Bulgaria: Authorities prohibit entry of all travelers from the UK that are not Bulgarian citizens or permanent residents, Dec. 21, due to COVID-19 /update 19

Bulgaria bans UK travelers from entry as of Dec. 21 due to COVID-19. Other international entry and domestic restrictions remain in place.

Event

In response to a new strain of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) discovered primarily in the southeast of England, health officials in Bulgaria are tightening certain international entry restrictions as of Dec. 21. The measures will remain in place until at least Jan. 31. All travelers from the UK who are not Bulgarian citizens or permanent residents will be prohibited from entering the country. All those who are allowed entry will have to self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival from the UK.

Previously imposed COVID-19-related travel restrictions remain in effect. Excluding travelers from the UK, Bulgaria permits citizens from the EU and the Schengen Area, as well as, Australia, Belarus, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Serbia, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, UAE, Uruguay, Serbia, Belarus, and Turkey, to enter the country without restrictions. Travelers from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Kuwait, Moldova, Montenegro, Northern Macedonia, and Ukraine are allowed to enter if they have tested negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours prior to arrival. All medical professionals, transport staff, foreign officials, seasonal workers, and persons traveling for humanitarian reasons will be permitted entry regardless of citizenship as long as they possess negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results. The measures will last until at least Jan. 31, 2021.

The national state of epidemic emergency and related domestic restrictions have been extended until Jan. 31, 2021. Malls, restaurants, gyms, and nightclubs remain closed; restaurants at hotels are allowed to reopen at 50-percent capacity. Smaller retailers and essential businesses are permitted to operate but must comply with strict hygiene and social distancing requirements. Private gatherings may not exceed 15 attendees. Kindergartens, nurseries and elementary schools for students from grades 1-4 will reopen Jan. 4. 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.

Authorities may extend or otherwise amend restrictions in the coming days in response to 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.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.