The Swiss Federal Council has approved a significant decision that is set to make travel between Switzerland and Bulgaria and Romania much easier. Starting March 31, 2024, individuals flying from Bulgaria and Romania won’t have to undergo passport checks at Swiss airports.
This move follows the EU Council’s decision to lift air and maritime border controls with Bulgaria and Romania, allowing all passengers traveling from the two countries to bypass passport checks upon arrival at Swiss airports.
The Federal Council of Switzerland emphasized that the decision is not expected to result in a significant increase in migration, citing the experience of Croatia joining the Schengen Area last year. Existing measures will be used to tackle irregular migration and cross-border crime if needed.
While the land border controls with Bulgaria and Romania will remain for now, the EU Council is looking into the possibility of lifting them in the future. The date of Schengen accession by land for Bulgaria and Romania will be decided after March 31, 2024.
The EU Commission has been advocating for the inclusion of Bulgaria and Romania in the Schengen area since 2011. With the official inclusion of the two countries in the Schengen Area with air and sea borders, they will also be able to start issuing Schengen visas. However, the exact details of this process are yet to be disclosed. This significant development will make it easier for tourists and travelers to visit and explore Switzerland, Bulgaria, and Romania. Keep an eye on updates for any new travel opportunities that may arise as a result of these changes.
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