الأربعاء, 24 يناير 2024
Bulgarians and Romanians to experience smoother travels in Switzerland.
Effective March 31, 2024, this change aligns Switzerland more closely with European Union protocols, specifically within the Schengen area framework.
This decision, confirmed by the Swiss Federal Council following their latest meeting, reflects the adoption of a similar resolution by the EU Council in December. Consequently, Bulgarians and Romanians will see their citizens enjoy unrestricted air and sea border access to Switzerland.
Land border checks, however, will remain operational for the time being.
This policy shift signifies a broader development within the Schengen agreement. Notably, Bulgarians and Romanians will gain autonomy in issuing Schengen visas, an empowerment echoing the EU’s confidence in these nations’ capabilities.
The Federal Council has cited the smooth integration of Croatia into the Schengen zone as a positive precedent, dispelling concerns over potential spikes in migration rates.
The Schengen area, currently encompassing 27 countries across 4 million square kilometers and home to nearly 420 million people, the area is poised for growth. The inclusion of Romanians and Bulgarians marks a pivotal moment, extending the Schengen zone’s reach to an impressive 4.5 million square kilometers and boosting its population to approximately 450 million.
President von der Leyen said: “Today marks a historic moment for Bulgaria and Romania. It is a day of great pride for Romanian and Bulgarian citizens. As of March, they can freely cross internal sea and air borders without border controls. This is a major step forward for both countries and the Schengen area. Congratulations to Bulgaria and Romania: this great achievement is possible thanks to your hard work, commitment, and perseverance. Thanks to you, the Schengen area will become even stronger for the benefit of all EU citizens.”
Learn more about Swiss borders here.
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