There’s been a surge in wait times at border points along the Danube River, with travellers mistakenly assuming it grants access to the Schengen zone like a sea border. This blog clears up the confusion and explores the situation.
The Issue: Bulgaria and Romania recently joined the Schengen Area for air and sea travel, but land borders, including those along the Danube, still require passport checks. Travellers expecting seamless movement are facing unexpected delays.
The Reason: The Schengen zone eliminates border controls between member countries. However, the Danube is classified as a land border, just like any land crossing. River travel within Schengen countries wouldn’t require checks, but crossing from a non-Schengen country still triggers them.
The Impact: Frustrated travellers and longer queues are the immediate effects. This also highlights the need for clearer travel information, especially for those unfamiliar with the nuances of the Schengen zone.
The Takeaway: While Bulgaria and Romania’s partial Schengen membership is a positive step, it’s crucial to understand that land borders still require checks. Travellers planning Danube crossings should research border procedures beforehand to avoid surprises and long waits.
