This photo taken in Ruse, Bulgaria on Dec. 31, 2024 shows a border checkpoint between Ruse, Bulgaria and Giurgiu, Romania. Romania and Bulgaria officially joined the Schengen Area on Wednesday, eliminating border checks with neighboring Hungary and between the two countries. (BTA via Xinhua)

BUCHAREST, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- Romania and Bulgaria officially joined the Schengen Area on Wednesday, eliminating border checks with neighboring Hungary and between the two countries.

This marks their full integration into Europe's passport-free travel zone, and ceremonies were held at key border crossings, attended by senior officials from both nations.

The Romanian Border Police confirmed that 40 border crossing points are now fully operational without checks, streamlining travel and trade across the region.

Travelers moving to or from other Schengen states, excluding Cyprus and Ireland, no longer need to stop for document verification.

However, authorities will conduct random checks within a 30-km border zone using mobile devices and risk-based assessments. ■

Law enforcement officers conduct random inspections on border-crossing vehicles in Haskovo, Bulgaria, Jan. 1, 2025. Romania and Bulgaria officially joined the Schengen Area on Wednesday, eliminating border checks with neighboring Hungary and between the two countries.

This marks their full integration into Europe's passport-free travel zone, and ceremonies were held at key border crossings, attended by senior officials from both nations.

The Romanian Border Police confirmed that 40 border crossing points are now fully operational without checks, streamlining travel and trade across the region.

Travelers moving to or from other Schengen states, excluding Cyprus and Ireland, no longer need to stop for document verification.

However, authorities will conduct random checks within a 30-km border zone using mobile devices and risk-based assessments. (BTA via Xinhua)