The Schengen visa has made travel across Europe easier for decades. The latest countries to join the group of countries in Europe where you can visit without an additional visa are Bulgaria and Romania. Travel companies are also predicting a coming surge in interest, which also has to do with the “maximalist mindset” of Indian travellers. “We have seen a 30% increase in demand. Indians are ultimate value seekers and with just one visa, the allure of multi-country travel will definitely drive more people to apply for it in the coming months,” said Thomas, President of Holidays, MICE, Visa for India and Country Chief Rajeev Kale says. Cook (India) Limited.
Highlighting the logistical ease of access, Abhishek Gupta, Co-Founder and Director, Trip Navigator, explained, “This expansion streamlines the visa process, facilitating seamless travel across multiple EU countries and enabling professionals on-the-go. Reduces logistics complexities for. Eliminating internal border checks increases efficiency and saves valuable time, while improved connectivity promises more direct flight options and easier access to emerging markets.
Required Information
Schengen visas issued by Romania and Bulgaria after March 31, 2024, allow travel within the Schengen countries for up to 90 days out of 180 days. However, the passport check exemption for these countries is only valid for air and sea transport. Travelers crossing the Romanian or Bulgarian border by road (which includes rivers and lakes) must have a valid passport.
when in romania
What to do: Take a walking tour of the capital, Bucharest, learning about its history as you visit (Nicola) Ceausescu’s Balcony – where the Romanian dictator gave his last speech – and the former secret police headquarters. Explore Văcărești, a reclaimed marsh turned into a nature park with beaver and bird species. Three hours north is Bran Castle, associated with Vlad the Impaler (who is believed to be the inspiration for Dracula). Use extra time, if any, to explore the vast wetlands of the Danube Delta.
what to eat: Savoring avant-garde Romanian dishes like butter-soft venison is a must in Romania. If pasta is central to Italian cuisine, for Romanians, it’s ciorba de fasole cu afumatura, or bean soup with smoked pork, a comforting staple served with smoked meats or pork knuckle or bacon. Balmos (inset above) is another special dish of the old Romanian shepherds made using mamalyga or polenta. Don’t forget to visit Casa Capsa, a historic restaurant known for its chocolate buttermilk layer cake, known as Joffrey, which was created over a century ago.
do as the bulgarians do
What to do: Explore the communist-era sites of Sofia, the maritime charm of Varna and the archaeological wonder and beauty of the Valley of the Roses near Plovdiv. Architecture lover? View an open-air gallery of Eccentric Revival houses, alongside Plovdiv’s ancient ruins. Or, take a bus to Tryavna where the breathtaking Belogradchik Fortress and 180 cultural monuments await you. Explore Arbanasi’s mix of Greek and Bulgarian architecture, visit the iconic Rila Monastery and discover the medieval charm of Veliko Tarnovo.
what to eat: Start your morning with banitsa (inset below), a traditional Bulgarian pastry prepared by stacking layers of filo pastry dough with butter and traditional Bulgarian cheese before baking. For lunch, Bulgarians love their soups and salads and skambe (tripe soup) – made by simmering chopped or minced tripe (cattle stomach lining) with paprika, milk and oil for several hours Goes – is a local favorite. For a heavier, heartier dinner, try the Meshna Skara at one of Sofia’s local upscale restaurants, which includes akufte (meatballs like the Indian kofta) and pork skewers and a pork belly.
