SchengenMap Blog

Bulgaria and Romania Joined Schengen (2025): What Travelers Need to Know

This one is simple: Bulgaria and Romania joined Schengen on 1 January 2025 (per the European Commission). That matters for routing, border expectations, and how travelers conceptualize "the Schengen Area."

Source: European Commission: Schengen area.

Why it matters

• Schengen membership affects how internal border controls work between Schengen countries.
• It also affects traveler assumptions about where the "Schengen clock" applies.

What does not change

If you are subject to the 90/180 short-stay rule, joining Schengen does not magically grant extra days. The total is still total.

Official reference for the 90/180 framework: EU Short-stay calculator.

Not legal advice. Always verify border procedures and entry conditions before travel.