Bulgaria’s recent inclusion in the Schengen Area has led to significant changes in travel regulations, particularly affecting minors.
With the removal of border checks between Schengen member states, travel within the area is now treated similarly to domestic journeys, simplifying procedures for Bulgarian citizens.
However, these changes have raised both opportunities and challenges, especially concerning children traveling abroad.
Family law expert Yordanka Bekirska, alongside her 16-year-old son Todor, conducted a practical experiment to test the new system. The pair purchased separate tickets to Paris and underwent identical travel procedures at Sofia Airport.
Bekirska observed that there were no additional checks for Todor, highlighting the seamless nature of travel under Schengen rules.
“Travel from Sofia to Paris is no longer considered an international trip but rather an internal movement within the Schengen Area, much like traveling from Sofia to Varna,” she said.
Simplified Travel for Children
Under the updated guidelines, children can travel alone or with one parent as long as they have the necessary identification.
For minors without an ID card, the responsibility for documentation lies with the parent holding the international passport. Crucially, a declaration of consent from the other parent is no longer required unless there is suspicion of parental abduction.
This policy marks a departure from previous practices that mandated a notarized declaration of consent for a child traveling with only one parent.
The new approach aligns with the broader Schengen framework, which aims to facilitate the free movement of people while balancing security concerns.
Concerns Over Monitoring
While the streamlined process has been welcomed by many, it has also raised questions about oversight. Bekirska highlighted the lack of a robust monitoring system to track potential cases of parental abduction or unauthorized travel.
“The system now relies heavily on individual vigilance and the Border Police to act on specific reports,” she explained.
If a parent suspects that their child may be taken abroad without consent, they can notify the Border Police, triggering a special check.
This applies at both airports and land crossings. However, such interventions are reactive rather than preventive, which some experts fear could leave gaps in safeguarding children.
Addressing Parental Abduction
In cases where parental abduction is suspected, international laws provide mechanisms for resolving disputes.
The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction requires the country where the child is located to return them to their home country within six weeks.
While this offers a legal recourse, Bekirska noted that enforcement can be challenging, particularly if parents attempt to bypass the system.
“Even with international agreements in place, there are always risks when parents in conflict try to manipulate the rules,” she cautioned.
Balancing Freedom and Security
As Bulgaria adjusts to its Schengen membership, the new regulations reflect a broader effort to balance the freedom of movement with the need for child protection.
For parents and authorities alike, the changes underscore the importance of vigilance and cooperation in ensuring the safety of minors.
While the benefits of seamless travel within the Schengen Area are clear, the evolving landscape of travel regulations demands careful attention to potential risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children.