WORLD : Romanians Pouring Into Austria
- Share via
VIENNA — Thousands of Romanians crossed through Hungary into Austria today, and tens of thousands lined up at the border in the hope of beating a midnight deadline for entering the country without a visa.
Authorities and angered citizens sought to prevent a possible flood of refugees, and officials said they had begun turning back Romanians who were unable to show they had sufficient hard currency to pay for their stay.
The visa requirement, which goes into effect at midnight, was enacted by Austrian authorities following heated debates in recent weeks.
According to police in the Austrian border region of Burgenland, 7,000 Romanians entered Austria from Hungary during the night and early morning.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
