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28.10.2020 Entry RestrictionsCitizens of EU Member States + Schengen Associated countries and their family members are allowed to enter Bulgaria without restrictions. Full details are available in the Order № RD-01-547 of 30.09.2020 for temporary ban on entry into the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria (in Bulgarian) TransitTransit through Bulgaria to the country of residence is allowed for: (a) nationals of the EU, a Schengen country, or the UK and their family members; (b) non-EU nationals, who have a long-term residence permit in another EU Member State, the UK, or in a Schengen country and their family members; (c) Nationals of Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, North Macedonia, Moldova and Turkey, as well as Kuwait and Israel, can transit to return to the country of which they are nationals. Transit is only permitted when the traveler will immediately leave Bulgaria. Persons who are allowed to transit must submit to health inspectors at the border a declaration, regarding observation of the Ministry of Health’s anti-epidemic measures and acknowledgement of the risks of COVID-19. Mandatory Travel DocumentationSelf-risk travel declaration available in 8 languages (BG / EN / DE / RU / FR / RO / GR / RS) Citizens of Austrialia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Corea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Kuwait, Turkeycan enter the territory of Bulgaria without restrictions. Third countriesAll people who arrive from all other third countries and who: - have permanent status, long-term or long-term residence on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria (including member of their families); - hold a Bulgarian long-stay visa type "D", as well as a residence permit in a EU+ country (including member of their families) are admitted to the territory of Bulgaria upon submission of a negative PCR test not older than 72 hours before entry.
30.09.2020 Transit Transit through Bulgaria to the country of residence is allowed for: (a) nationals of the EU, a Schengen country, or the UK and their family members; (b) non-EU nationals, who have a long-term residence permit in another EU Member State, the UK, or in a Schengen country and their family members; (c) Nationals of Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, North Macedonia, Moldova and Turkey, as well as Kuwait and Israel, can transit to return to the country of which they are nationals. Transit is only permitted when the traveler will immediately leave Bulgaria. Persons who are allowed to transit must submit to health inspectors at the border a declaration, regarding observation of the Ministry of Health’s anti-epidemic measures and acknowledgement of the risks of COVID-19. Third-country national coming from outside the EU and Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein Citizens of Austria, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Corea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay, United Arab Emirates can enter the territory of Bulgaria without restrictions. All people who arrive from all other third countries and who: - have permanent status, long-term or long-term residence on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria (including member of their families); - hold a Bulgarian long-stay visa type "D", as well as a residence permit in a EU+ country (including member of their families) are admitted to the territory of Bulgaria upon submission of a negative PCR test not older than 72 hours before entry. EU+ comprises EU Member States plus Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, Vatican City State and the Republic of San Marino. Full details are available in the Order № RD-01-488 of 31.08.2020 for temporary ban on entry into the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria (in Bulgarian)
1.09.2020 A temporary ban has been introduced for the entry into the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria of all persons, regardless of their nationality, through all border crossings, by air, sea, railway and road transport. The ban does not apply to: Is entry based on nationality, residency or location of departure? All persons authorised to enter the country, and arriving from a starting point in one of the above-mentioned countries, shall be admitted in Bulgaria without the need to provide a certificate showing a negative PCR result for COVID-19. All persons who are allowed entry into the country, and who arrive from a starting point in a third country outside the above mentioned list, shall be admitted in Bulgaria only after providing a document showing a negative PCR result for COVID-19 conducted within 72 hours before entering the country. This certificate shall contain the name of the person according to the identity document with which he is travelling, information on the laboratory carrying out the test (name, address or other contact details), date on which the examination was carried out, written in the Latin method and allowing interpretation of the document. The Bulgarian citizens, as well as long-term and permanent residents in Bulgaria and the members of their families who come from countries for which a negative PCR test is required, and who do not present such a test, are subject to 14 days of quarantine. Other exceptions are also identified. Full details may be found in the Order No RD-01-459 of 31.08.2020 of the Minister of Health. |
