Bulgaria: Authorities maintaining COVID-19 measures as of Sept. 30 /update 35

Event

Authorities in Bulgaria are maintaining measures imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19 as of Sept. 30.

Domestic Restrictions
Mass events are suspended. Indoor private events may not exceed 30 persons, while outdoor private events may not surpass 60 persons. Capacity reductions, reduced operating hours, social distancing, and mandates requiring facemasks in all enclosed public spaces will be in effect through Oct. 30 at open-air and enclosed retail and market spaces, catering facilities, cultural venues, convention centers, entertainment venues, and other establishments. Some restrictions can be waived if all persons present are vaccinated.

The government previously extended the nation's COVID-19 State of Emergency (SoE) until at least Nov. 30. The SoE allows authorities to modify COVID-19-related restrictions and allocate resources on short notice. 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
Authorities in Bulgaria classify countries as green, orange, or red based on local disease activity and apply differing entry restrictions based on country of entry. Travelers from green and orange countries can enter with a certificate confirming vaccination against or recovery from COVID-19 or a recent negative test for COVID-19. Travelers without these documents must isolate for 10 days on arrival, though isolation can be ended early following a negative result to a COVID-19 test taken no less than 24 hours after arrival.

Travel from red countries is permitted for EU citizens, their families, and limited categories of essential purposes only. Permitted travelers from red countries must possess proof of vaccination or recovery in addition to a negative result from a PCR test taken within the 72 hours prior to arrival in Bulgaria. Limited categories of travelers are permitted to enter with the PCR requirement only, but must self-isolate for 10 days on arrival.

A regularly updated list of countries by color designation is available here.

Citizens and residents of Romania, Turkey, Greece, Serbia, and North Macedonia who also travel daily or weekly to Bulgaria for work or study may enter the country without restrictions; these travelers do not need to show COVID-19-related documentation. The same rules applies to Bulgarian citizens and residents who travel daily or weekly for work or study in these five neighboring countries. Freight transporters and aircraft crews are also exempt from the documentation requirement.

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