Bulgaria: Authorities maintaining COVID-19 measures as of Nov. 19 /update 38

Event

Authorities are maintaining COVID-19 restrictions as of Nov. 19 amid rising infection and low vaccination rates. Individuals require a "green certificate" to engage in any indoor activities, including visiting restaurants, cinemas, gyms, and shopping malls. A green certificate constitutes proof of vaccination, recent recovery, or a negative test result taken within the previous 48 (antigen) or 72 hours (PCR).

In addition, mass events remain suspended. Indoor private events may not exceed 15 people, while outdoor private events may not exceed 30 people. Capacity restrictions, reduced operating hours, social distancing requirements, and mandates facemask use are in effect at open-air and enclosed retail and market spaces, catering facilities, cultural venues, convention centers, entertainment venues, and other establishments

Bulgaria's existing COVID-19 State of Emergency is currently slated to remain in force until at least Nov. 30, though it could be extended. The measure allows authorities to modify COVID-19-related restrictions and allocate resources at short notice. Local officials have the authority to amend measures and impose additional restrictions; as a result, tighter controls are 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 various entry restrictions accordingly. Travelers from green and orange countries can enter upon presenting a valid EU Digital COVID certificate or similar document confirming vaccination against COVID-19, recovery from COVID-19, or a recent negative test for the disease; persons arriving from orange locations could also be selected for random testing on entry. Travelers without the aforementioned documentation must isolate for 10 days on arrival, though isolation can be ended early following confirmation of a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 24 hours after arrival.

Travel from red countries is only permitted for citizens of EEA-associated countries, their families, and persons traveling for selected essential purposes. Permitted travelers from red countries must present a valid EU Digital COVID certificate or similar document indicating vaccination against or recovery from COVID-19; such persons must also possess a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival and which has been certified by a valid EU Digital COVID certificate or similar document. Limited categories of travelers are permitted to enter by only satisfying the PCR test requirement, but must self-isolate for 10 days on arrival. To view a regularly updated list of countries by color designation, click here.

Entry is permitted for UK nationals arriving from the UK or an EEA-associated state provided they present a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival, as well as a certificate of COVID-19 vaccination or recovery; travelers who do not possess a certificate indicating COVID-19 vaccination or recovery may enter Bulgaria but must self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival.

Citizens and residents of Romania, Turkey, Greece, Serbia, and North Macedonia who commute to Bulgaria for work or study may enter the country without restrictions; these travelers do not need to show COVID-19-related documentation to enter Bulgaria. The same rules apply to Bulgarian citizens and residents who travel daily or weekly for work or study to 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)
Schengen Area countries