Bulgaria-Romania-travel-tourism-diplomacy-transport

A newly installed sign pointing to Schengen transfer flights is pictured next to EU and Romanian flags, after Romania's official entry into the European area of free circulation at Otopeni's "Henri Coanda" international airport on March 31, 2024. Bulgaria and Romania joined Europe's vast Schengen area of free movement on March 31, opening up travel by air and sea without border checks after a 13-year wait. A veto by Austria however means the new status will not apply to land routes, after Vienna expressed concerns over a potential influx of asylum seekers. Despite the partial membership, the lifting of controls at the two countries' air and sea borders is of significant symbolic value. (Photo by Daniel MIHAILESCU / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL MIHAILESCU/AFP via Getty Images)