ANKARA

Hungary will initiate border controls with Romania, which joined the EU's visa-free Schengen area by land, starting Jan. 1.

According to reports in the Hungarian press citing law enforcement sources, border checks with Romania will be reinstated to "prevent threats to public order and internal security."

Hungarian police have warned travelers entering the country that random checks may be conducted and advised them to carry the necessary documents.

According to Bucharest-based Libertatea newspaper, more than 30 border crossing points in Romania, which will join the Schengen area by land in the new year, are set to be closed.

Random checks will also continue mutually for six months at the Bulgaria-Romania border.

Romania and Bulgaria joined the Schengen area by land on Dec. 12.