To provide clarification for Fragomen, representatives of the European Union stated that starting on April 1, 2024, Bulgaria and Romania will issue Schengen C visas, which allow admission and stay in the region for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. EU Helpers reported on this development.
The decision of the EU Council to provide Bulgaria and Romania with limited access to the Schengen Area is strongly related to the issuing of Schengen short-stay permits by the two nations.
The EU just recently made the decision to welcome Bulgaria and Romania into the zone by removing border restrictions at their sea and air borders in March.
The decision to remove land border restrictions is still pending, but by allowing people and businesses to travel freely by air and water, this action will help both groups.
In 2011, the European Commission first verified that Romania and Bulgaria were prepared to enter the Schengen Area. The two countries have continuously shown over the years that they meet the requirements, and experts have confirmed that they will be prepared in 2022 and 2023.
According to the Commission, Bulgaria and Romania have put policies for security, policy, and judicial cooperation into place in order to guarantee safety and security.
The same emphasizes that this is the Schengen Area's ninth enlargement and that it will simultaneously enhance the domestic market and promote trade, tourism, and travel.
Free movement is ensured by the Schengen Area, which is home to about 450 million EU citizens and foreign people who are either in or visiting the EU. Without any additional paperwork, EU citizens are free to live, work, and travel in any of the member states. It is anticipated that this extension will increase freedom and convenience for all parties involved, as there are no border checks within the Schengen Area.