EU authorities have confirmed that days spent in Bulgaria and Romania will count toward the Schengen allowance of a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period, or less for visa nationals, starting March 31.
Bulgaria and Romania joined the EU in 2007 and have been trying to enter the Schengen Area for over a decade. Austria has opposed the countries' admission, citing irregular migration concerns. In December 2023, Austria withdrew its veto and allowed the removal of border checks for air and sea travel.
The Schengen visa-free zone previously included 27 countries, including all EU member states — except Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland and Romania — and non-EU members Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.