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18.08.2020 Entry requirements 01 - 31 August 2020 additional rules under Ordinances of the Minister of Health apply on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria:
Start date: 01.08.2020 End date: 31.08.2020
22.07.2020 Transit through Bulgaria Transit through the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, upon submitting a declaration to Border Health Control Authorities, shall be granted to:
Transit shall be allowed only when immediate departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria is guaranteed. Start date: 18.06.2020 End date: 30.06.2020 Further information: https://www.mh.government.bg/media/filer_public/2020/06/17/z... More info: https://www.mfa.bg/en/customnews/main/24737 |
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19.03.2020 The Bulgarian Customs Agency publishes information regarding COVID-19 on its |
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Mandatory 14-day quarantine (17.03.2020) Bulgaria has issued an Ordinance N130 which establishes nationals of which countries shall be placed in quarantine for a period of 14 days. All Bulgarian nationals or foreign nationals having their permanent, long-term or extended residence on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria and their family members arriving from certain countries shall be placed in quarantine for a period of 14 days either at their home or at a placement facility at which said persons have stated they would reside. For the list of countries and exemptions refer to the website. Start date: 17.03.2020 End date: not available Temporary ban on the entry of third-country nationals into the territory of Bulgaria (19.03.2020) Bulgaria has issued an Ordinance N138 temporarily prohibiting the entry of third-country nationals into Bulgaria. The entry into the territory of Bulgaria shall be temporarily prohibited from 00:00 hours on 20 March until 17 April 2020, inclusive, to all third-country nationals at all border crossing points and with any means of transport, including aviation, maritime, rail and road. The ban on entry into the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria of persons arriving from the following EU Member States and Schengen countries shall remain in force: Italy, Spain, France, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland, except Bulgarian citizens, family members of Bulgarian citizens and persons with permanent and long-term residence status on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria. Citizens from these EU Member States and Schengen countries and their family members are allowed to transit through the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria in order to return to their country of residence. For further information and possible exemptions consult the website. Start date: 20.03.2020 End date: 17.04.2020 Contact information: http://www.mh.government.bg/bg/novini/aktualno/ministrt-na-zdraveopazvaneto-izdade-zapoved-za-lic/ |
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02.12.2020 The “emergency epidemic situation” in Bulgaria has been extended until 31 January 2021. Further information about the COVID-19 and related special procedures can be found attached. The measures for professional drivers remain unchanged. Source: AEBTRI
26.10.2020 In addition to the other measures in place from 22 October, the use of face masks (or otherwise covering the nose and the mouth - including cloth, scarf, helmet, etc.), is mandatory in open public places, where it is impossible to keep a physical distance of 1.5 metres from others. Link to official document: Click here Source: Ministry of Health of Bulgaria / AEBTRI
02.10.2020 The “emergency epidemic situation” in Bulgaria has been extended until 30 November. Attached you will find updated information on the special procedures related to COVID-19. The measures for professional drivers remain unchanged. Source: AEBTRI
02.09.2020 The emergency epidemic situation in Bulgaria has been extended until 30 September 2020. Attached you can find updated information in English on the special procedures related to COVID-19. Source: AEBTRI
25.06.2020 On 24 June, the Bulgarian authorities extended the emergency epidemic situation until 15 July. Quarantine rules have been set out as follows: people entering the territory of Republic of Bulgaria from Sweden, UK and Portugal, as well as from third countries, except Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Lichtenstein, San Marino, Andorra, Monaco and the Vatican, shall be quarantined for a period of 14 days at home or other accommodation where the person has indicated that he/she will reside, with a prescription issued by the director of the relevant regional health inspectorate, or a person authorised by him. Exemption to the quarantine provisions are granted to Bulgarian citizens and citizens of other EU Member States, UK, and Schengen States (including San Marino, Andorra, Monaco and the Vatican) who are:
The following persons, regardless of their nationality, are also exempt:
Authorities have also updated the declaration forms (English, Bulgarian and Romanian,Turkish and Czech) for people entering Bulgaria. Members are reminded that such declaration does not substitute Annex 3.
