ATHENS – Effective January 1, 2025, Bulgaria and Greece will eliminate border controls, facilitating Bulgaria’s entry into the Schengen Area, alongside Romania. This change will expand the Schengen Area to 29 European countries, allowing entry without visas.
This development was confirmed in a communiqué from the Bulgarian Interior Ministry, as reported by Euractiv. It will be marked by a meeting between Bulgarian and Greek police services at the Kulata-Promachon border crossing, the largest shared border point, on New Year’s Day.
The Netherlands, which had previously blocked Bulgaria’s and Romania’s entry, has now endorsed their inclusion in the Schengen Area, despite some opposition from far-right and other political groups within the country.
This change will ease border crossing for Greeks and Bulgarians, benefiting many Bulgarian tourists, particularly those who visit northern Greece, as well as individuals conducting business across the border.