Bulgaria in Schengen: A New Era of Travel

Bulgaria fully joined the Schengen area, with its air and sea borders on 31 March 2024 and its land borders on 1 January 2025. In this article we explain what Schengen membership means for Bulgaria and the advantages it brings to Bulgarian citizens.

Bulgaria’s accession to the Schengen area

The Schengen area is a zone of free movement that removes internal border checks between member countries and applies common security standards at the external borders. Bulgaria, a member of the European Union since 2007, spent many years meeting demanding security standards to join Schengen. Accession was completed in two stages: first air and sea borders (31 March 2024), then land borders (1 January 2025).

A new era of travel

Bulgarian citizens can now travel between Schengen countries without internal border checks. For travel within the EU and Schengen, a Bulgarian identity card is sufficient as a travel document; for travel to non-EU countries, a passport is required. Since random checks can take place between Schengen countries, you must carry your identity document with you.

Advantages for Bulgarian citizens

• Free movement: travel between Schengen countries without border checks
• Education and work: easy access to educational institutions and job opportunities in EU countries
• Right of residence: as an EU citizen, you can live and work in any EU country you choose
• Healthcare: access to healthcare in EU countries with the European Health Insurance Card

Conclusion

Schengen membership has made Bulgarian citizenship even more valuable. To find out whether you are entitled to apply for Bulgarian citizenship, request a free document review or book an online appointment.