Published 30-04-2024
Bulgaria and Romania will fully apply Schengen rules from 31 March 2024
On 31 March 2024 Bulgaria and Romania fully joined the Schengen Area.
The full implementation of Schengen rules by Bulgaria and Romania means, among other things, that short stays in Bulgaria and Romania from 31 March 2024 must be included in the total stay that a third-country national may have in the Schengen countries (90 days within any 180-day period). This applies regardless of which border entry is used (air, land, or sea border).
From 31 March 2024, Bulgaria and Romania will also issue Schengen visas valid for the entire Schengen Area.
National short-stay visas issued by Bulgaria and Romania before 31 March 2024 are not valid for entry into other Schengen countries but only for entry into Bulgaria, Romania, and Cyprus.
If a third-country national only holds a short-stay visa issued by Bulgaria and Romania, they must apply for a Schengen visa if they wish to travel to another Schengen country than Bulgaria and Romania.
Residence permits listed in Annex 2 to the Visa Handbook, issued by Bulgaria and Romania and valid after 31 March 2024, are valid for entry into Denmark regardless of the time of issuance and entitle the holder to visa-free stays for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period.
Long-stay visas issued by Bulgaria and Romania also allow for visa-free entry and stays for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
You can find an overview of residence permits issued by Bulgaria and Romania valid for entry into Denmark in Annex 2 to the Visa Handbook.
Read the Council decision on the full application of Schengen rules in the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania
