Skip to main content
26 May 2021 | 02:52 PM UTC

Bulgaria: Authorities to extend COVID-19-related state of emergency and other restrictions through at least July 31 /update 28

Bulgaria to extend COVID-19-related state of emergency and related domestic and international entry measures through at least July 31.

Critical

Event

Authorities are extending the nation's COVID-19 State of Emergency (SoE) and related domestic restrictions until at least July 31. The SoE allows authorities to modify COVID-19 related restrictions, and allocate resources on short notice.

COVID-19-related restrictions on domestic activities remain largely unchanged. Public, commercial, and administrative facilities are limited to a maximum capacity of one person per 3 square meters (32 square feet). Facemasks are mandatory in all enclosed public spaces, including on public transport. Airports are open but operating on reduced schedules. Local officials have the authority to amend measures and impose additional restrictions; as a result, tighter controls may be in force in certain areas

International entry restrictions
Bulgaria generally permits citizens of the EU and the Schengen Area, as well as those of Australia, Belarus, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Serbia, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Israel UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Kuwait, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Ukraine, to enter the country. Exemptions are in place for essential workers from other nations.

Incoming travelers must produce one of the following documents in order to enter Bulgaria:

  • Certificate of vaccination against COVID-19, provided at least 14 days have passed since the administration of the second dose

  • A negative result from a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or antigen test taken within the previous 72 hours

  • Certification of having recovered from COVID-19 within six months prior to arrival

Freight transporters and aircraft crews are exempt from the aforementioned documentation requirement.

Travelers from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Brazil, and several African countries, including South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe, are barred from entry. Citizens and permanent residents of Bulgaria, as well as their family members, are exempt from this measure. All permitted travelers must self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

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.

Resources

Bulgaria Coronavirus Portal (Bulgarian)

Entry Ban Order (Bulgarian)

World Health Organization (WHO)

Schengen Area countries