17.06.2020 International goods transport drivers entering Bulgaria are reminded that they should still complete and sign a declaration, which is now available in Bulgarian and Romanian, English, Turkish and Czech. The use of face masks is only mandatory on public transport, in pharmacies and medical institutions, and strongly recommended when physical distancing cannot be guaranteed. Source: AEBTRI
12.06.2020 On 12 June, the Bulgarian government extended the state of emergency until 30 June. The same measures apply. Source: AEBTRI
05.06.2020 After assessing the epidemiological situation, the Bulgarian Minister of Health issued a new order (already in force) on 4 June amending the previous order issued on 14 May. The exceptions of the temporary entry ban for all foreign nationals through all border crossing points by all means of transport have changed for the following categories: - persons arriving from the Republic of North Macedonia are not exempt anymore from entry and transit bans; - in addition, persons arriving from Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro are now exempt from entry and transit bans; - coach and truck drivers are exempt from these restrictions. Source: AEBTRI
02.06.20 On 30 May, the Bulgarian government put in place some more deconfinement measures:
Individuals entering Bulgaria who are not subject to quarantine provisions are still required to present a declaration to the border authorities. Full details can be read here. Source: AEBTRI
25.05.2020 From 22 May, anyone permitted to enter the territory of Bulgaria without quarantine (ie. truck drivers entering and transiting Bulgaria) will be required to present a new declaration to the border health control authorities. This declaration is available in Bulgarian, English, and Romanian. In order to minimise waiting times, drivers are advised to fill in the declaration prior to their arrival at the border crossing points. Source: AEBTRI
14.05.2020 On 13 May, Bulgarian Authorities lifted the state of emergency and introduced an "emergency epidemic situation", which will be in place from 14 May until 14 June. Entry bans for all foreign nationals are still in place, while measures concerning international drivers remain practically the same and can be consulted here (in Bulgarian only). Source: AEBTRI
07.05.2020 On 7 May, the Bulgarian government put into force the following deconfinement measures: The following special check-points, initially established at all entries and exits of the town of Bansko and of all regional centres, have been lifted: Blagoevgrad, Burgas, Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, Vidin, Vratsa, Gabrovo, Dobrich, Kardzhali, Kyustendil, Lovech, Montana, Pazardzhik, Pernik, Pleven, Plovdiv, Razgrad, Ruse, Silistra, Sliven, Smolyan, Sofia, Stara Zagora, Targovishte, Haskovo, Shumen, Yambol. People and drivers can freely enter and exit these cities with no delays. The use of a facial mask is already mandatory in closed public spaces. Nevertheless, people and drivers who are in open public places are required to comply with the requirement of social distancing and all anti-epidemic measures, and wear a protective mask in case there is a need to be in contact with others. The border health authorities stopped issuing instruction notes to non-Bulgarian drivers entering Bulgaria; this will reduce waiting times at border crossing points. The regime for non-Bulgarian drivers coming from a country with registered COVID-19 cases, is currently as follows: · Drivers of goods vehicles transporting goods destined for the Bulgarian market should enter the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, unload the goods transported (and load goods for the return trip, if need be), and immediately leave the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria. · Transit through the Republic of Bulgaria is only permitted on routes determined by the Road Infrastructure Agency. The deadline for leaving the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria cannot exceed 24 hours from entry into the country. Measures apply immediately and until further notice. Source: AEBTRI
24.04.2020 Until 13 May, Bulgaria introduced a new obligation making the use of facial masks mandatory for all, including drivers, in open or closed public spaces. In addition, measures applying to drivers have also been slightly amended. The following regime is in place for non-Bulgarian drivers coming from a country with registered COVID-19 cases: - drivers of goods vehicles transporting goods destined for the Bulgarian market should enter the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, unload the goods transported and/or load goods, and immediately leave the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria; and - drivers of goods vehicles transporting goods destined for other countries are permitted to transit through the Republic of Bulgaria on a route determined by the Road Infrastructure Agency. The border health authorities shall issue an instruction note to drivers passing through the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria specifying: - the date and time at which they should leave the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria; and - the border crossing point at which they have to exit. Source: AEBTRI
14.04.2020 Today, the Bulgarian Road Infrastructure Agency has issued an order temporarily suspending the official holidays driving ban for trucks over 12 tonnes. In addition, the Bulgarian Government has granted further temporary tolerance concerning the enforcement of driving and rest time rules for drivers under Reg. (EC) 561/2006 regarding the national and international transport of goods. This exception applies from 17 April 2020, 00:00 to 17 May 2020, 24:00. Measures lifted are the following: - Art. 6(1): replacement of the maximum daily driving limit of 9 hours with one of 11 hours; - Art. 7: replacement of the minimum daily break requirements by imposing a break of 45 minutes after 5 and a half hours; - Art. 8(6): possibility to take two consecutive reduced weekly rest periods of minimum 24 hours, provided that: • the drivers take at least 4 weekly rests within these 4 consecutive weeks and at least two of them should be regular weekly rests • the two reduced weekly rests should be compensated before the next rest period - Derogation to Article 8(8) of Regulation 561/2006: possibility for the driver to take the regular weekly rest in the vehicle, as long as it has suitable sleeping facilities for each driver and the vehicle is stationary. Source: AEBTRI
