Bulgaria: Authorities ease certain domestic COVID-19 restrictions from March 1 /update 21

Bulgaria eases certain COVID-19-related restrictions from March 1; most business and travel controls remain in place.

Event

Authorities in Bulgaria have issued orders easing certain COVID-19-related restrictions. Effective March 1, restaurants and entertainment venues - except for nightclubs and bars - are allowed to resume operations. In addition, group tourist trips have been allowed to resume domestically.

Nevertheless, most other domestic restrictions are still in effect. The majority of businesses are permitted to operate but must comply with strict hygiene and social distancing requirements. Private gatherings may not exceed 15 attendees. Public and private conferences, seminars, and exhibitions are suspended. Public, commercial, and administrative facilities are limited to a maximum capacity of one person per three square meters (32 square feet). Facemasks remain mandatory in all enclosed public spaces, including on public transport. Airports in the country remain open but are operating on a reduced schedule. The nation's COVID-19 State of Emergency (SoE) will remain in force until at least April 30.

With regard to international travel, Bulgaria permits citizens of the EU and the Schengen Area, as well as, Australia, Belarus, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Serbia, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, UAE, UK, Uruguay, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Kuwait, Moldova, Montenegro, Northern Macedonia, and Ukraine to enter the country. Upon arrival, all incoming travelers are required to present a negative result from a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken within the past 72 hours; freight transporters and aircraft crews are exempt.

Authorities may extend or otherwise amend restrictions in the coming days in response to changes in disease activity in the country.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.