Bulgaria Travel Status

NORMAL

Travel to Bulgaria is operating normally. No major nationwide flight, airport, entry or border disruption has been identified. Travellers should check Schengen entry requirements and allow additional time for biometric processing at external Schengen borders where applicable.

Bulgaria is in the Schengen Area

Bulgaria is part of the Schengen Area. Short-stay visitors should therefore calculate their time in Bulgaria together with time spent in other Schengen countries when applying the 90-days-in-any-180-day-period rule.

Visa requirements

Visa requirements depend on nationality. Many travellers can visit Bulgaria and the wider Schengen Area without a visa for short stays, while others must obtain a Schengen visa before travelling.

Passport requirements

Travellers subject to standard Schengen passport rules generally need a passport issued less than 10 years before arrival and valid for at least three months after their planned departure from the Schengen Area.

Entry/Exit System

The EU Entry/Exit System is fully operational. Eligible non-EU short-stay travellers crossing an external Schengen border may have their photograph and fingerprints registered electronically.

Greece and Romania borders

Greece, Romania and Bulgaria are all within the Schengen Area. Routine immigration checks are generally not required when travelling between them, although travellers should continue to carry a valid passport or other accepted identification.

Serbia, North Macedonia and Turkey borders

These are external Schengen borders. Travellers crossing between Bulgaria and these countries should expect immigration controls and, where applicable, Entry/Exit System procedures.

Protests

Demonstrations occasionally occur in Bulgarian towns and cities and can temporarily disrupt roads and public transport. Travellers should avoid demonstrations and follow instructions from local authorities.

Entry/Exit System fully operational

The EU Entry/Exit System became fully operational across the Schengen Area on 10 April 2026. Eligible non-EU short-stay visitors are now registered electronically when crossing external Schengen borders.

Euro now in use

Bulgaria adopted the euro on 1 January 2026. The Bulgarian lev is no longer used for normal cash payments following the completion of the currency transition period.

Normal international travel continues

No major nationwide aviation, immigration or border disruption currently prevents ordinary travel to Bulgaria.

Check your airline, airport information, Bulgarian and Schengen entry requirements and the travel advice issued by your own government before departure.

If entering Bulgaria overland from Turkey, Serbia or North Macedonia, allow sufficient time for external Schengen border procedures and possible biometric registration.

Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.