Bulgaria: Authorities amend certain COVID-19-related entry restrictions as of July 19 /update 31

Event

Authorities in Bulgaria have amended certain COVID-19 international entry restrictions as of July 19. Bulgarian citizens and permanent residents returning from a red zone country will need to present a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours; those who do not present such a document will need to self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival. Individuals can shorten the isolation period by presenting a negative PCR test taken within the first 24 after arrival. Additionally, officials will add the UK to the red zone country list. Only Bulgarian nationals, permanent residents, and family members can enter from red zone countries. Other countries on the red list include Bangladesh, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cyprus, India, Kuwait, Peru, South Africa, Spain, and Uruguay.

Bulgaria generally permits nationals of the EU, the Schengen Area, and those of select low-risk countries, including Australia, Canada, Georgia, China, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Korea, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, Israel, US, North Macedonia, and Ukraine to enter the country. Exemptions are in place for essential workers from other nations.

Except as otherwise indicated, incoming travelers must produce one of the following documents 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 PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival or a negative result from a COVID-19 rapid antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before arrival.

• A positive result from a COVID-19 PCR or rapid antigen test taken at least 15 days and no more than 180 days before arrival (i.e., to confirm recovery from the illness.)

Citizens and residents of Romania, Turkey, Greece, Serbia, and North Macedonia who also travel daily or weekly to Bulgaria to work or study may enter the country without restrictions; these travelers do not need to show COVID-19-related documentation, including a negative result from a PCR or antigen test, a vaccination certificate, or a positive COVID-19 test result indicating previous infection and subsequent recovery. The same measure applies to Bulgarian citizens and residents who travel daily or weekly to work or study in these five neighboring countries. Freight transporters and aircraft crews are also exempt from the documentation requirement.

Domestic Restrictions
Authorities have extended the nation's COVID-19 State of Emergency (SoE) and related domestic restrictions until at least July 31. The SoE allows officials to modify COVID-19-related measures and allocate resources on short notice.

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.

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