Romania and Bulgaria set to join Schengen zone, enabling free movement across Europe

Friday, March 22, 2024

March promises to be a significant month for Romania and Bulgaria, as they prepare to join the Schengen zone on 31 March. This inclusion will permit the free movement of 400 million citizens across member states.

Although both countries have been part of the European Union since 2007, they have continued to undergo passport checks when entering other EU nations, a requirement not imposed on many European citizens.

By 2024, border controls for these nations will be streamlined, and it is anticipated that this will bring about various other changes.

The question on many people’s minds is whether Bulgaria and Romania will experience similar outcomes to Croatia, a recent addition to the Schengen zone, which faced criticism for increasing prices significantly after its entry.

It is not anticipated that Bulgaria and Romania will adopt the Euro as their currency immediately, unlike Croatia, but immediate changes are still expected following their entry into the Schengen zone.

Drawing on insights from regional experts, here is a comprehensive overview of what to anticipate starting 31 March.

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