Source: European Union/Re-open EU
17.06.2021
What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Entering this country with the EU Digital COVID certificate
Information not yet available.
Entering this country without the EU Digital COVID certificate or with a certificate not compliant with national requirements
Bulgaria adopts its own national classification of risk areas, hence travel restrictions for Bulgaria are not based on the common "EU Traffic Lights" map.
Travellers who enter the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, regardless of their nationality, shall be admitted upon presentation of one of the following documents:
- a certificate of completed vaccination against COVID-19. A complete vaccination is reached 14 days after the last scheduled dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The combination of one dose of Vaxzevria/ AZD1222 vaccine with one dose of Comirnaty/ BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine) is also considered a complete vaccination. The document must contain the names of the person, date of birth, dates of the relevant doses of vaccine, trade name and batch number of the COVID-19 vaccine, name of the manufacturer/holder of the market authorisation, country where it was administered and name of the issuing competent authority;
- a document showing a positive result of a PCR or rapid antigen test for COVID-19 for persons who have recovered from COVID-19 between 15 and 180 days from the date of the positive result to the test. The document must contain the names of the person, details of the medical establishment that carried out the examination (name, address or other contact details), the date on which the test was carried out, and positive result;
- a document showing a negative result of a COVID-19 test (PCR test carried out within 72 hours before entering the country, or a rapid antigenic test carried out within 48 hours before entering the country).
Children up to 5 years old are exempted from the requirement to present a negative result of a PCR or antigenic test.
Romanian citizens, as well as Bulgarian citizens arriving from Romania, do not need to provide a negative result of a PCR or antigen test, nor a document of full vaccination.
Mandatory Travel Documentation
Self-risk travel declaration available in 8 languages (BG / EN / DE / RU / FR / RO / GR / RS)
Find out more:
Order № RD-01-374 of 27.05.2021 (in Bulgarian)
Practical information for tourists
Contact Point for Bulgaria:
Important telephone numbers and contacts (in Bulgarian)
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Travellers from 97 countries are allowed to enter Bulgaria for tourism purposes. The full list of countries, and the relative entry rules, are available in this communication of the Ministry of Tourism.
Travellers from one of those countries shall be admitted upon presentation of one of the following documents:
- a certificate of completed vaccination against COVID-19. A complete vaccination is reached 14 days after the last scheduled dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The combination of one dose of Vaxzevria/ AZD1222 vaccine with one dose of Comirnaty/ BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine) is also considered a complete vaccination. The document must contain the names of the person, date of birth, dates of the relevant doses of vaccine, trade name and batch number of the COVID-19 vaccine, name of the manufacturer/holder of the market authorisation, country where it was administered and name of the issuing competent authority;
- a document showing a positive result of a PCR or rapid antigen test for COVID-19 for persons who have recovered from COVID-19 between 15 and 180 days from the date of the positive result to the test. The document must contain the names of the person, details of the medical establishment that carried out the examination (name, address or other contact details), the date on which the test was carried out, and positive result.
Additionally, for a limited set of countries, a document showing a negative result of a COVID-19 test (PCR test carried out within 72 hours before entering the country, or a rapid antigenic test carried out within 48 hours before entering the country) is also accepted.
Mandatory Travel Documentation
Self-risk travel declaration available in 8 languages (BG / EN / DE / RU / FR / RO / GR / RS)
Find out more:
Practical information for tourists (in Bulgarian)
Order № RD-01-278 of 29.04.2021 on the rules and conditions for entry into the territory of Bulgaria, in force from 1 May (in Bulgarian)
May I transit this country?
PARTIALLY
Transit through Bulgaria to the country of residence is allowed for the people who are also allowed to enter the country:
(a) Nationals of the EU or a Schengen country and their family members;
(b) Nationals of Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Corea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Belarus, Kuwait. Furthermore, nationals of Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Moldova and Turkey, as well as Kuwait and Israel, can transit to return to the country of which they are nationals.
c) All the other categories of people listed under point n.2 of the Order № RD-01-196 of 31.03.2021 for a temporary ban on entry into the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria (in Bulgarian).
