As of January 1, 2025, Bulgaria will remove the last land border checks with Schengen countries. After the March 2024 phase—when air and sea checks were lifted—the country is already experiencing the first wave of increased mobility and streamlined access. This event is not only symbolic, but also strategic, with the potential to reshape Bulgaria’s tourism, logistics, and investment landscape.
Schengen: More than Free Movement
Schengen is not just about passport-free travel. It is a system of trust, coordination, and interoperability. For Bulgaria, this means:
- Faster deliveries and reduced transit time for freight
- Facilitated travel for tourists from Western Europe
- Increased attractiveness to foreign investors
- Improved regional connections and new transport corridors
Tourism on the Rise
Following the removal of airport border checks, tourist flows from countries such as Germany, Austria, and Italy are growing. A 15–20% increase in short-term visits to the Black Sea coast and ski resorts is expected. Bulgaria will become more competitive against destinations like Croatia and Greece, especially during the off-season.
Barrier-Free Logistics
Bulgaria is positioning itself as a key logistics hub in Southeastern Europe. With land checks lifted, transport and warehousing companies are preparing to expand. Some delivery times may be cut by up to 48 hours, improving supply chain efficiency.
Investment Magnetism
Foreign companies seek a predictable and integrated business environment. Schengen facilitates this. Industrial zones near border crossings, ports, and airports are becoming increasingly attractive. Investment growth is expected in logistics, light industry, and tourism infrastructure.
Risks and Challenges
Seamless integration depends on the capacity of Bulgarian border authorities, infrastructure readiness, and political stability. Overloaded checkpoints, administrative delays, or corruption could reduce the benefits.
Scenarios for 2025–2026
- Realistic: 15–20% tourism growth, stable logistics flows, moderate investor interest.
- Optimistic: Bulgaria becomes a gateway to the Balkans, attracting new transport routes and foreign capital.
- Pessimistic: Bureaucratic delays and weak infrastructure limit impact.
Conclusion: Schengen is not the final destination—it is a new starting point. If Bulgaria acts strategically, the long-term economic impact could be transformative across sectors.
Disclaimer: This article is an analytical overview by the BurgasMedia editorial team and reflects the expert group’s position based on current events. The presented conclusions are hypothetical and not forecasts. The editorial team is not liable for future discrepancies and encourages readers to form independent opinions based on verified sources.