Does Bulgaria belong to the Schengen countries?

Bulgaria is popular among tourists. This is a country of beach holidays, mineral springs and ski resorts. For those who are going on a trip, the question of a visa is important, and, therefore, whether Bulgaria is included in the Schengen. Let's figure it out.

The so-called Schengen zone appeared only in 1985. Initially, it included five states, currently - twenty-six. Signatory states have abolished passport and customs controls at their borders, making it easier for people and goods to move.

When asked whether Bulgaria, which is located in the southeast of Europe and borders, for example, with Greece, a signatory of the agreement, belongs to the Schengen, unfortunately, the answer must be “no”. It is believed that the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the agreement was delayed due to the high corruption of these countries: there were fears that permits for free entry would become available to everyone, including illegal migrants who would qualify for social benefits.

Forecast regarding Bulgaria's accession to the Schengen area for 2017

It should be recalled that there is also the European Union - a special association of countries that form a common economic space. Bulgaria has been a member of the European Union since 2007.

The acceptance of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen area has been debated for a long time. Several times the decision was postponed because the states of Europe (Great Britain, France, Germany, Holland) used the right of veto. But still, the question of when Bulgaria will enter the Schengen zone is now very relevant.

Everything seems to have changed in 2017. Germany has changed its position and now supports these countries. At first it was planned to sign the agreement on January 1, 2017: then the air and then the land borders would open first.

However, the European Commission published a report showing the insufficiency of the measures taken by the Bulgarian government in the implementation of judicial reform and in the fight against corruption. All this again slows down the entry of the republic into the Schengen. The next opportunity will appear for the Bulgarians at the end of 2017.

To Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia and Cyprus - one permit each

Like Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia and Cyprus are members of the European Union, but none of these countries is part of the Schengen area. In the summer of 2014, the governments of these states adopted an agreement under which citizens who have a double or multiple entry visa to one of them can also enter the territory of the other three.

It turns out that the Bulgarian national visa gives the right to enter and stay in the territory of Romania, Croatia and Cyprus. Of course, in this case, you must also comply with the established deadlines: you can enter only within the framework of the permit and a certain number of times, which is indicated in the document, as well as for a period not exceeding 90 days within 180.