Today, March 31, Bulgaria and Romania will become long-awaited members of the Schengen Agreement and will join the Schengen zone.
This information was reported by the website of the European Commission, URA-Inform reports.
As noted in the release, Schengen rules will apply in both countries — members of this zone, including the issuance of Schengen visas, but controls at internal and maritime borders between these countries and other members of the Schengen zone will be abolished.
«The Commission strongly welcomes this achievement. The accession of these two states — members to the Schengen area will make the common territory more attractive thanks to a significant expansion of the world's largest common territory without internal border controls», — the European Commission said in a statement.
The Commission will continue to provide all necessary support to the Council Presidency to ensure that a decision on land borders is adopted in 2024, controls on which will remain unchanged for the time being.
«I welcome the abolition of internal checks at the air and sea borders. This is a great success for both countries. And a historic moment for the Schengen area — largest free movement zone in the world. Together we are building a stronger, united Europe for all our citizens», — noted the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.
What will change for citizens of Ukraine
After Bulgaria and Romania join the Schengen zone, Ukrainians will have the opportunity to travel around these countries in «classic» visa-free regime — up to 90 days within 180 days.
Previously, Bulgaria and Romania provided Ukrainians with an additional 90 days of visa-free stay for tourist trips, if the person did not request temporary protection status.
Remember, It was previously reported that in France they could switch to “plan B” before the start of the Olympics: the reason was given.