Transit is only permitted when the traveller 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.
General measures
Requirements and recommendations for hygiene and social distancing measures are in place. The use of a protective face mask is required in all closed public spaces and a safety distance of 1.5 metres is mandatory. Teleworking is recommended whenever possible.
To know more:
Restrictions introduced (in Bulgarian)
Use of facemasks
The use of masks or similar means that cover nose and mouth is mandatory in indoor public spaces, including means of public transport, medical establishments, pharmacies, opticians, national centres for public health, administrative institutions, railway and bus stations, airports, metro stations, shops, churches, monasteries, temples, museums, etc. and in every condition in which it is not possible to maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from other people.
The use of masks or similar means that cover nose and mouth is also mandatory in open public places, in crowded areas and whenever it is not possible to maintain a physical distance of 1.5 metres from other people.
Exceptions to the mandatory use of masks apply in the following cases:
- customers in restaurants and drinking establishments;
- athletes during physical activity both indoors and outdoors;
- participants in congress/conference events, briefings, press conferences and seminars, or during a speech, provided that a physical distance of 1.5 metres applies;
- participants (presenters and guests) in TV shows, provided that a physical distance of 1.5 metres from the other participants applies;
- children up to 6 years of age.
Physical Distancing
A physical distance of 1.5 metres from people who do not belong to the same household has to be maintained. This measure is mandatory in working and public places both indoors and outdoors.
Information on Tourism at National level
National website with coronavirus-related information for TOURISM
Tourism Bulgaria (in Bulgarian)
Tourism Bulgaria (in English)
Bulgaria travel (available in English, German, Russian and Bulgarian)
EU Digital COVID Certificates
THIS COUNTRY IS ALREADY CONNECTED TO THE GATEWAY AND IS ISSUING AND/OR VERIFYING AT LEAST ONE EU DIGITAL COVID CERTIFICATE (VACCINATION, RECOVERY, TEST)
Information on "EU Digital COVID Certificates" issued in Bulgaria
_________
The EU Digital COVID Certificate (available as of 1 July 2021) provides proof that a person has either:
- been vaccinated against COVID-19 (vaccine type and manufacturer, number of doses, date of vaccination);
- received a negative test result, PCR or rapid antigen, with the name of the test, date and time of test, test centre and result (self-tests are not valid);
- recovered from COVID-19 (positive PCR test result valid for 180 days).
When travelling, holders of the EU Digital COVID Certificate will have the same rights as citizens of the visited Member State who have been vaccinated, tested or recovered.
The certificate provides a standardised recognition of the holder's status related to vaccination, recovery from COVID or test result. Each country continues to be responsible for the definition of its own entry requirements and rules, which are not standardised at the EU level. This means that what you will be eligible for, upon presentation of this certificate, depends on the measures and entry rules in place at your country of destination.
How does it work:
- Member States issue a certificate automatically or upon request, which is issued either digitally or on paper, and has a QR code with an electronic signature;
- Citizens store the certificate in their digital app or wallet and can use it when they travel;
- When the verifier asks the citizen for the certificate, the QR code is shown and the digital signature is verified.
Find out more:
Information on the EU Digital COVID Certificate
Press Release
Questions & Answers
Factsheet
04.05.2021
From an EU Member State or Schengen Associated Country, may I enter this country without being subject to extraordinary restrictions?
PARTIALLY
Bulgaria adopts its own national classification of risk areas, hence travel restrictions for Bulgaria are not based on the common "EU Traffic Lights" map.
All travellers, regardless of their citizenship and the country of origin, are allowed entry upon presentation of one of the following documents:
- a certificate of vaccination, with the last dose of vaccine administered at least 14 days before entry
- a document showing a positive test result (PCR or antigen test) for people who recovered from Covid-19 in the period between 15 and 180 days before entry.
Is a coronavirus test required?
Bulgarian citizens, citizens of EU member states, Schengen countries and their family members are subject to the requirement for a pre-departure negative COVID-19 (PCR or antigen) test.
The test must be taken within 72 hours (PCR) or 48 hours (antigen test) before departure.
Is a quarantine required?
