En De
Total doses
given
4.7M
People fully
vaccinated
2.1M
% Fully
vaccinated
30.64%
Pre-travel testing (vaccinated): None
Pre-travel testing (unvaccinated): None
Test on arrival (vaccinated): None
Test on arrival (unvaccinated): None

Movement Restrictions:

20.09.2022

All travellers allowed to enter the country should have negative PCR test (max 72 hours prior to arrival); if not they are subject to 10 days quarantine.

20.09.2022

1/7/2021 The entry into Bulgaria will be carried out in according to the assessment of the spread of COVID-19 in the respective countries by criteria and placement of the countries in color zones (green; orange; red). The list will be reviewed at least once a week. ; 29/7/2021 Entry into Bulgaria from the 'red zone' countries is allowed only with the provision of both a valid EU COVID certificate for vaccination and a negative PCR test conducted up to 72 hours before entering Bulgaria. ; 1/12/2021 Entry into Bulgaria from the 'red zone' countries is allowed with the provision of either a valid EU COVID certificate for vaccination/illness or a negative PCR test conducted up to 72 hours before entering Bulgaria. ; 07/01/2022 People (>12 years of age) arriving from countries in the 'red zone' must present a negative PCR test along with the certificate of vaccination or illness. 19/01/2022 Children aged 12 to 18 arriving from the country in the 'red zone' are allowed on the territory of Bulgaria only upon presentation of a negative PCR test result conducted up to 72 hours before entering the country. The document for vaccination or illness is not taken into consideration. COVID-19 documents are not required for children under 12 years of age; regardless of the country of origin. ; 20/01/2022 Citizens of the Republic of Northern Macedonia; Israel; Turkey and Serbia and members of their families can enter Bulgaria only with the presentation of a valid EU digital COVID certificate for vaccination or disease or similar document and a negative result of a PCR carried out up to 72 hours before entering the country. ; 01/02/2022 Persons (12+ years old) arriving from 'red zone' countries (a 14-day incidence of 500-5;000/ 100;000 population) do not have to provide a negative PCR test result if they have a valid EU digital COVID certificate or equivalent documents. However; those (12+ years old) arriving from 'dark red zone' countries (a 14-day incidence of >5;000/ 100;000 population) should have both a negative PCR test conducted up to 72 hours before entering the country and a digital COVID certificate. People who come from 'dark red zone' countries and have received the booster dose are exempted from the PCR test. 10/03/2022 The 'dark red zone' category of countries is abolished. The requirements for persons arriving from the 'green'; 'orange' and 'red' zones remain unchanged. 01/04/2022 The color zones are abolished. From 01.04.2022 to 15.05.2022; all persons; regardless of the country from which they come; can enter Bulgaria upon presentation of a valid EU digital COVID certificate for vaccination; disease or testing; or a similar document containing the same data. ;13/04/2022 Persons arriving from the Republic of Northern Macedonia; Turkey; Romania; Serbia; Hungary; Poland; the Czech Republic; Slovakia; Israel; and Egypt are not required to present an EU digital COVID certificate or similar documents containing the same data. ;01/05/2022 As of Sunday; May 1; the anti-epidemic measures for entry of persons arriving from other countries on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria are canceled.

20.09.2022

28/07/2020 Citizens from listed 3rd countries who are allowed to enter Bulgaria must show a negative PCR test performed max 72 hours prior to the entry time; if not they are subjected to 14 days of quarantine. Ban on entry from certain countries; e.g. India; Bangladesh; and Brazil. EU citizens - PCR or an antigen-negative test upon entry; or document proving vaccination status.

