Starting January 1, Romania will abolish regular border controls at nearly 40 border crossings with Hungary and Bulgaria as the country becomes a full member of the Schengen area, according to an announcement by the Romanian border police.

This significant step will allow for the free movement of people and goods between Romania and other Schengen member states, similar to domestic travel within the zone.

At 12 road and 5 rail border crossings with Hungary, and 11 road, 3 rail, and 8 port crossings with Bulgaria, regular document checks will be eliminated for all travelers, regardless of nationality.

While border controls are abolished, passengers must still possess valid travel documents (passports or identity cards). The Romanian border police will continue to conduct random checks along the state border.

Romania has significantly enhanced its border security capabilities, deploying 90% of its border police academy graduates to external border sections.

In 2024, an average of 110,000 passengers crossed Romanian borders daily. The busiest crossing point was at the Csanádpalota-Nagylak II motorway crossing with Hungary, with an average of 9,500 passengers and 4,870 vehicles. The Danube bridge between Giurgiu and Ruse, at the Romanian-Bulgarian border, saw the highest traffic with 10,500 daily crossings. ILKHA)