Bulgarian citizens, permanent or long-term residents in Bulgaria and their family members, who do not present the negative result of a COVID-19 test, must complete a 10-day mandatory quarantine.
The quarantine period may be ended upon the presentation of a document showing the negative result of a COVID-19 test performed within 24 hours from the entry.
Mandatory Travel Documentation
Self-risk travel declaration available in 8 languages (BG / EN / DE / RU / FR / RO / GR / RS)
Find out more:
Order № RD-01-278 of 29.04.2021 on the rules and conditions for entry into the territory of Bulgaria, in force from 1 May (in Bulgarian)
Practical information for tourists
Contact Point for Bulgaria:
Important telephone numbers and contacts (in Bulgarian)
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
As of 1 May, travellers coming from India, Bangladesh, Brazil and some countries and territories in Africa are not allowed to enter Bulgaria, except Bulgarian citizens and permanent or long-term residents in the country (including their family members), to which a 10-day quarantine applies.
All other travellers, regardless of their citizenship and the country of origin, are allowed entry upon presentation of one of the following documents:
- a certificate of vaccination, with the last dose of vaccine administered at least 14 days before entry
- a document showing a positive test result (PCR or antigen test) for people who recovered from Covid-19 in the period between 15 and 180 days before entry.
Is a coronavirus test required?
A pre-departure negative COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) is required for travellers arriving from the following countries:
- Australia
- Canada
- China
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Rwanda
- South Corea
- Thailand
- Tunisia
- Uruguay
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- Israel
- Belarus
- Kuwait
- Turkey
- Albania
- Montenegro
- Moldova
- North Macedonia
- Kosovo
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Serbia
The test must be taken within 72 hours (PCR) or 48 hours (antigen test) before departure.
Is a quarantine required?
Bulgarian citizens, long-term and permanent residents in Bulgaria and their family members, who do not present a negative result of a COVID-19 test, are subject to a 10-day quarantine. Quarantine may be ended upon presentation of a document showing the negative result of a PCR test performed within 24 hours from the entry.
Mandatory Travel Documentation
Self-risk travel declaration available in 8 languages (BG / EN / DE / RU / FR / RO / GR / RS)
Find out more:
Practical information for tourists
Order № RD-01-278 of 29.04.2021 on the rules and conditions for entry into the territory of Bulgaria, in force from 1 May (in Bulgarian)
May I transit this country?
PARTIALLY
As a general rule, passengers in transit in the EU+ area are exempted from temporary travel restriction.
EU citizens entering the EU from a third country, as well as their family members, irrespective of their nationality, are exempted from the travel restrictions regardless of whether or not they are returning to their country of nationality or residence.
Passengers travelling from a non-EU country to another non-EU country may transit through the international transit area of airports located in the Schengen area. Rules regarding airport transit visa requirements continue to apply.
Additionally, for Bulgaria, the following rules apply:
Transit through Bulgaria to the country of residence is allowed for the people who are also allowed to enter the country:
(a) Nationals of the EU or a Schengen country and their family members;
(b) Nationals of Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Corea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Belarus, Kuwait. Furthermore, nationals of Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Moldova and Turkey, as well as Kuwait and Israel, can transit to return to the country of which they are nationals.
c) All the other categories of people listed under point n.2 of the Order № RD-01-196 of 31.03.2021 for a temporary ban on entry into the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria (in Bulgarian).
Transit is only permitted when the traveller 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.
General measures
Requirements and recommendations for hygiene and social distancing measures are in place. The use of a protective face mask is required in all closed public spaces and a safety distance of 1.5 metres is mandatory. Teleworking is recommended whenever possible.
To know more:
Restrictions introduced (in Bulgarian)
Use of facemasks
The use of masks or similar means that cover nose and mouth is mandatory in indoor public spaces, including means of public transport, medical establishments, pharmacies, opticians, national centres for public health, administrative institutions, railway and bus stations, airports, metro stations, shops, churches, monasteries, temples, museums, etc. and in every condition in which it is not possible to maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from other people.
The use of masks or similar means that cover nose and mouth is also mandatory in open public places, in crowded areas and whenever it is not possible to maintain a physical distance of 1.5 metres from other people.