20.09.2022

17/03/20: Entry ban for individuals other than citizens from countries in the European Union; European Economic Area; and the United Kingdom; long-term residents and people with long-term visa or residence permits; family members of EU and EEA citizens; medical personnel; and people responsible for the transport of goods for 30 days. ; 20.03.2020 Temporary ban for entry into the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria for all citizens of third countries via all points of entry and come with any type of transport means; including air; marine; rail; and road. The ban on entry of people coming from EU and Schengen space countries (listed) is still in force: Italy; Spain; the UK; France; Germany; Netherland; and Switzerland. The exception is for BG citizens and their family members and those who have permits for a long stay in BG. For citizens of the listed countries and their family members; a transit pass is permitted in order for them to return to their country of residence. The ban does not refer to citizens of other EU and Schengen space countries. The current ban excludes health specialists; health researchers; carers for older people; transport employees who are transporting goods; teams of air transport companies executing air deliveries and other transport employees if needed; diplomats and employees of international organizations; military; and humanitarian workers; when they execute their duties; people traveling for humanitarian reasons; people from third countries who have permission for a longer stay in EU member states and transit through BG to reach their country of residence. ; 24/04/2020 Ban on entry of people and vehicles from Turkey (neighboring country) with some specifically listed exceptions. ; 14/5/2020 Travel ban to entry for citizens from third countries through all border crossing points; by air; sea; rail; and road transport except Bulgarian citizens; EU/EEA countries; Schengen visa zone member countries (including the Republic of San Marino; the Principality of Andorra; the Principality of Monaco and the Vatican City State); the Republic of Serbia; Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro; members of the families of Bulgarian citizens; as well as persons who are in actual cohabitation with a Bulgarian citizen; and foreigners with the status of permanent or long-term residence in Bulgaria and members of their families. Exceptions (e.g. medical professionals; truck drivers; transit passengers for neighboring non-EU countries; seasonal workers; humanitarian workers). ; 28/7/2020 Travel ban to entry BG; except for BG citizens; citizens from EU/EEA; UK; and Schengen agreement countries; as well as from listed 3rd countries; and specific exceptions (e.g. medical professionals; truck drivers; transit passengers for neighboring non-EU countries; seasonal workers; humanitarian workers; etc.). ; 1/10/2020 According to the Order ? RD-01-547/30.09.202 of the Minister of Health; starting with 1st of October; was introduces a temporary ban on entering the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria. This ban is not applied to Bulgarian nationals; nationals of Member States of the European Union; the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; Schengen Parties (including the Republic of San Marino; the Principality of Andorra; the Principality of Monaco and the Vatican City State) and their family members including persons who are in actual cohabitation with them); citizens of the Union of Australia; Canada; Georgia; Japan; New Zealand; the Republic of Rwanda; the Republic of Korea; the Kingdom of Thailand; the Republic of Tunisia; the Oriental Republic of Uruguay; the United Arab Emirates; Ukraine; the Republic of Northern Macedonia; the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Albania Herzegovina; Montenegro; the Republic of Moldova; Israel; the State of Kuwait; the Republic of Belarus and the Republic of Turkey; persons with permanent status; long-term or long-term residence on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria and the members of their families; persons holding a Bulgarian long-stay visa type. 20/1/2021 Those who have the right to enter - including BG citizens and EU/EEA citizens have to present Covid-19 PCR negative test performed no longer than 72 hours prior to arrival time. If travellers have no test; they are subject to 10 days of quarantine. The regulation enters into force on 20 January 2021. ; 9/2/2021 The temporary ban for the entry into the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria of remains in effect. 14/3/2021 The ban on entry into the Republic of Bulgaria remains in effect; with certain exceptions. ; 1/6/2021 The entry into the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria of persons arriving from India; Bangladesh; Nepal; Myanmar; Bhutan; Sri Lanka; Pakistan; Maldives; Brazil and countries and territories in Africa is temporarily prohibited. ; 1/9/2021 As of 1 September the anti-epidemic measures for arrivals; are implemented according to the categorization of the countries in color zones. 1/12/2021 Persons arriving from the Republic of Mozambique; the Republic of Botswana; the Republic of South Africa; Lesotho; Eswatini; the Republic of Namibia; and the Republic of Zimbabwe are not allowed on the territory of the country; except for persons who are Bulgarian citizens and persons with the status of permanent; long-term or continuous residence on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria and the members of their families.; 7/01/22: Those countries have been moved to the 'red zone' list of countries and citizens are allowed entry granted they subject to restrictions. ; 1/5/2022 Authorities lift all COVID-19-related international travel restrictions effective May 1.

