After years of anticipation and political hurdles, Romania and Bulgaria are set to fully join the Schengen Area on January 1, 2025. This historic milestone simplifies travel for residents of Czechia and marks a significant step toward European integration. Here’s everything you need to know about this development and how it impacts your travel plans.

A Long-Awaited Milestone

Romania and Bulgaria joined the European Union in 2007 but faced numerous delays in becoming full Schengen members. Initial plans for their accession in 2011 were postponed due to objections from countries like the Netherlands and Austria, citing concerns over border security and migration. However, political shifts in 2024 saw Austria drop its veto, paving the way for Romania and Bulgaria’s long-overdue Schengen membership.

On March 31, 2024, air and sea travel between these countries and Schengen states became passport-free. Starting January 1, 2025, this freedom will extend to land travel, removing the need for border checks altogether. With this, the Schengen Area will grow to 29 countries, including 25 EU states and non-EU members like Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.

What This Means for Travelers from Czechia

For travelers from Czechia, this change brings several benefits:

• Hassle-Free Road Trips Driving to Romania or Bulgaria will now be as seamless as traveling to other Schengen countries. Border checks at land crossings will be eliminated, reducing travel times and queues.
• Streamlined Train Travel Train journeys between Czechia and these countries will no longer involve time-consuming passport controls, making train travel a more convenient option.
• Enhanced Trade and Business Opportunities Businesses will benefit from faster and more efficient freight transportation. The removal of border checks will expedite the movement of goods, reducing costs and delivery times.

A Boost for Tourism and Cultural Exchange

Romania and Bulgaria are home to stunning landscapes, historical landmarks, and vibrant cultures. With unrestricted travel, Czech residents can explore destinations like Transylvania’s castles, Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, and the scenic Carpathian Mountains with greater ease. This change is expected to boost tourism and foster deeper cultural ties between these countries and the rest of Europe.

Broader Implications for the Schengen Area

While the inclusion of Romania and Bulgaria is a positive development, border control remains a contentious topic within the Schengen Area. Countries like Germany continue to implement temporary border checks with neighboring states, including Czechia, to address illegal migration and human trafficking. These measures are likely to persist into 2025, highlighting the ongoing challenges of managing open borders.

Plan Your Next Trip

Whether you’re planning a holiday, a business trip, or an adventurous road trip, the inclusion of Romania and Bulgaria in the Schengen Area opens up exciting possibilities for Czech travelers. Say goodbye to border queues and passport checks and embrace the ease of unrestricted travel across these new Schengen members. For more travel tips and updates, stay tuned to our blog or reach out to ahoy Consulting for assistance with your international travel and study plans.