The Swiss Federal Council has approved a decision that will facilitate travelling between Switzerland, Bulgaria and Romania, according to SchengenVisaInfo.com.
According to the Federal Council, the government decided to stop checking passports at its airports for people departing from Bulgaria and Romania from March 31, 2024. The move followed the EU Council’s decision to abolish air and sea border controls with the two countries.
“At its meeting on January 24, the Federal Council approved Switzerland’s response. For Switzerland, the adoption means, in particular, that from March 31, there will be no more checks at airports for people travelling to and from Bulgaria and Romania.”
However, the Council warned the public not to expect a significant increase in migration due to the decision, based on the experience of Croatia’s accession to the Schengen area early last year. However, it also emphasised that existing measures would be used to combat irregular and cross-border migration if necessary.
A significant increase in migration cannot be expected as a result of the decision. Existing instruments and preventive measures will be used to combat illegal migration and crime.
On December 30, 2023, the EU Council adopted a decision on internal border controls at the air and sea crossings with Bulgaria and Romania.
The Schengen accession date for Bulgaria and Romania will be determined after March 31, 2024, the European Council announced. Once the two countries officially join the Schengen area with air and sea borders, they will also be eligible to issue Schengen visas.
