

Bran, Romania (photo credit: Calin Stan)

 

In Bucharest, for example, there are some well-rated accommodations that don’t cost too much:

Let’s be clear, it’s obviously not the low prices of Malaysia or Indonesia, but you can still get many free nights in Romania if you’re one of the savvy travelers who take advantage of the current Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card welcome bonus that gives you 53,000 points (106,000 if your companion takes advantage of it too)!

The Moxy Bucharest Old Town hotel is perfectly located in the heart of the capital. We love the fun Moxy brand, one of Marriott’s 30+ brands. Andrew just tried it for you; he’ll share his experience soon (he loved it).

Moxy Bucharest Old Town 5 nights 59k
Moxy Bucharest Old Town Hotel (image credit: Marriott)

 

It’s obviously even cheaper in Cluj-Napoca, the country’s 2nd largest city and unofficial capital of the historic Transylvania region:

The brand-new Courtyard Cluj-Napoca Downtown hotel is equally well located in the center of the city. It only has 2 reviews (5 out of 5), that’s how new it is!

Courtyard Cluj-Napoca Downtown 5 nights 44k
Courtyard Cluj-Napoca Downtown Hotel (image credit: Marriott)

 

Why visit Bulgaria

Bulgaria is less populous, with 6 million inhabitants, and is half the size of neighboring Romania.

Location of Bulgaria (image credit: Google Maps)

 

Bulgaria is another underrated and highly affordable destination that is not to be missed. This small nation is, incidentally, charmingly nicknamed the “Land of Roses” because of its mass production of the flowers of love.

You’ll find sunny beaches along the Black Sea, the famous Balkan mountains — where I spent the most time in Europe — and historic cities like Plovdiv.

Bansko, Bulgaria (photo credit: Alan Rostovtev)

 

Sofia, the capital, has a history dating back over 2000 years! The city boasts many interesting historical monuments, pretty Orthodox churches, old Soviet buildings, and lots of trendy boutiques.

Above all, you absolutely must try out some of the local restaurants. I promise you’ll love it! I just went back for another 2 weeks last summer.

Sofia, Bulgaria (photo credit: Alexandr Bormotin)

 

Here are some examples of accommodation in Sofia:

  • Nice hostel: Hostel Mostel
    • $15 per night per person
    • Rated 8.7/10
  • Nice hotel: Generator Sofia
    • $51 per night
    • $26 per night per person with a companion
    • Rated 9.0/10

Here are some examples of accommodation in Varna, on the coast:

  • Nice hostel: M Hostel Musala
    • $21 per night per person
    • Rated 8.1/10
  • Nice hotel: Villa Savovi
    • $47 per night
    • $24 per night per person with a companion
    • Rated 8.8/10

Marriott options in Bulgaria are even less attractive, both for those who want to maximize their quantity of free nights and for those who want to maximize the value obtained with points.

At certain times of the year, the Four Points by Sheraton Bansko in the mountains is 22,400 points per night (112,000 for 5 nights), but it’s often even more expensive.

Four Points by Sheraton Bansko Hotel 5 nights 112k
Four Points by Sheraton Bansko Hotel (image credit: Marriott)

 

But most of all, it’s a good example that some Marriott points redemptions are excellent (70,000 points for a night worth $3000+) and some are less so!!!! It varies; the concept is that simple! That’s what makes it possible to get outsized value if you use them well!

I went back to Bansko last summer too, and a luxury apartment cost me only €400 (≈ C$586) for a month. In Summer 2023, my 2-bedroom apartment cost me just €250 (≈ C$366) for a month.

So I wouldn’t waste precious Marriott Bonvoy points there, but every traveler is different, and even those who don’t want to rack their brains should get the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card eventually (its increased welcome bonus is usually in the Spring; we’ll let you know so you don’t miss it).

 

Map of the Schengen Area

Here’s the most up-to-date map of the Schengen Area, including Romania and Bulgaria.

Map of the Schengen Area (image credit: Wikipedia Commons)

 

Here’s the map key:

  • Purple: Romania and Bulgaria
  • Dark blue: 27 countries that were officially already members
  • Light blue: 3 countries that were de facto already members
  • Yellow: Cyprus that is legally obligated to join in the future
  • Grey: Countries that are not members

One of the most popular countries for travelers, Greece, is finally connected to all the others by land (now that Romania and Bulgaria have fully joined).

Indeed, the only 3 land borders that Romania and Bulgaria had with other member countries are now open:

  • Between Romania and Bulgaria
  • Between Romania and Hungary
  • Between Bulgaria and Greece

This has created a contiguous block of territory from one end of the Schengen Area to the other (apart from the islands, of course).

By the way, the Schengen Area is almost complete now. The island-nation of Cyprus is the last EU country legally obligated to join in the future. Ireland is the other EU member left, but they aren’t obligated to join the Schengen Area.

Of course, if other countries join the EU, the Schengen Area could grow. This is likely to happen with the remaining Balkan countries at some point. Or maybe even with Caucasus countries (although these days, it seems like Georgia is tilting towards the other side).

You can read our post on the basics of the differences between Europe, the European Union, the Eurozone, and the Schengen Area.

 

Remaining non-Schengen options near Europe

If you’re traveling for longer and find yourself having to leave the Schengen Area to stay within your 90-day limit, there are still several options close by.

These countries are almost all very accessible, with flights under $100!

The British Isles:

  • United Kingdom
  • Ireland

The beautiful Balkan countries:

The Mediterranean countries in Africa:

The places that are geographically in the Middle East:

The Caucasus countries:

The easternmost countries in Europe:

The countries most people will want to avoid these days:

  • Israel
  • Palestine
  • Lebanon
  • Syria
  • Iraq

 

Learning how to travel for less

Join over 100,000 savvy Canadian travelers who already receive Flytrippers’ free newsletter so we can help you travel for less (and keep you updated on all things travel)! 

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Summary

The recent integration of Romania and Bulgaria into the Schengen Area impacts most travelers positively. It is certainly good news for the economy and tourist industry of these 2 countries. I highly recommend visiting these Eastern European treasures.

 

What would you like to know about Romania and Bulgaria? Tell us in the comments below.

 

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Featured image: Romania | Bulgaria (photo credit: RossHelen | George Ivanov)

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Kevin Gagnon

Kevin is the co-founder of Flytrippers. A former structural engineer, he is now following his true passion, traveling! With the website, he also wants to share this passion with you and allow you to travel more than you would have thought possible. His goal is to visit all the countries in the world. Current count: 90/193!

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