On 30 December 2023, the Council adopted a decision to lift air and maritime internal border controls with Bulgaria and Romania as of 31 March 2024. The Council still had to make a decision to establish a date for the lifting of checks at internal land borders between Bulgaria, Romania and the other Schengen countries. 

During the Justice and Home Affairs Council on 12 December 2024, Ministers decided to complete the full entry of both countries into the Schengen area. As of 1 January 2025, citizens will be allowed to travel without land border controls to and between Bulgaria and Romania.

For further details, please read the press release from the Council of the EU and the statement by the European Commission.