14.04.2020 The Bulgarian Road Infrastructure Agency has published an interactive map of the green corridors for road transport of goods transiting the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria. The map contains useful information on rest areas and the respective number of parking slots, sanitary facilities, possibility to buy food, availability of internet connection, lighting, video surveillance, fuel station, nearest emergency services, number of slots for refuelling refrigerated trucks, etc.: http://www.api.bg/index.php/en/green-corridors or https://www.bgtoll.bg/en Source: AEBTRI
08.04.2020 Restrictions In a new order issued on 6 April, the Minister of Health has confirmed the temporary entry ban for all third country (non-EU) nationals through all border crossing points by all means of transport. Entry bans apply to all persons coming from the following countries, irrespective of their nationality: Italy, Spain, France, United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Lichtenstein and Luxembourg. The following categories are excluded from the prohibitions above: a) Bulgarian citizens, family members of Bulgarian citizens, persons with permanent, long-term residence status in the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria and members of their families; b) Medical professionals, medical scientists and social workers, if the purpose of their journey is linked to their professional work; c) Transport personnel engaged in the carriage of goods, aircraft crews engaged in commercial air transport and other transport personnel, as appropriate; d) Foreign officials (Heads of State, Government, etc.) and members of their delegations, as well as diplomats, officials of international organisations, military personnel and humanitarian workers carrying out their duties; e) Persons travelling for humanitarian reasons; f) Nationals of Member States of the European Union and Schengen States (including San Marino, Andorra, Monaco and the Vatican) and third-country nationals directly involved in the construction, maintenance, operation and security of strategic and critical infrastructure of the Republic of Bulgaria; and g) Frontier workers and seasonal farm workers. Transit through the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria is allowed for: a) Nationals of Member States of the European Union and Schengen States (including San Marino, Andorra, Monaco and the Vatican) and their family members in order to return to their country of residence; b) Third-country nationals who hold a long-term residence permit in another Member State of the European Union or in a Schengen country (including San Marino, Andorra, Monaco and the Vatican) and their family members in order to return to their country of residence; c) Citizens of Serbia, the Republic of Northern Macedonia, Montenegro and Turkey in order to return to their country; d) Transport personnel engaged in the carriage of goods, aircraft crews engaged in commercial air transport and other transport personnel, as appropriate, to which the special rules apply. Bulgarian truck drivers arriving from a country with registered Covid-19 cases are subject to the 14-day quarantine period. During the quarantine period they are permitted to transit Bulgaria for the purpose of carrying out or completing international transport: i. to transit through the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria; ii. to be in the cab of the truck; iii. to drive the truck; iv. to carry out loading and unloading activities; and v. to leave the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria before the quarantine period has ended. The following regime has been introduced for non-Bulgarian drivers - citizens of the above countries or coming from them or having passed through the territory of such a country: i. drivers of goods vehicles transporting goods destined for the Bulgarian market should enter the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, unload the goods transported and/or load goods, and immediately leave the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria; and ii. drivers of goods vehicles transporting goods destined for other countries are permitted to transit through the Republic of Bulgaria on a route determined by the Road Infrastructure Agency. The National Toll Administration shall issue an instruction note to drivers passing through the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria which shall specify: · the date and time at which they should leave the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria; and · the border crossing point at which they have to exit. The determined deadline for leaving the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria may not exceed 24 hours from the issuance of the instruction note. In cases where drivers of goods vehicles which are allowed to transit Bulgaria, but due to a ban by a neighbouring state cannot leave Bulgaria, a place will be determined where the truck and the driver must stay until the ban is abolished, after that he has to leave the country. On 30 March 2020 and until further notice, the border crossing point between Bulgaria and Greece “Zlatograd-Thermes” has been closed due to the spread of Covid-19 and a quarantine has been announced in the respective Greek border region. Special check-points