You might have heard the exciting news: Romania has officially joined the Schengen Area! This is a big deal for travelers, as it makes visiting this beautiful country—and our beloved Brașov—simpler than ever. But what does "joining Schengen" actually mean for your travel plans? This guide will break it all down for you.

Key Takeaways for Travelers

  • No More Passport Checks at Airports: If you're flying to Romania from another Schengen country, you will no longer go through passport control. It's like taking a domestic flight.
  • Land Borders Are Next: Passport checks at land borders with Hungary and Bulgaria are scheduled to be removed on January 1, 2025.
  • Unified Schengen Visas: Romania now issues Schengen C-type visas, allowing travel across the entire 29-country zone.
  • Carry Your ID: Despite no border checks, you are still required to carry a valid ID (a national ID card or passport) with you at all times.

What's Changing for Travelers?

The main change is the elimination of internal border controls. As of March 31, 2024, Romania's air and sea borders are officially part of the Schengen zone. This means that if your journey starts in another Schengen country (like Germany, France, or Italy), you can fly or sail to Romania without having your passport stamped upon arrival.

Flying into Romania from a Schengen Country

The new rules make flying into Romania a much smoother experience. When you land at an airport like Bucharest (OTP) or even our local Brașov-Ghimbav Airport (GHV), you'll be treated as a domestic passenger. You'll simply walk off the plane and head straight to baggage claim, saving you valuable time.

However, remember that airlines will still check your ID at check-in or at the gate, so have it handy. If your flight originates from a non-Schengen country (like the UK, Ireland, or the USA), you will still go through full passport control.

What Documents Do I Still Need?

This is a crucial point: **"no border controls" does not mean "no documents."** All travelers are still required by law to carry a valid government-issued ID with them.

  • For EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens: A national ID card is sufficient.
  • For Other Nationals: You must carry your passport.

You could be asked for your ID by the police at any time, so make sure to have it on you, not just packed away in your hotel room.

What About Land Borders (Hungary & Bulgaria)?

For now, if you're traveling by car, bus, or train from Hungary or Bulgaria, the land border checks remain in place. However, this is set to change soon. The EU Council has confirmed that these checkpoints will be removed on **January 1, 2025**.

Until then, be prepared for potential queues at border crossings like Nădlac (with Hungary) or Giurgiu (with Bulgaria), and have your passport and vehicle documents ready.

How This Affects Your Brașov Trip

The new Schengen rules make planning your trip to Brașov more convenient than ever.

  • Easier Connections: You can now fly into a major Schengen hub like Vienna or Munich and take a connecting flight to Bucharest, Sibiu, or Brașov without worrying about a second passport control slowing you down.
  • Seamless Travel from Bucharest: Once you land in Bucharest from a Schengen country, you can quickly grab a train or rental car and head to the mountains. Our guide on the best ways to get from Bucharest to Brașov can help you with that leg of the journey.
  • Focus on the Fun Stuff: With less time spent in airport queues, you'll have more time to explore. Once you're here, our guide to getting around Brașov will help you navigate the city like a pro.

For the most up-to-date official information, always check the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website before you travel.

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