Travelers check in at the newly installed Schengen and non-Schengen area signs at Henri Coanda International Airport in Otopeni, Bulgaria, March 31 - Photo: AFP
According to AFP news agency, Romania and Bulgaria joining the Schengen area on March 31 paves the way for air and sea travel between the two countries and the EU without border checks.
However, due to Austria's veto, land border controls will remain in place, as Austria opposes Eastern European countries becoming full members of the Schengen area due to fears of an influx of asylum seekers.
Although only a partial member of the Schengen area, the lifting of controls at the two countries' air and sea borders has important symbolic value.
Foreign policy analyst Stefan Popescu said that admission to Schengen was a "major milestone" for Bulgaria and Romania.
"This is a great success for both countries and a historic moment for the Schengen area. Together, we are building a stronger, more united Europe for all citizens," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
With the accession of Bulgaria and Romania, the Schengen area now has 29 members, including 25 of the 27 EU member states, along with Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
The Schengen rules will apply to Romania's four seaports and 17 airports, with the international airport in Otopeni near the capital Bucharest being the largest hub.
The Romanian government said more staff, including border police and immigration officers, would be deployed to assist passengers and detect those trying to leave Romania illegally. Random checks would also be carried out to combat fake documents and human trafficking.
Both Bulgaria and Romania hope to be fully integrated into Schengen by the end of this year, but so far Austria has only granted concessions for air and sea routes.
Established in 1985, the Schengen area now allows more than 400 million people to travel freely between member countries without internal border controls.
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