have been established at all entries and exits of the town of Bansko and of all regional centres: Blagoevgrad, Burgas, Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, Vidin, Vratsa, Gabrovo, Dobrich, Kardzhali, Kyustendil, Lovech, Montana, Pazardzhik, Pernik, Pleven, Plovdiv, Razgrad, Ruse, Silistra, Sliven, Smolyan, Sofia, Stara Zagora, Targovishte, Haskovo, Shumen, Yambol. People can enter and exit these cities only to work, for medical reasons, care of their relatives, and to buy essential basic products and medicines. Truck drivers are allowed to pass through these check points but delays are possible. Relieves The Bulgarian Government has granted a temporary tolerance concerning the enforcement of driving and rest times for drivers under EU Regulation 561⁄2006 to the national and international transport of goods. This exception applies from 19 March 2020, 00:00 to 16 April 2020, 24:00. Measures lifted are the following: i. Art. 6(1): replacement of the maximum daily driving limit of 9 hours with one of 11 hours; ii. Article 7: replacement of the minimum daily break requirements by imposing a break of 45 minutes after 5 and a half hours; and iii. Art. 8(6): reduction of the regular weekly rest period from 45 hours to 24 hours. On 13 March 2020, Bulgarian authorities introduced a state of emergency in the country. Currently the state of emergency has been extended until 13 May. Source: AEBTRI
31.03.2020 In a new order, from 00:00 on 20 March 2020 until 17 April 2020, the Minister of Health has temporarily prohibited entry into the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria of all third country (non-EU) nationals through all border crossing points by all means of transport. Transport personnel engaged in the transport of goods are excluded from the scope of this order. The prohibition of entry of EU nationals from countries with registered infected persons with COVID-19 and the respective arrangements for drivers coming from these countries, previously announced, remains in force (official information available here. Bulgarian citizens, as well as persons with either long or permanent residence in Bulgaria, and their families, are exempt from this ban. They will be subject to a 14-day quarantine either at home or any other accommodation of their choice. A special regime has been arranged for the truck drivers (official decree here): - Bulgarian truck drivers are also subject to the 14-day quarantine, unless they are returning to one of the countries on the list. In this instance they must remain in quarantine until they leave; - Non-Bulgarian drivers - citizens of the above countries or coming from them - can load and unload goods, but should then immediately leave the territory of Bulgaria. The duration of their movement through the territory of the country should not exceed 24 hours; - All trucks transiting the country, irrespective of their nationality, are escorted by police. In addition, all foreign trucks entering Bulgaria are escorted by police to their unloading point. In addition, according to an additional order published by the Ministry of Health, entry and transit of trucks registered and coming from the Islamic Republic of Iran are temporarily forbidden. On 30.03.2020, and until further notice, the border crossing point between Bulgaria and Greece “Zlatograd-Thermes” has been closed due to the spread of COVID-19 and quarantine measures have been announced in the respective Greece border region. Special check-points have been established at all entries and exits of the town of Bansko and of all regional centers: Blagoevgrad, Burgas, Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, Vidin, Vratsa, Gabrovo, Dobrich, Kardzhali, Kyustendil, Lovech, Montana, Pazardzhik, Pernik, Pleven, Plovdiv, Razgrad, Ruse, Silistra, Sliven, Smolyan, Sofia, Stara Zagora, Targovishte, Haskovo, Shumen and Yambol. People can enter and exit these cities only for work, for health purposes, care of their relatives, necessity to obtain basic products and medicines. Truck drivers are allowed to pass through this check point but delays are possible. Source: AEBTRI
19.03.2020 In a new order, from 00:00 on 20 March 2020 until 17 April 2020, the Minister of Health has temporarily prohibited entry into the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria of all third country (non-EU) nationals through all border crossing points by all means of transport. Transport personnel engaged in the transport of goods are excluded from the scope of this order. The prohibition of entry of EU nationals from Italy, Spain, France, UK, Germany, Netherlands and Switzerland and the respective arrangements for drivers coming from these countries, previously announced, remains in force. Source: AEBTRI
19.03.2020 Restrictions As of 00:00, 18.03.2020, entry into the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria for people coming from the following countries is forbidden: China (the People's Republic of); Iran (the Islamic Republic of); Bangladesh; India; Maldives (the Republic of); Nepal (the Federal Democratic Republic of); Sri Lanka (the Democratic Socialist Republic of); Spain; Italy; Korea (the Republic of); United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; Northern Ireland; France; Germany; the Netherlands and Switzerland. Bulgarian citizens, as well as persons with either long or permanent residence in Bulgaria, and their families, are exempt from this ban. They will be subject to a 14-day quarantine either at home or any other accommodation of their choice. A special regime has been arranged for the truck drivers (official decree here):
Relieves The Bulgarian government granted temporary tolerance concerning the enforcement of driving and resting times for drivers under the EU Regulation 561 ⁄ 2006 to the national and international transport of goods This exception applies from 19⁄03⁄2020 00:00 to 16⁄04⁄2020 24.00. Measures lifted are the following:
Source: AEBTRI |