The joining of the Schengen area by Romania on January 1, with the lifting of land border controls, does not imply essential changes at this stage. However, it involves additional checks, which can increase the processing time at border crossing points, especially during peak periods, IPN reports.
In this connection, the Border Police recommend travelers to check in advance the validity of the biometric passport and also if it is valid for at least 6 months from the planned date of travel.
At the same time, travelers are urged to consult official sources in order to be aware of the requirements regarding travel and stay in the Schengen area and to plan trips during less crowded periods so as to reduce waiting times.
After crossing the border with Romania, travelers will no longer be subject to border controls within the European community. This is after the Council of the European Union in mid-December approved the decision on the entry of Romania and Bulgaria into the Schengen area on January 1, 2025.
Thanks to this decision, Moldovan citizens will no longer have to pass the control at the border between Romania and Bulgaria or Hungary. As a result, travel time to Central and Western European countries will be reduced.
