Bulgaria: Authorities enforcing tightened COVID-19-related international entry restrictions as of early December after emergence of Omicron variant /update 39

Event

Bulgaria is enforcing tightened COVID-19-related international entry restrictions as of early December following the recent emergence of the Omicron variant. Authorities have notably banned the entry of travelers arriving from South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. Bulgarian citizens, residents, and their families are exempt from the travel ban; however, these permitted travelers are subject to mandatory antigen testing and a 10-day quarantine period upon arrival.

Bulgarian citizens, residents, and their families arriving from a red-zone location without a valid EU Digital COVID Certificate or a similar document are now also subject to a 10-day quarantine period.

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 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 exited 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.

Individuals traveling from red countries are generally prohibited from entering Bulgaria. Entry from red countries is only permitted for citizens of the UK, Switzerland, EEA-associated countries, and selected third countries and their families traveling from those locations, as well as persons traveling for selected essential purposes. Permitted travelers from red locations must present a valid EU Digital COVID certificate or similar document indicating either vaccination against COVID-19, recovery from the disease, or a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. Bulgarian citizens, residents, and their families arriving from a red location without a valid EU Digital COVID Certificate or a similar document are allowed to enter the country but are subject to a 10-day quarantine period. Individuals arriving from red locations may be subject to rapid antigen testing upon arrival. To view a regularly updated list of countries by color designation, click here.

Children up to the age of 12 and travelers transiting Bulgaria are exempt from providing COVID-19-related documentation.

Domestic Restrictions
The Bulgarian government has extended the nation's COVID-19-related state of emergency (SoE) and associated domestic restrictions until at least March 31, 2022. The SoE allows authorities to modify COVID-19-related 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 COVID-19 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 no older than 72 hours 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.

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