Bulgaria and Romania have fully joined the Schengen Area.

On January 1, Romania and Bulgaria joined the Schengen Area, eliminating border checks with other EU countries.

According to Bloomberg.

This is particularly relevant for migrant workers who, after Bulgaria and Romania joined the EU in 2007, gained the right to work legally abroad but were forced to undergo constant checks to see their families, the publication notes.

In addition to personal comfort for travelers, significant economic growth is expected in Bucharest and Sofia. Previously, the presence of border controls delayed trucks with goods for hours, and sometimes even days. The Bulgarian Academy of Sciences even calculated that the total time savings from waiting amounts to an incredible 242,000 days—almost 664 years. The economic benefit could reach approximately $866 million annually.

However, despite the lack of need for passports to cross the border, travelers should carry any identification documents in case of random checks that may occur within the next 6 months, Digi24 reminds. Additionally, as of tonight, borders are open between Bulgaria and Greece and between Romania and Hungary.

Background. Earlier, Mind reported that Romania and Bulgaria would become part of the Schengen Zone starting January 1, 2025.