Exceptions to the mandatory use of masks apply in the following cases:
- customers in restaurants and drinking establishments;
- athletes during physical activity both indoors and outdoors;
- participants in congress/conference events, briefings, press conferences and seminars, or during a speech, provided that a physical distance of 1.5 metres applies;
- participants (presenters and guests) in TV shows, provided that a physical distance of 1.5 metres from the other participants applies;
- children up to 6 years of age.
Physical Distancing
A physical distance of 1.5 metres from people who do not belong to the same household has to be maintained. This measure is mandatory in working and public places both indoors and outdoors.
Source: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/BGR/7001
31.03.2021
From an EU Member State or Schengen Associated Country, may I enter this country without being subject to extraordinary restrictions?
NO
Bulgaria adopts its own national classification of risk areas, hence travel restrictions for Bulgaria are not based on the common "EU Traffic Lights" map.
Is a coronavirus test required?
All travellers are subject to the requirement for a pre-departure negative PCR test.
The test must be taken within 72 hours before departure.
The same applies to travellers who are allowed to enter according to point n.2 of the Order № RD-01-167 of 12.03.2021 for a temporary ban on entry into the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria (in Bulgarian), while some exceptions to this requirement are specified in point n. 7 of the same Order.
Is a quarantine required?
Bulgarian citizens and permanent or long-term residents in Bulgaria, as well as their family members, who do not present the negative result of a PCR test, must complete a 10-day mandatory quarantine.
The quarantine period may be ended upon the presentation of a document showing the negative result of a PCR test performed within 24 hours from the entry.
Mandatory Travel Documentation
Self-risk travel declaration available in 8 languages (BG / EN / DE / RU / FR / RO / GR / RS)
Find out more:
Order № RD-01-167 of 12.03.2021 for a temporary ban on entry into the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria (in Bulgarian)
Practical information for tourists
Contact Point for Bulgaria:
Important telephone numbers and contacts (in Bulgarian)
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Is a coronavirus test required?
Citizens of the following countries can enter the territory of Bulgaria, provided that they show the negative result of a PCR test not older than 72 hours (with some exceptions):
- Australia
- Canada
- Georgia
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Rwanda
- South Corea
- Thailand
- Tunisia
- Uruguay
- United Arab Emirates
- UK
- Israel
- Belarus
- Kuwait
- Turkey
- Albania
- Montenegro
- Moldova
- Ukraine
- North Macedonia
- Kosovo
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
The same applies to travellers who are allowed to enter according to point n.2 of the Order № RD-01-167 of 12.03.2021 for a temporary ban on entry into the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria (in Bulgarian), while some exceptions to this requirement are specified in point n. 7 of the same Order.
Is a quarantine required?
Bulgarian citizens, as well as long-term and permanent residents in Bulgaria and their family members who do not present the negative result of a PCR test, are subject to a 10-day quarantine. Quarantine may be revoked upon presentation of a document showing the negative result of a PCR test performed within 24 hours from the entry. Furthermore, all persons who are allowed to enter the country under point n.2 and who arrive from countries and territories in Africa shall be quarantined for a period of 10 days. These travellers are not required to show the negative result of a PCR test upon arrival and quarantine is revoked upon submission to the director of the regional health inspectorate of the negative result of a PCR test taken on the 10th day of the mandatory quarantine.
Mandatory Travel Documentation
Self-risk travel declaration available in 8 languages (BG / EN / DE / RU / FR / RO / GR / RS)
To know more:
Practical information for tourists
May I transit this country?
PARTIALLY
As a general rule, passengers in transit in the EU+ area are exempted from temporary travel restriction.
EU citizens entering the EU from a third country, as well as their family members, irrespective of their nationality, are exempted from the travel restrictions regardless of whether or not they are returning to their country of nationality or residence.
Passengers travelling from a non-EU country to another non-EU country may transit through the international transit area of airports located in the Schengen area. Rules regarding airport transit visa requirements continue to apply.
