Bulgaria and Romania will officially join the Schengen zone for arrivals by air from March 31.
However, Austria has maintained its stance on the inclusion of these countries by land and has prevented the opening of its land borders.
“Schengen membership means that those legally staying in member countries can move freely without passport checks. However, the membership of Romania and Bulgaria is exceptional – the removal of passport checks only applies to air and sea transport,” said Finnish authorities in Romania.
This development means that passport controls applied to air and sea transport between Bulgaria and Romania and other Schengen countries will be abolished. Bulgaria and Romania will begin issuing Schengen C visas from April 1.
