European Union Bulgaria Romania Schengen. photo: Shutterstock
Starting today, 1.1.25, the map of the Schengen area expands with the accession of two more countries to the prestigious treaty.
The process, which began in recent years, now reaches its peak with the formal joining of Bulgaria and Romania, after the removal of land borders between the two countries joining the esteemed treaty of European powers between 31.12.24 and 1.1.25.
According to the European Union's announcement, the step removing land borders between Bulgaria and Romania "will further strengthen the internal market, increase tourism and trade between the countries".
The expected accession of Romania and Bulgaria to Schengen was first published in PassportNews in December 2023, and the transition between the two countries is now not subject to border checks at land crossings.
Schengen countries, known primarily for the agreement allowing free movement of people without the need for border checks, welcome countries that sought to become inseparable parts of the European cooperation area.
The expansion of the Schengen area is considered a significant step to strengthen economic, security, and tourism ties between the countries, directly affecting millions of citizens and tourists.
The Schengen area, initiated in 1985, has expanded in seven stages and until now included 27 countries and 4 million square kilometers.
With Bulgaria and Romania, this area now expands to 4.5 million square kilometers and a population of 450 million people.
The Schengen Agreement effectively requires all European Union member states to become full members, and from now on, all except Ireland, which has no shared border with other union countries, will also be members of the Schengen area.
What Does It Mean for Israeli Tourists?
The Schengen Agreement includes 29 countries: 25 European Union countries (except Ireland and Cyprus, which are not adjacent to the Schengen area) as well as 4 European countries that are not EU members: Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
Citizens of Bulgaria and Romania will now be able to cross the borders of all Schengen countries without restrictions and without checks, leading also to structural changes at airports in both countries as is customary in other union countries that are part of the treaty.
The European Union and the Schengen area will economically support the two new members to meet their needs related to the substantial change.
For Israeli tourists holding an Israeli passport, there is no dramatic significance as entry to these countries is not subject to a visa and will not require a visa, but passport control will remain as it was previously since Israel is not part of the union and the treaty.
However, holders of European passports will now enjoy easier movement between countries within the framework of the treaty.