Additionally, for Bulgaria, the following rules apply:
Transit through Bulgaria to the country of residence is allowed for the people who are also allowed to enter the country:
(a) Nationals of the EU or a Schengen country and their family members;
(b) Nationals of Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Corea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Belarus, Kuwait. Furthermore, nationals of Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Moldova and Turkey, as well as Kuwait and Israel, can transit to return to the country of which they are nationals.
c) All the other categories of people listed under point n.2 of the Order № RD-01-105 of 16.02.2021 for a temporary ban on entry into the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria (in Bulgarian).
Transit is only permitted when the traveller 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.
General measures
Requirements and recommendations for hygiene and social distancing measures are in place. The use of a protective face mask is required in all closed public spaces and a safety distance of 1.5 metres is mandatory. Teleworking is recommended whenever possible and face-to-face school lessons are suspended.
To know more:
Restrictions introduced (in Bulgarian)
Health cover for temporary stays
Use of facemasks
The use of masks or similar means that cover nose and mouth is mandatory in indoor public spaces, including means of public transport, medical establishments, pharmacies, opticians, national centres for public health, administrative institutions, railway and bus stations, airports, metro stations, shops, churches, monasteries, temples, museums, etc. and in every condition in which it is not possible to maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from other people.
The use of masks or similar means that cover nose and mouth is also mandatory in open public places, in crowded areas and whenever it is not possible to maintain a physical distance of 1.5 metres from other people.
Exceptions to the mandatory use of masks apply in the following cases:
- customers in restaurants and drinking establishments;
- athletes during physical activity both indoors and outdoors;
- participants in congress/conference events, briefings, press conferences and seminars, or during a speech, provided that a physical distance of 1.5 metres applies;
- participants (presenters and guests) in TV shows, provided that a physical distance of 1.5 metres from the other participants applies;
- children up to 6 years of age.
Source: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/BGR/7001
22.01.2021
From an EU Member State or Schengen Associated Country, may I enter this country without being subject to extraordinary restrictions?
YES
Note: Bulgaria adopts its own national classification of risk areas, hence travel restrictions for Bulgaria are not based on the common "EU Traffic Lights" map.
Citizens of EU Member States and Schengen Associated Countries, as well as their family members, are allowed to enter Bulgaria without restrictions.
Full details are available in the Order № RD-01-719 of 20.12.2020 for a temporary ban on entry into the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria (in Bulgarian)
Mandatory Travel Documentation
Self-risk travel declaration available in 8 languages (BG / EN / DE / RU / FR / RO / GR / RS)
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
As of 01.01.2021, travellers from the UK who are admitted to the territory of Bulgaria are required to show a negative result of a PCR test not older than 72 hours.
Full details are available in the Order № RD-01-725 of 23.12.2020 for a temporary ban on entry into the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria of arrivals from the United Kingdom (in Bulgarian)
____________________
Citizens of the following countries can enter the territory of Bulgaria without restrictions:
- Australia;
- Canada
- Georgia
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Rwanda
- South Corea
- Thailand
- Tunisia
- Uruguay
- United Arab Emirates
- Israel
- Belarus
- Kuwait
- Turkey
- Serbia
- Albania
- Montenegro
- Moldova
- Ukraine
- North Macedonia
The same applies to travellers who are allowed to enter and who arrive from a starting point located in one of the countries belonging to the previous list.
All people who arrive from a starting point located in a third country not belonging to the previous list and who are authorized to enter according to point n.2 of the Order № RD-01-719 of 20.12.2020 for temporary ban on entry into the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria (in Bulgarian):
are admitted to the territory of Bulgaria upon submission of a negative PCR test not older than 72 hours.
Bulgarian citizens, as well as long-term and permanent residents in Bulgaria and their family members, who come from countries for which a negative PCR test is required, and who do not present such a test, are subject to a 10-days quarantine. Quarantine may be revoked upon presentation of a negative PCR test result performed within 24 hours from the entry.
May I transit this country?
YES
Transit through Bulgaria to the country of residence is allowed for the people who are also allowed to enter the country:
(a) nationals of the EU or a Schengen country and their family members;
(b) non-EU nationals, who have a long-term residence permit in another EU Member State or in a Schengen country and their family members;
(c) nationals of Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Corea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Belarus, Kuwait. Furthermore, 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 traveller 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.
