On December 12, 2024, the Council of the European Union approved the decision for Romania and Bulgaria to join the Schengen Area starting January 1, 2025. Romania’s accession to the Schengen Area will lift border controls between Romania and Bulgaria and between Romania and Hungary.
Romania’s entry into the terrestrial Schengen was described as a “well-deserved right” by Romanian President Klaus Iohannis and Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu following the JAI Council’s decision.
Once travelers cross the state border between the Republic of Moldova and Romania, they will no longer undergo border controls within the European community.
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For Republic of Moldova citizens, Romania’s and Bulgaria’s accession to the Schengen Area is a positive development. After completing the necessary accession procedures and lifting internal border controls, Moldovan citizens will no longer need to undergo border checks between Romania and Bulgaria or Romania and Hungary. It will reduce travel time to Central and Western European countries.
Romania’s Schengen accession will not significantly change the state border crossing process. However, authorities may implement additional checks, which could increase processing times at border crossing points, especially during peak travel periods.
The Border Police of Moldova provided the following recommendations for those planning to travel to EU member states:
- Ensure your biometric passport is valid to benefit from the visa-free travel regime in the European Union.
- Verify that your passport remains valid for at least six months from your planned travel date.
- Consult official sources to stay updated on travel and residence requirements in the Schengen Area.
- Plan your travel during less busy periods to reduce waiting times.
- Check traffic flow using the official Border Police webpage at https://border.gov.md/index.php/camere-web, the online traffic tool https://www.politiadefrontiera.ro/ro/traficonline/, or by contacting the Green Line.
- Ensure you have supporting documents that confirm the purpose of your travel.
“The Border Police remains committed to ensuring a smooth and secure transition for citizens using border crossing points with Romania. We will continue working with international partners to uphold Schengen standards and minimize disruptions to traveler flow. For further questions or clarifications, please consult the official Border Police website www.border.gov.md, or contact us via the Green Line at +373 22 259 717. By following these recommendations and staying informed, crossing the border can be a quick and safe process for you!” reads the official statement issued to the press.