Bulgaria Marks a Momentous Occasion: Barriers Lifted at Kulata Border Crossing, Welcome to Schengen Area
In a historic moment that ushered in a new era of travel, border police at Kulata lifting barriers at border control point came together for a commemorative group photo at the stroke of midnight, signaling Bulgaria’s official entry into the Schengen Area. As of today, border crossings with Greece are now boundary-free, with no need for border checks, custom controls, or tax inspections – Bulgaria has officially joined Schengen in a land-bound sense.
Border barriers at Kulata lifted (Image: Тони Маскръчка)
The change, marking a fusion of European boundaries, was vividly captured as border police vehicles, once fixtures at Kulata, left the checkpoint. This scene repeated across all border crossings with Greece.
Border police departing Kulata
First Commuters Experience Boundary-Free Travel
The first commuter to cross the Bulgarian border without checks was Petrich resident Georgi Manov, who commutes daily to his job at a tavern in nearby Nea Petritsi, Greece. "I lost several hours daily during peak summer traffic due to long queues," shared Manov, joyful at his time-saving commute. Bulgarian border police marked the occasion by giving Manov muscat wine with rose oil.
Georgi Manov, first to enter Bulgaria without check (Image: Тони Маскръчка)
Selective Controls on Romanian Border
While the Greek border relaxes into Schengen, controls at Romania’s border will continue for six more months but will be selective, focusing on ‘risk-based control.’
The first Tir driver from Sandanski (Image: Тони Маскръчка)
The first heavy vehicle into Bulgaria from Greece was a Polish Tir truck, blowing its horn on entry. Soon after, the first Bulgarian Tir from Sandanski crossed, its driver expressing hopes that this boundary shift will ease travel and save time and costs for him and his company.