05.05.2022

Citizens from listed 3rd countries who are allowed to enter Bulgaria must show a negative PCR test performed max 72 hours prior to the entry time; if not they are subjected to 14 days quarantine. Ban on entry from certain countries; e.g. India; Bangladesh; Brazil. EU citizens - PCR or an antigen-negative test upon entry; or document proving vaccination status. ; 1/7/2021 The entry into Bulgaria will be carried out in according to the assessment of the spread of COVID-19 in the respective countries by criteria and placement of the countries in color zones (green; orange; red). The list will be reviewed at least once a week. ; 29/7/2021 Entry into Bulgaria from the 'red zone' countries is allowed only with the provision of both a valid EU COVID certificate for vaccination and a negative PCR test conducted up to 72 hours before entering Bulgaria. ; 1/12/2021 Entry into Bulgaria from the 'red zone' countries is allowed with the provision of either a valid EU COVID certificate for vaccination/illness or a negative PCR test conducted up to 72 hours before entering Bulgaria. ; 07/01/2022 People (>12 years of age) arriving from countries in the 'red zone' must present a negative PCR test along with the certificate of vaccination or illness. 19/01/2022 Children aged 12 to 18 arriving from the country in the 'red zone' are allowed on the territory of Bulgaria only upon presentation of a negative PCR test result conducted up to 72 hours before entering the country. The document for vaccination or illness is not taken into consideration. COVID-19 documents are not required for children under 12 years of age; regardless of the country of origin. ; 20/01/2022 Citizens of the Republic of Northern Macedonia; Israel; Turkey and Serbia and members of their families can enter Bulgaria only with the presentation of a valid EU digital COVID certificate for vaccination or disease or similar document and a negative result of a PCR carried out up to 72 hours before entering the country. ; 01/02/2022 Persons (12+ years old) arriving from 'red zone' countries (a 14-day incidence of 500-5;000/ 100;000 population) do not have to provide a negative PCR test result if they have a valid EU digital COVID certificate or equivalent documents. However; those (12+ years old) arriving from 'dark red zone' countries (a 14-day incidence of >5;000/ 100;000 population) should have both a negative PCR test conducted up to 72 hours before entering the country and a digital COVID certificate. People who come from 'dark red zone' countries and have received the booster dose are exempted from the PCR test. 10/03/2022 The 'dark red zone' category of countries is abolished. The requirements for persons arriving from the 'green'; 'orange' and 'red' zones remain unchanged. 01/04/2022 The color zones are abolished. From 01.04.2022 to 15.05.2022; all persons; regardless of the country from which they come; can enter Bulgaria upon presentation of a valid EU digital COVID certificate for vaccination; disease or testing; or a similar document containing the same data. ;13/04/2022 Persons arriving from the Republic of Northern Macedonia; Turkey; Romania; Serbia; Hungary; Poland; the Czech Republic; Slovakia; Israel; and Egypt are not required to present an EU digital COVID certificate or similar documents containing the same data. ;01/05/2022 As of Sunday; May 1; the anti-epidemic measures for entry of persons arriving from other countries on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria are canceled.

29.03.2022

17/03/20: Entry ban for individuals other than citizens from countries in the European Union; European Economic Area; and United Kingdom; long-term residents and people with long-term visa or residence permits; family members of EU and EEA citizens; medical personnel and people responsible for transport of goods for 30 days.

01.03.2022

Persons arriving from the Republic of Mozambique; the Republic of Botswana; the Republic of South Africa; Lesotho; Eswatini; the Republic of Namibia and the Republic of Zimbabwe are not allowed on the territory of the country; except for persons who are Bulgarian citizens and persons with the status of permanent; long-term or continuous residence on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria and the members of their families.; 7/01/22: Those countries have been moved to the 'red zone' list of countries and citizens are allowed entry granted they subject to restrictions.

24.02.2022

Travel ban to entry for citizens from third countries through all border crossing points; by air; sea; rail and road transport except Bulgarian citizens; EU/EEA countries; Schengen visa zone member countries (including the Republic of San Marino; the Principality of Andorra; the Principality of Monaco and the Vatican City State); the Republic of Serbia; Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro; members of the families of Bulgarian citizens; as well as persons who are in actual cohabitation with a Bulgarian citizen; and foreigners with the status of permanent or long-term residence in Bulgaria and members of their families. Exceptions (e.g. medical professionals; truck drivers; transit passengers for neighbouring non EU countries; seasonal workers; humanitarian workers).

24.02.2022

Ban on entry to Bulgaria for people from countries outside EU/EEA and UK; Schengen countries and list of countries excepted from the ban. There is also list of exceptions based on occupation (diplomats; international agencies staff; truck drivers; air/sea teams; medical professionals; student; etc. Those who have the right to enter - including BG citizens and EU/EEA citizens have to present Covid-19 PCR negative test performed no longer than 72 hour prior to arrival time. If travellers have no test; they are subject to 10 days quarantine. The regulation enters into force on 20 January 2021.