Additional details can be found on the Order № RD-01-719 of 20.12.2020 for temporary ban on entry into the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria (in Bulgarian).
General measures
Restrictions introduced (in Bulgarian)
Health cover for temporary stays
Use of facemasks
The use of masks or similar means that cover nose and mouth is mandatory in indoor public spaces, including means of public transport, medical and health establishments, pharmacies, opticians, national centres for public health, administrative institutions, railway and bus stations, airports, metro stations, shops, churches, monasteries, temples, museums, etc. and in every condition in which it is not possible to maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from other people.
The use of masks or similar means that cover nose and mouth is also mandatory in open public places, in crowded areas and whenever it is not possible to maintain a physical distance of 1.5 metres from other people.
Exceptions to the mandatory use of masks apply in the following cases:
- customers in restaurants and drinking establishments;
- athletes during physical activity both indoors and outdoors;
- participants in congress/conference events, briefings, press conferences and seminars, or during a speech, provided that a physical distance of 1.5 metres applies;
- participants (presenters and guests) in TV shows, provided that a physical distance of 1.5 metres from the other participants applies;
- children up to 6 years of age.
Find out more:
Order № RD-01-675 of 25.11.2020 of the Minister of Health (in Bulgarian)
Physical Distancing
A physical distance of 1.5 metres from people who do not belong to the same household has to be maintained. This measure is mandatory in working and public places both indoors and outdoors.
Find out more:
Practical information for tourists
14.12.2020
From an EU Member State or Schengen Associated Country, may I enter this country without being subject to extraordinary restrictions?
Entry Restrictions
Citizens 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-01-680 of 27.11.2020 for temporary ban on entry into the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria (in Bulgarian)
Mandatory Travel Documentation
Self-risk travel declaration available in 8 languages (BG / EN / DE / RU / FR / RO / GR / RS)
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Citizens of the following countries can enter the territory of Bulgaria without restrictions:
- Austrialia;
- Canada
- Georgia
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Rwanda
- South Corea
- Thailand
- Tunisia
- Uruguay
- United Arab Emirates
- Israel
- Belarus
- Kuwait
- Turkey
- Serbia
- Albania
- Montenegro
- Moldova
- Ukraine
- North Macedonia
The same applies to travellers who are allowed to enter and who arrive from a starting point located in one of the countries belonging to the previous list.
All people who arrive from a starting point located in a third country not belonging to the previous list and who are authorized to enter according to point n.2 of the Order № RD-01-680 of 27.11.2020 for temporary ban on entry into the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria (in Bulgarian):
are admitted to the territory of Bulgaria upon submission of a negative PCR test not older than 72 hours.
Bulgarian citizens, as well as long-term and permanent residents in Bulgaria and their family members, who come from countries for which a negative PCR test is required, and who do not present such a test, are subject to a 10-days quarantine.
To know more:
Practical information for tourists
Transit
Transit through Bulgaria to the country of residence is allowed for the people who are also allwed to enter the country:
(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 Austrialia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Corea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Belarus, Kuwait. Furthermore, 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.
Additional details can be found on the Order № RD-01-680 of 27.11.2020 for temporary ban on entry into the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria (in Bulgarian).
Find out more:
Practical information for tourists
Documents you need to travel in Europe
28.10.2020
Entry Restrictions
Citizens 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)
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.
Mandatory Travel Documentation
Self-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 countries
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.
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:
- Bulgarian citizens and persons with permanent status or long-term residence in Bulgaria, and members of their families;
- Nationals as well as persons holding a residence permit of Member States of the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom, Schengen Parties (including the Republic of San Marino, the Principality of Andorra, the Principality of Monaco and the Vatican City State) and members of their families;
- Citizens of Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay, the United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, North Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Montenegro, Moldova, Israel, Kuwait, Belarus and Turkey.
Is entry based on nationality, residency or location of departure?
