Bulgaria: Authorities tighten certain international entry COVID-19 restrictions as of March 17 /update 22

Bulgaria tightens some COVID-19-related international entry restrictions as of March 17; most business and travel controls remain in place.

Event

Authorities in Bulgaria are tightening certain COVID-19 international entry restrictions, as of March 17. All travelers entering from any African country must self-isolate for at least 10 days upon arrival. These persons must take a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test at the end of the 10 days; the self-isolation ends if the test is negative.

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, 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 PCR test taken within the past 72 hours; freight transporters and aircraft crews are exempt.

Most domestic restrictions remain in effect as of March 17. 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.

Local authorities have the authority to amend measures and impose additional restrictions; as a result, tighter restrictions are in force in certain areas including the Pleven District, Veliko Tarnovo District, Vratsa District, Smolyan District, Stara Zagora District, Blagoevgrad, Sliven District, Kjustendil District, Plovdiv District, and Burgas District.

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.