24.02.2022

From 20.03.2020 till 17.04.2020 temporary ban for entry into the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria for all citizens of third countries via all points of entry and coming with any type of transport means; including air; marine; rail and road. The ban on entry of people coming from EU and Schengen space countries (listed) is still in force: Italy; Spain; UK; France; Germany; Netherland and Switzerland. Exception is for BG citizens and their family members and those who have permit for long stay in BG. For citizens of the listed countries and their family members a transit pass is permitted in order for them to return to their country of residence. The ban does not refer to citizens of other EU and Schengen space countries. The current ban excludes: health specialists; health researches; carers for older people; transport employees who are transporting goods; teams of air transport companies executing air deliveries and other transport employees if needed; diplomats and employees of international organizations; military and humanitarian workers; when they execute their duties; people traveling for humanitarian reasons; people from third countries who have permission for longer stay in EU member states and transit through BG to reach their country of residence.

21.10.2021

24/02/2020: It was recommended to refrain from attending public events and avoid crowded places

27.09.2021

31/03/2020: Curfew in the municipality form 9pm until 5am. Exceptions would only be made for shift workers and those in need of emergency medical care.

29.01.2021

All travellers allowed to enter the country should have negative PCR test (max 72 hours prior to arrival); if not they are subject to 10 days quarantine.

29.01.2021

Ban on organized excursions/trips around the country; extended to 31 January 2021; extended to 30 April 2021.

28.01.2021

Travel ban to entry BG; except for BG citizens; citizens from EU/EEA; UK and Schengen agreement countries; as well as from listed 3rd countries; and specific exceptions (e.g. medical professionals; truck drivers; transit passengers for neighbouring non EU countries; seasonal workers; humanitarian workers; etc.).

28.01.2021

Ban on entry and exit of all people who are in the territory of the city of Bansko (ski resort - there were cases of Covid in British citizen- adult and child). Those with permanent or current address in the city of Bansko can return home by 20.00h of 18. 03.2020. Exception concerns only employees of regional health directorates; police; and medical specialists working in emergency health care or other health care facilities; and pharmaceutical specialists working in the city (amendment as of 18.03.2020) - end date - 31 March 2020.

28.01.2021

Ban on entry of all vehicles (with certain exceptions); for people going to work in Sofia city. Must have printed declaration; and designated time to enter and exit the capital are assigned. UPDATE 16 April 2020: Abolishment of order imposing specific hours for entry and exit of the capital city; yet the restrictions still in place and entry and exit is proved with document from employer for the purpose of visit to be reaching the place of work in Sofia.

28.01.2021

Ban on entry of people and vehicles from Turkey (neighbouring country) with some specifically listed exceptions.

28.01.2021

Ban on entry and exit of all people who are in the territory of the city of Bansko (ski resort - there were cases of Covid in British citizen- adult and child). Those with permanent or current address in the city of Bansko can return home by 20.00h of 18. 03.2020. Exception concerns only employees of regional health directorates; police; and medical specialists working in emergency health care or other health care facilities; and pharmaceutical specialists working in the city (amendment as of 18.03.2020). All people in the city are considered to be under quarantine for the duration of 14 days. They can only leave their houses to make shopping of food or medicines and to use services of banks; insurance and petrol stations or of they need medical care. Those who need medical care should call GPs or the outpatient medical centre where they will get instructions based on their case. Those who need emergency care that is not possible to be provided in the city will be transported with car of emergency care only. Economic activities could be performed only by health care facilities; pharmacies; food stores; petrol stations; banks and insurance companies if they follow strictly instructions for disinfection; airing of premises; personal hygiene and not allowing employees with symptoms of acute infectious diseases to come to the offices. Hotels and houses offering accommodation to tourists can continue working only if they follow sanitary instructions. Entry and exit of car serving essential public services such a water and electricity supply; supply of food products; pharmacies and supplies for health care facilities; banks and insurance companies should be allowed only via special points of entry and after the permission of health sanitary inspectorates and police.

28.01.2021

Stay at home orders imposed on village Panicherevo; municipality Gurkovo; region Stara Zagora.

