Is Bulgaria in the Schengen area?
Yes
Yes. Bulgaria is a full member of the Schengen area - its land borders opened on 1 January 2025.
- In Schengen area?
- Yes
- EU member?
- Yes
- Joined Schengen
- 1 January 2025
Bulgaria became a full Schengen member on 1 January 2025, when checks at its internal land borders were lifted. Air and sea border controls had already been removed on 31 March 2024, so 2025 completed the accession.
Because Bulgaria is now inside the Schengen area, the days you spend there count towards the same 90/180 allowance as France, Germany or any other member - there is no separate Bulgarian quota.
What this means for your 90 days
Days spent in Bulgaria count against your shared Schengen 90-day limit, exactly like any other member state.
Keeping track of your 90 days across the whole 180-day window? Use the free 90/180 calculator and read the full rule explainer.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bulgaria in the Schengen area?
Yes. Bulgaria is a full member of the Schengen area - its land borders opened on 1 January 2025.
Do days spent in Bulgaria count towards my Schengen 90/180 days?
Days spent in Bulgaria count against your shared Schengen 90-day limit, exactly like any other member state.
Is Bulgaria in the EU?
Yes - Bulgaria is a member of the European Union. EU membership and Schengen membership are separate, though: here the country is in both.
Sources
- European Commission - The Schengen area - verified 11 Jun 2026