Bulgaria and Romania are getting ready to issue short-term Schengen visas to foreign nationals who need the document in order to enter the Schengen Area. This move is set to begin from April 1, 2024, according to reports from SchengenVisaInfo.com.
The decision to issue Schengen C visas by both countries is in conjunction with the EU Council’s decision to allow Bulgaria and Romania to partially access the Schengen Area. The EU has recently announced plans to lift border controls at air and sea borders with Bulgaria and Romania in March.
While the decision to lift land border controls is still pending, it is anticipated to benefit people and businesses by providing them with the right to free movement by air and sea.
The EU Commission confirmed Bulgaria and Romania’s readiness to join the Schengen Area back in 2011. Both countries have consistently demonstrated that they meet the necessary conditions, with experts reaffirming their readiness in 2022 and 2023. The Commission also emphasized that Bulgaria and Romania have implemented measures for cooperation in security, policy, and judicial matters to ensure safety and security.
The expansion of the Schengen Area promises to boost travel, trade, and tourism while strengthening the internal market. It is expected to enhance freedom and convenience for everyone involved, as citizens of the EU can travel, work, and live in any of the Member States without special formalities. With no border checks within the Schengen Area, this expansion is set to benefit almost 450 million EU citizens and foreign nationals in or visiting the EU.
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