Bulgaria formally joined Europe's visa-free Schengen travel zone by air and sea

Bulgaria was officially accepted into the Schengen area by air and sea.

As of the first hours of 31 March, border controls at airports and ports for travellers to and from Schengen countries were lifted.

The country does not yet have a date for accession by land.

Passengers on a flight from Naples were the first to enter the country without border controls.

They said they noticed a change and got through faster to the airport exit.

All Bulgaria’s international airports ready to operate as part of the Schengen zone as of March 31 2024