Romania and Bulgaria will enter the Schengen zone in 2024.Bulgaria and Romania
Of the 27 EU member states, 25 are part of the Schengen Area. Bulgaria and Romania, the newest members having joined on 31 March 2024, only have air and maritime borders open, with land border controls remaining in place pending agreement to lift them.As of April 2024, Cyprus is not part of the Schengen Zone. However, the process of joining the Schengen Zone has started. This means that national visas issued by the Embassies of Cyprus are valid for Cyprus only. They do not permit the holder to enter other Schengen zone countries.
Is the UK going to join Schengen : Given Britain's desire to maintain its own border controls, it will not join the EU's passport-free 'Schengen' area in the foreseeable future. Ireland also has to stay out because it shares a common travel area with the UK.
Is Romania going to join Schengen
On 31 March, Bulgaria and Romania become Schengen members: the Schengen rules will apply in both Member States including on issuing Schengen visas and controls at the internal air and sea borders will be lifted.
Is Bulgaria going to join Schengen : On 30 December 2023, the Council reached a unanimous decision with Bulgaria and Romania to eliminate air and maritime internal border controls as of 31 March 2024, marking their partial integration into the Schengen area.
Montenegro and Serbia, the most advanced candidates, are expected to join earlier than the others. Due to multiple factors, talks with Turkey are at an effective standstill. The accession criteria are included in the Copenhagen criteria, agreed in 1993, and the Treaty of Maastricht (Article 49).
March 2024
Together, we are building a stronger, more united Europe for all our citizens.” Since last December, both Member States have taken all necessary measures to ensure a smooth application of the Schengen rules as from 31 March 2024.
Will Montenegro join Schengen
While the Montenegro Schengen relationship is strong, the country is not yet a part of the Schengen Area. However, Montenegro is on a path that could lead to a Schengen membership in the future.The new rules
From 2024, the above 30 countries will require ETIAS travel authorisation for entry by visa-exempt nationals. UK nationals are visa-exempt nationals, and it will also include any other national who can travel to these 30 countries without needing to obtain a visa (such as a visitor visa) in advance.Bulgaria and Romania
Tomorrow marks an important day: Bulgaria and Romania join the Schengen family. I welcome the lifting of internal air and sea border checks. This is a great success for both countries. And a historic moment for the Schengen area – the largest area of free movement in the world.
Bulgaria and Romania became the newest Member States to join the Schengen area as of 31 March 2024, any person crossing the internal air and sea borders will no longer be subject to checks.
Is Czech Republic Schengen : Currently, the Schengen area consists of 26 European countries (of which 22 are EU states): Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland and Sweden, along with Iceland, …
What 3 countries are trying to join the EU : Current candidate countries are: Albania. Bosnia and Herzegovina. Georgia.
What countries are waiting to join Europe
Here is an update on where the nine candidate countries' accession applications currently stand:
- Albania. Albania submitted its application for EU membership in 2009 and achieved candidate status in 2014.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Georgia.
- Montenegro.
- Moldova.
- North Macedonia.
- Serbia.
- Turkey.
Currently, the Schengen area consists of 26 European countries (of which 22 are EU states): Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland and Sweden, along with Iceland, …Tomorrow marks an important day: Bulgaria and Romania join the Schengen family. I welcome the lifting of internal air and sea border checks. This is a great success for both countries. And a historic moment for the Schengen area – the largest area of free movement in the world.
How can a UK citizen stay in Europe for more than 90 days : You may need a visa or permit if you want to either:
- work.
- stay for more than 90 days.