Romania's government said Schengen rules would apply to four seaports and 17 airports, including Bucharest's largest Otopeni airport. Romania and Bulgaria will enter the Schengen zone in 2024.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.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.
What 5 countries are not in Schengen : Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the United Kingdom are EU states that are not, or not yet, part of the Schengen area. This means that a flight from one of these states to a Schengen state is regarded as an external flight and is subject to border checks.
Which country is next to join Schengen
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.
Will Cyprus join Schengen in 2024 : 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.
Contributor. Starting, July 25, Cyprus is joining the Schengen Information System (SIS) that has been built to ensure safe passage as well as freedom of movement of those who have the right to move freely within the EU's Schengen Area.
One of the key reasons behind Schengen rules not being applicable to Bulgaria and Romania's land borders is Austria's concerns over how Sofia and Bucharest manage irregular migration through these borders.
Is Turkey a Schengen country
At the moment, Turkey is not a member of the EU or the Schengen area, a group of 23 EU member states and four non-EU countries. This means that anyone travelling on a Turkish passport has to apply for a Schengen Visa to enter the bloc or a country-specific tourist visa.Top Schengen countries where obtaining a Schengen visa is easier. According to the European Commission's (and general internet) statistics, Iceland, Finland, Latvia, and Lithuania have traditionally been the best places to get a Schengen visa approved quickly (within the Schengen itself, that is).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).
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.
What’s the next country to join the EU : On 8 November 2023, the European Commission recommended opening negotiations with Moldova and Ukraine, and granting candidate status to Georgia. On 14 December 2023, the European Council decided to open accession negotiations with Moldova and Ukraine and to grant the candidate status to Georgia.
Why is Turkey not in the EU : Turkey borders two EU member states: Bulgaria and Greece. Turkey has been an applicant to accede to the EU since 1987, but since 2016 accession negotiations have stalled. The EU has criticised Turkey for human rights violations and deficits in rule of law.
Which country is the hardest to get a Schengen visa
Greece, Italy, and Switzerland are slightly tougher. And Scandinavia — along with top tourist destinations like France, Germany, Portugal, and Spain — tend to be the toughest to get approved for a Schengen visa to.
Prettiest Schengen Area countries for 2024
- France.
- Greece.
- Spain. Spain's diverse landscapes range from the architectural wonders of Barcelona to the historic charm of Toledo and the Moorish influence in Granada's Alhambra.
- Austria.
- Portugal.
- Czech Republic.
- Norway.
- The Netherlands.
Current candidate countries are: Albania. Bosnia and Herzegovina. Georgia.
Who joined the EU in 2024 : On 21 March 2024, all 27 EU leaders, representing the European Council, gathered for a summit in Brussels, where they unanimously approved opening EU membership negotiations for Bosnia and Herzegovina.