Bulgaria: Authorities to tighten domestic COVID-19 restrictions from Oct. 21 /update 37

Event

Authorities in Bulgaria plan to tighten the nation's domestic COVID-19 restrictions due to rising infection and low vaccination rates. Starting Oct. 21, individuals must possess 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 recent negative test; the exact testing requirements remain unclear.

Aside from the new green certificate requirement, mass events remain suspended. Indoor private events may not exceed 30 persons, while outdoor private events may not surpass 60 persons. Capacity restrictions, reduced operating hours, social distancing requirements, and mandates facemask use are in effect through Oct. 30 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 (SoE) is currently slated to remain in force until at least Nov. 30. The SoE allows authorities to modify COVID-19-related restrictions and allocate resources on 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. Travelers without such documentation must isolate for 10 days on arrival, though isolation can be ended early following receipt of a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 24 hours after arrival.

Travel from red countries is permitted for EU citizens, their families, and persons traveling for selected essential purposes only. Permitted travelers from red countries must present a valid EU Digital COVID certificate or similar document indicating vaccination against or recovery from COVID-19, in addition to a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival and 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 travelers arriving from the UK, a European Union member state, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland 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 that 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 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 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)
Entry Ban Order (Bulgarian)
World Health Organization (WHO)
Schengen Area countries