28.01.2021

The village of Izgrev; Shoumen district was placed under lockdown in the evening on June 11 until June 25. The measure was introduced after 17 people from the village tested positive for coronavirus. Wearing masks in the village is mandatory in indoor and outdoor public places. All markets are closed except those that sell agricultural products. Large public gatherings; including celebrations are temporarily banned;

26.11.2020

Recommendations for travellers to and from China

26.11.2020

Measure extended till end of September 2020

23.10.2020

National movement restrictions: Free

Restrictive measures mandatory between 06 May 2020 to 31 December 2020

Bulgaria’s Health Minister: Coronavirus cases rising by 200 a day will be signal to return stricter measures. Flag carrier Bulgaria Air is restoring a large part of the frequencies of its flights between Sofia and Varna. If the number of confirmed cases of new coronavirus increases by more than 100 a day, recently-rescinded anti-epidemic restrictions will be brought back, Bulgarian Prime Minister Boiko Borissov said. Bulgarians Allowed to Travel Between Cities and Regions as of May 6 in New Step of Easing Coronavirus Restrictions Sofia - As of May 6, the checkpoints set up by the Interior Ministry at the entry and exit points of large cities as part of the coronavirus restrictions, will be removed and Bulgarians will be able to travel between cities and regions. The restrictions on intercity travel in Bulgaria end at midnight, Health Minister Kiril Ananiev said on May 5. An order issued by Ananiev also rescinded the rules for entering or leaving Bulgaria’s capital city Sofia. As of 27/04 Government is considering lifting the state of emergency before May 13. and that he has tasked legal experts with checking how that could happen. The Government is also considering opening the parks, easing the regime for crossing regional cities' entry/exit checkpoints, and even opening guest houses and small hotels. In his words, it is being considered whether to lower these restrictions in the coming days and weeks so that people would not go crazy. The Bulgarian capital will be closed for incoming and outgoing traffic starting 00:00 hours Friday until further notice, it transpired from a news briefing given late on Thursday evening by Prof. Moutafchiiski, Health Minister Kiril Ananiev and Interior Minister Mladen Marinov at the Council of Ministers. Bulgaria's Health Minister orders wearing of protective masks in public from April 12 to 26. Nationwide state of emergency extended until May 13. Less than 24 hours after issuing an order making the wearing of protective masks when in indoor and outdoor public places compulsory, Bulgaria?s Health Minister Kiril Ananiev withdrew it. He said that the order was withdrawn pending consensus in society about the use of protective masks.Bulgaria?s Health Minister Kiril Ananiev issued an order on March 30 that everyone, when at indoor or outdoor public places, must wear a protective mask, a notice on the Health Ministry website said. Checkpoints at entrances to and exits from major cities to ensure compliance with restrictions on intercity travel that take effect at midnight on March 20. Ban on visits to parks, city gardens, playgrounds, sports grounds, outdoor and indoor public places. people would be allowed to enter parks to walk their dogs, but must not do so in groups and no crowding would be tolerated. Due to the coronavirus emergency, registration in the eVisitor system is tailored to the following categories of payers: new users of holiday homes and residents of receiving municipalities / cities . Exceptionally, until the situation is normalized, it is not necessary to come personally to the office of the tourist board for registration purposes in the eVisitor system. 03/26/2020. 18:29

