The European Union has officially announced the entry into force of the decision regarding the inclusion of Bulgaria and Romania in the Schengen area by air and sea. According to the published decision, starting from March 31, 2024, checks at internal air and sea borders with these countries are canceled.

The official announcement of the agreement was made on December 30, 2023 in the late evening, although information about it was known earlier.

 

The document emphasizes that, for technical and operational reasons, it is advisable to initially abolish checks at internal air and sea borders in 2024. These changes must comply with seasonal changes in the International Air Transport Association (IATA) schedule.

 

According to the decision, from March 31, 2024, checks of persons at internal air and sea borders with Bulgaria and Romania will be canceled. Bulgaria and Romania will be subject to the provisions of the Schengen legislation specified in the Annex, both in relation to each other and in relations with a number of member countries, including Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France and others.