Bulgaria Reopens For Tourism – Here’s Who Can Visit

Last Updated 1 week ago

Bulgaria has officially reopened its borders in June allowing tourists from select countries to come in for a holiday.

On July 16, 2020 Bulgaria made the decision to add more countries to the ‘approved’ list, now allowing more third-party countries to also enter in 2021.

Here are the countries that can currently visit Bulgaria:

(accurate as of Feb 27, 2021)

All EU / EU+ / Schengen Nations

and, the Third-Party Nations of:

Australia
Canada
Georgia
Japan
New Zealand
Rwanda
South Korea
Thailand
Tunisia
Uruguay
United Arab Emirates
Israel
Belarus
Kuwait
Turkey
Serbia
Albania
Montenegro
Moldova
Ukraine
North Macedonia

Flights and passengers from the UK are suspended until at least Feb 28, 2021

Residents of those above countries can enter Bulgaria for the purposes of tourism without a 14-day quarantine period, as long as they are coming from a country on that list and not via another ‘non-approved’ country, and bringing a 72-hour negative PCR test.

Bulgaria says this list will be continuously reviewed and adjusted if necessary.

Testing Rules For Bulgaria

Starting January 29, 2021, all travelers entering Bulgaria must present a negative PCR test result, done within 72 hours before entering Bulgaria.

Passengers in transit will not require the PCR test as long as they are not leaving the airport
Citizens of Bulgaria returning home who are unable to fulfill the test requirement can also quarantine for 10-days

What Are The Rules For Visiting Bulgaria?

If you are one of the approved tourists to visit Bulgaria this summer, here are the current health and safety protocols in place:

A face mask is required in all enclosed public spaces
Social distancing of at least 1.5 metres in place
Masks must be worn on public transit at all times

What’s Open in Bulgaria?

Many hotels and inns
Museums, galleries and libraries (see list)
Restaurants and cafes
Shopping malls, markets and departments stores
Parks and gardens
Gyms, spas and wellness centres

Have Flights Resumed to Bulgaria?

Yes. Throughout June many airlines have resumed their flights into Bulgaria and are adding more as demand increases. You can fly from many European cities into Sofia, Burgas, and Varna directly.

Is Bulgaria a Popular Tourist Destination?

Yes. Almost 12% of Bulgaria’s GDP comes from the tourism sector and Bulgaria had almost 12 million foreign visitors in 2017.

Bulgaria has been rising in popularity due to its affordable prices, beautiful sunny beaches, incredible landscapes and amount of interesting historic sites.

Sources: Bulgaria Tourism Board / Visit Sofia.bg / Minister of Tourism /

Disclaimer: Bulgaria’s reopening news is ever-changing and being updated constantly. We do our best to keep this article up to date with all the latest information, but the decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry before traveling.

Read More:
See the complete list of countries worldwide reopen for tourism and everything you need to know before you go.

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Originally posted June 13, 2020 with updates

phillip

Monday 1st of March 2021

I have an Australian passport and Portuguese residency - and am planning to come to Bulgaria via motorhome. Does that fulfill criteria for entry?

Kashlee Kucheran

With the info we have: Passengers with a residence permit issued by Portugal are permitted to enter. You will need a 72-hour pCR test as well

Adrian

Tuesday 5th of January 2021

I'm curious if any US Citizen has been able to enter Bulgaria if traveling from a country on the approved list? I'm a US Citizen currently in Albania and I would like to enter Bulgaria in the next couple of weeks.

Artiom Jurgin

Monday 4th of January 2021

Is it possible to visit Bulgaria? I am from Lithuania

Udeh Johnbosco Emeka

Wednesday 9th of December 2020

Hello. I'm from Nigeria i what know if Bulgaria government have thy permit others country to come in for tourists?

No sorry not at this time

Peter Berg Guenther

Friday 9th of October 2020

hello, is bulgaria open for Mexicans

All countries that can visit are listed in the article.