Europe: Romania and Bulgaria became full members of Schengen zone

[El-Dracho]

Romania and Bulgaria are now full members of the Schengen zone since January 1, 2025. This means that systematic border identity checks also at land borders are no longer in place (checks while flying in were eased before already). This affects the border crossings between Romania and Bulgaria, between Romania and Hungary, and between Greece and Bulgaria. Random checks can of course still be carried out.

Keeping in mind that in other regions of the world we often spend many hours at border crossings, the Schengen zone makes things easier. 29 European countries are currently in the Schengen zone. But beware, there are some exceptions that also affect us overlanders. These include, for example, that the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Svalbard or French overseas territories, just to name a few, are not part of the Schengen zone. And some popular European travel destinations are also not part of the agreement. These include Ireland, Andorra and the United Kingdom. So always make sure you keep yourself informed before going on a trip.

 

[rtexpeditions]

That makes it more difficult for non-EU members as the time limit is the same (90 days out of 180) but the Schengen area includes more countries.

 

[El-Dracho]

That makes it more difficult for non-EU members as the time limit is the same (90 days out of 180) but the Schengen area includes more countries.

I understand what you are saying. However, there are still some countries in Europe that are not in Schengen or you have the option to hop off to Northern Africa for a break.

And I would see it positively, because with the Schengen Zone, people with various nationalities in North America, South America, Australia, Europe and more have the possibility to stay visa free for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. So, many countries benefit from a visa liberalization agreement with the EU.This is great, because anyone who has ever taken a longer overland trip, for example through Asia or Africa, knows what a huge bureaucratic and financial effort it can be to apply for and obtain visas for many individual countries.

And for longer stays in Schengen contries, depending on the reason for travel, an application for national long-term visas (type D) could still be considered.

 

[rtexpeditions]

I'm aware of how that works. I can stay in the UK indefinitely, my overlanding vehicle might be more interesting.