The main driver is nationality/residency, which sets if a traveller is authorised to enter the country. Additionally, only for authorised travellers, the location of departure defines if a PCR test is required or not. For the purposes of this order, the country from which a traveller arrives is considered to be the country of departure, irrespective of his stay or transit through other countries during his journey.
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.
Driving abroad
Source: European Commission
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:
- Persons, arriving from the following countries are excluded from the effective temporary ban on entry on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria: EU countries, UK, the Schengen states, including San Marino, Andorra, Monaco, the Vatican, Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Morocco, New Zealand, Ruanda, Republic of Korea, Thailand, Tunis, Uruguay, Jordan, Ukraine, Republic of North Macedonia, Serbia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Moldova, Israel, Kuwait, as well as persons possessing Type D Bulgarian Visa for long-term residence. The other exceptions from the temporary ban still include medical and transport personnel, officials, persons traveling for humanitarian (within the meaning of § 1, item 16 of the additional provisions of the Law for the Foreigners of the Republic of Bulgaria) or educational reasons, seasonal workers and workers in the field of tourism, as well as representatives of trade, economic and investment activities and persons directly related to: construction, maintenance, operation and ensuring the safety of the strategic and critical infrastructure of the Republic of Bulgaria, implementation of projects certified under the Investment Promotion Act, analyzes of projects of potential investors and other activities relevant to the country's economy, certified by a letter from the Minister of Economy or another minister responsible for the respective activity, as well as persons engaged in shipbuilding and ship repair and members of their families. The letter of the respective minister shall be submitted to the border control authorities;
- All persons, who are excluded from the temporary ban and commencing their travel from the territory of a Member State of the European Union, UK, Schengen states (including San Marino, Andorra, Monaco and the Vatican), Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, Republic of Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay, Jordan and Ukraine shall be allowed on the territory of Bulgaria without the requirement to present a document, proving a negative PCR test result for COVID-19.
- Excluded from the temporary ban on entry are also organizers and participants in international sports competitions - for the time of the respective sporting event, certified by a letter from the Minister of Youth and Sports, in which the names of the persons and the place (address) of their stay in Bulgaria are indicated. The letter should be submitted to the border control authorities.
- Foreign citizens, who are to receive a decree under the Bulgarian Citizenship Law for acquiring a Bulgarian citizenship, certified by a letter from the Minister of Justice are also excluded from the temporary ban.
- Transit through the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria is now allowed to persons, traveling from countries, excluded from the temporary ban, the Republic of Moldova, or citizens of the Republic of Turkey, returning to their home country.
- Persons arriving from the following countries should present a document proving a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, issued up to 72 hours before their arrival to Bulgaria: all third countries, except those excluded from the temporary ban on entry, and those, beginning their travel from a starting point from third countries other than those referred to in in the second paragraph of the current text, including Republic of North Macedonia, Serbia, Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Moldova, Israel and Kuwait. The document should contain the names of the person according to the ID card, which they use during their travel, data about the laboratory that performed the test (name, address or other contact details), date on which the test was performed, written in English - method (PCR) and negative result (Negative), which would allow correct interpretation of the document.
- In case of a passenger with COVID-19 on board an aircraft, landed on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, the cabin crew members who serviced the passenger are not to be scheduled for the next flight and will be a subject of a quarantine for a period of 14 days with a prescribe, issued by the director of the respective regional health inspection or an official authorized by him.
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:
- citizens of EU Member States, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Schengen countries (including San Marino, Andorra, Monaco and the Vatican) and their family members in order to return to their country of residence;
- third-country nationals who hold a long-term residence permit in another EU Member State, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland or a Schengen country (including San Marino, Andorra, Monaco and the Vatican) and their family members in order to return to the country of residence;
- citizens of Serbia, the Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Turkey, Albania and Kosovo in order to return to the country of which they are nationals.
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
WCO/Bulgarian Customs Agency
19.03.2020
The Bulgarian Customs Agency publishes information regarding COVID-19 on its
administration’s web-site :
https://customs.bg/wps/portal/agency/media-center/on-focus/covid-19 in Bulgarian and
https://customs.bg/wps/portal/agency-en/media-center/on-focus/covid-19 in English.
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/