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Bulgaria and Romania now full members of Schengen Area
As of 1 January 2025, checks on persons at the internal borders of Bulgaria and Romania have been abolished. Both countries were already partially part of the Schengen Area as of 31 March 2024. On that day, checks on persons at air and sea borders between Romania and Bulgaria and between the other Schengen countries were already lifted. The Council of the European Union decided in December 2024 that checks on persons at internal land borders would also be abolished.
Not all European countries are in the Schengen zone. Cyprus and Ireland are EU countries but not Schengen countries. Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland and Switzerland are not EU countries but are Schengen countries. The Schengen Area is the largest area in the world where people can move freely between countries without border controls. All EU citizens can travel freely in the Schengen area with their passport or identity card. People from outside the EU, so-called third-country nationals, may be able to stay in the Schengen area visa-free or with a Schengen visa for 90 days within 180 days. Also, a residence permit issued by one of the Schengen countries allows them to stay 90 days within 180 days in other Schengen countries.