International movement restrictions: Partially banned

Restrictive measures mandatory between 20 March 2020 to 15 July 2020

The length of the quarantine period for contact persons and people arriving in Bulgaria is reduced to 10 days from 14 days. Bulgaria removes PCR test, quarantine requirements for arrivals from Turkey, Serbia, Belarus In spite of the planned relaunch, the resumption of international trains through Bulgaria’s border crossings with Greece, Serbia and Turkey has been postponed Bulgaria’s Health Minister: Arrivals from UK, Portugal and Sweden to be still subject to quarantine. The extension of the Covid-19 epidemic declaration in Bulgaria is extended to July 15; these included a ban on entering Bulgaria or mandatory quarantine for people from certain countries. In an announcement late at night on June 17, Bulgaria’s Health Minister Kiril Ananiev said that as of the following day, the requirement for 14-day mandatory quarantine for those arriving from nine European states was being lifted. The nine states are Spain, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, San Marino, Andorra, Monaco and Vatican City State. The same order also allows everyone who has a residence permit in a member state of the European Union, the United Kingdom, or in a Schengen country (including the Republic of San Marino, the Principality of Andorra, the Principality of Monaco and the Vatican City State) and the members of their families to enter the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, the Health Ministry said. They will be subject to the 14-day quarantine requirement. From 15 June, everyone arriving in Bulgaria from Sweden, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Portugal, and all countries that are not members of the European Union, with the exception of Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, must go into mandatory 14-day quarantine, either at a home or other accommodation. The same order lifts, from that date, mandatory 14-day quarantine for people arriving in Bulgaria from Ireland, Spain, Malta, Italy and the Netherlands. Ananiev made the announcement as the Cabinet decided to extend the Covid-19 epidemic declaration, which had been due to expire on June 14, to June 30. Bulgaria is to extend its temporary ban on the entry to the country of non-EU nationals The temporary ban would continue not to apply to citizens of Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia, he said. As to all other third (meaning, non-EU) countries “we expect a pan-European decision on June 15, but in our opinion, if the borders are opened for third countries, that will happen at the earliest from July 1,” Ananiev said. As of June 1, passengers arriving in Bulgaria from most European countries – but not those with the largest outbreaks of new coronavirus – will no longer be required to go into mandatory quarantine for 14 days. Those subject to mandatory 14-day quarantine on entry to Bulgaria are everyone coming from the UK, Sweden, Belgium, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Malta, Italy and all non-EU countries except Serbia and North Macedonia. A decorrere dal 3 giugno 2020, fatte salve le eventuali limitazioni disposte per specifiche aree del territorio nazionale e le eventuali limitazioni disposte in relazione alla provenienza da specifici Stati e territori, non sono soggetti ad alcuna limitazione gli spostamenti dai seguenti Stati: a) Stati membri dell’Unione Europea; b) Stati parte dell’accordo di Schengen; c) Regno Unito di Gran Bretagna e Irlanda del nord; d) Andorra, Principato di Monaco; e) Repubblica di San Marino e Stato della Città del Vaticano. Dal 3 al 15 giugno 2020, restano vietati gli spostamenti dagli Stati e territori diversi da quelli indicati sopra, salvo che per comprovate esigenze lavorative, di assoluta urgenza ovvero per motivi di salute. Resta in ogni caso consentito il rientro presso il proprio domicilio, abitazione o residenza. Bulgaria is scrapping the ban on the entry to the country of citizens of European Union and Schengen visa zone countries with effect from May 22, the Health Ministry said. Specifically, the lifting of the ban also covers San Marino, the Principality of Andorra, Monaco and Vatican City State, the statement said. Travel between Bulgaria and Greece will be without quarantine as of June 1. The decision was made at a video conference of the leaders of Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia and Romania, and was announced Tuesday by Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov. He said that the quarantine requirement for travel between Bulgaria and Serbia will also be scrapped as of June 1 but travellers will have to fill out bilateral declarations stating that they have no COVID-19 symptoms, are not quarantined in their own country, agree to travel at their own risk and leave a phone number for contact. At a news conference on the night of May 13, as the final hours of the State of Emergency to counter Covid-19 ticked by, Health Minister Kiril Ananiev said that the Cabinet had agreed to declaring an epidemic situation in Bulgaria up to June 14. Everyone entering Bulgaria, whether a Bulgarian or a foreigner, will continue to be subject to a 14-day mandatory quarantine. Bulgaria’s Health Minister Kiril Ananiev wants the temporary ban on foreigners entering Bulgaria, decreed as a measure against the spread of Covid-19, extended after the State of Emergency ends on May 13. Bulgaria's Health Minister Kiril Ananiev issued on April 6 a revised order banning the entry of non-EU nationals to the country, without specifying in the order for how long it would remain in effect. Nationwide state of emergency extended until May 13. The Bulgarian government has banned the entry of third-country (non-EU) nationals, including U.S. citizens, into the country from March 20 to April 17. This includes all third-country nationals at all border crossing points and includes aviation, maritime, rail, and road. The ban does not apply to: (1) healthcare professionals, health researchers and elderly care professionals; (2) transport personnel engaged in the carriage of goods, crews of aircraft engaged in commercial air transport and other transport personnel as necessary; (3) diplomats, officials of international organizations, military personnel and humanitarian workers in the performance of their duties; (4) persons traveling for humanitarian reasons; (5) third-country nationals who hold a long-term residence permit in an EU Member State and those transiting Bulgaria to return to their country of residence. The Bulgarian government has also banned entry of persons arriving from the following EU Member States and Schengen countries: Italy, Spain, France, Great Britain, Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. These restrictions do not apply to Bulgarian citizens and their family members, or persons with permanent or long term residence permits and members of their families. Turkey, Serbia and North Macedonia have closed all border crossings to non-commercial traffic. American citizens planning to depart Bulgaria should contact their airlines and consider contingency plans in case travel options become more limited in the near future.

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