Despite the easing of Schengen restrictions, border police have carried out thousands of border checks in recent hours

Despite the easing of travel restrictions within the Schengen area, Romanian border police have stepped up border controls. In the past 24 hours, the identity and legal status of nearly 5,000 people have been checked using the eDAC application, According to Agrapres.

eDAc application, used after Romania joined the Schengen area. Photo archive

After lifting restrictions on people’s movement, the police will conduct checks to verify the identity and legal status of people, and also to prevent and combat illegal activities. Air or sea transport to the Schengen area, From March 31, 2024.

“On July 19, the national border police handled border crossings for more than 313,200 Romanian and foreign citizens and about 93,900 vehicles (inbound and outbound).”, informed the Inspectorate General of Border Police (IGPF) through a press release.

In the direction of entry into Romania, 161,473 persons were processed at land border crossings, as well as at air and sea border crossings (entry from non-Schengen countries). At the same time, 47,087 vehicles entered Romania.

“For Ukrainian citizens, our staff conducts border crossing procedures for them at the state level in accordance with state and community regulations in this area. From February 10, 2022 to July 19, 2024, 9,033,191 Ukrainian citizens entered Romania at the state level.”, the quoted source said.

In the past 24 hours, when there were deviations from legal norms at border crossings and at the “Green Border” – Border Police 148 illegal acts in violation of Romanian legislation were found (86 felonies and 62 misdemeanors).

“When border police discovered violations, they imposed fines of 70,100 lei, confiscated goods worth more than 728,400 lei, and stopped sales to protect consumers.”, the IGPFS said.

In addition, 35 foreign citizens were banned from entering the country because they did not meet the conditions stipulated by the law, and 17 Romanian citizens were banned from leaving the country for various legal reasons.

The IGPF reminds that the Bulgarian authorities are carrying out restoration works on the Bulgarian side of the Friendship Bridge between Ruse and Giurgiu, which will last for about 730 days. These activities will be carried out every day and will last from 10 to 12 hours.

During the repair period, traffic will alternate on a single lane in a traffic light system.