Bulgaria and Romania officially joined the Schengen area, following a decision by the Council of Europe on 12 December 2024.
Although the two countries gained access to Schengen by air and sea in March 2024, their full integration was delayed by vetoes from Austria, Hungary and the Netherlands, which cited concerns about migration and corruption as reasons for their vetoes.
Austria lifted its veto, allowing them to join the European Union (EU) visa-free zone for land travel.
However, Hungary announced on Monday that it would reintroduce border controls with Romania from Wednesday, citing threats to public order and internal security.
Bulgaria and Romania, members of the EU since 2007, have long sought Schengen membership, and their candidacies were supported by a 2011 European Commission recommendation.
The Schengen area now encompasses 29 countries, including EU members and non-EU states such as Switzerland, Norway and Iceland, allowing for seamless travel without border checks, AA writes.
