2025: EU adds two countries to its Schengen visa entries; Romania and Bulgaria

[p6x]

A quick note before I head out on the Quota in this blissful winter temperatures which I have longed for. Winter riding brings its own joy in many aspects...

A bunch of changes are going to be implemented in Europe starting 2025. Some are welcome, others no so much, but hey, there is nothing we can do about them.

If you travel to Europe, and you don't have a Schengen country passport, you will have to apply for an electronic visa. Same as what everyone else does to enter the USA. It will be valid for three years, or until the end of your passport validity, whichever comes first. You will be allowed to have a 90 days stay over a 180 days period. This is to avoid those that reset the clock by exiting to nearby non Schengen countries for one day.

The good news is, with your Schengen visa, you will be able to travel to Romania and Bulgaria without any need for more immigration requirements!

These two countries are beautiful in their own rights, and have plenty of incredibly beautiful places motorcycle friendly.

Part of the good news, Europe is implementing facial recognition machines to replace the long lines we face when we land in Europe. My last entry to Paris, it took me +180 minutes to clear immigration, and I have a EU passport! crazy!

In the bad news section, some of the very popular places are introducing a Tourist Tax; I did not really look into this one closely, but since many of us like to travel to Italy, including recently, I am aware that Venice is leading the charge. Remember to stay in Mestre if you want to visit Venice.

Since I am at it, UK too is introducing its own Electronic visa system.

Let's be honest, all these electronic visas sfuff is one more way to get money out of travellers.

In any case, I highly recommend to put Romania and Bulgaria in your bucket list of things to do.

Edited January 8 by p6x