Romania and Bulgaria partially join Schengen travel zone

Passengers arriving at Henri Coanda International Airport in Romania pass under a Schengen Information sign (Andreea Alexandru/AP)

Romania and Bulgaria have partially joined Europe’s identity check-free travel zone, marking a new step in the two countries’ integration with the European Union.

After years of negotiations to join the so-called Schengen area, there is now free access for travellers arriving by air or sea. Land border checks will remain in place, however, due to opposition primarily from Austria, which has long blocked their bid over illegal migration concerns.