Bulgaria: Authorities maintaining COVID-19 measures as of Feb. 7 /update 42

Event

The government of Bulgaria is maintaining measures imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19 as of Feb. 7.

Domestic Measures
Authorities have extended the existing COVID-19-related state of emergency (SoE) and associated domestic restrictions until at least March 31. The SoE allows authorities to modify restrictions and allocate resources on short notice.

Individuals must present a valid digital or paper COVID-19 certificate to enter indoor public spaces, including restaurants, cinemas, gyms, and shopping malls. The certificate must indicate proof of full vaccination against COVID-19, recent recovery from the disease, or a negative result from a PCR or antigen test taken within the previous 72 or 48 hours, respectively.

In addition, mass events remain suspended. Indoor private events may not exceed 15 people, while outdoor private events may not exceed 30 people. Wearing a facemask is required in indoor public spaces as well as in outdoor areas where social distancing of at least 1.5 meters (5 feet) is not possible.

International Travel Restrictions
Authorities in Bulgaria classify countries as green, orange, red, or dark red based on local disease activity and apply various entry restrictions accordingly. Nonessential travel is permitted from EU and Schengen Area countries, Israel, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, and the UK, in addition to all countries classified as green or orange; other travel is restricted to limited essential purposes only.

Travelers from green or orange countries can enter Bulgaria 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 result. Travelers arriving from a green or orange location without such documentation must undergo a 10-day quarantine period upon arrival, which may be ended following receipt of a negative result from a PCR or antigen test taken no earlier than 72 hours after arrival. Individuals arriving from orange locations may be subject to rapid antigen testing upon arrival.

Permitted individuals traveling from red countries must present a valid EU digital COVID certificate or similar document confirming vaccination or recovery from COVID-19, or a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. Permitted travelers from dark red countries must have a valid EU digital COVID certificate or similar document confirming vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 in addition to a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival.

To view a regularly updated list of countries by color designation, click here.

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