Bulgaria: Authorities extend COVID-19-related state of emergency and other restrictions until at least Nov. 30 /update 33

Event

The Bulgarian government has extended the nation's COVID-19 State of Emergency (SoE) and related domestic restrictions until at least Nov. 30. The SoE allows authorities to modify COVID-19-related restrictions and allocate resources on short notice.

Bulgaria generally permits nationals of the EU, the Schengen Area, and those of select low-risk countries, including Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Korea, Serbia, 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:

• A 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.)

Only Bulgarian nationals, permanent residents, and family members can enter from countries designated as red zones. Bulgarian citizens and permanent residents returning from red zone countries must present a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival; those who do not present such a document will need to self-isolate for 10 days upon entry. Individuals can shorten the isolation period by presenting a negative result from a PCR test taken within 24 hours after arrival. Countries on the red list include the UK, the US, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Cyprus, Georgia, Israel, South Africa, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, and Brazil.

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.

Domestic Restrictions
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