Bulgaria Entry Requirements For Travelers in 2021

Bulgaria has officially reopened its borders once again in May 2021, allowing tourists from 80+ countries to come visit for a holiday.

Below you will find all of the Covid-19 Entry Requirements for Bulgaria, including testing rules, exemptions for vaccinations, which countries are allowed, and more.

Countries that can currently visit Bulgaria:

Most EU/EEA nations can visit Bulgaria, as well as a long list of non-EU, third-party nations.

Any third-party non-EU nation that is not on the RED list, is considered to be on the ORANGE list. The ORANGE list still allows entry, but with either testing, vaccination or recovery.

The RED list consists of the following countries, which are not permitted to enter Bulgaria at this time:

• India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania, Seychelles, Namibia, Zambia, Oman, Malaysia, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Colombia, Chile, Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, Suriname, Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Fiji Georgia, Israel, Eswatini, Iran, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Kazakhstan, the United States of America, Saint Lucia and Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Testing Rules For Bulgaria

(When entering from GREEN or ORANGE countries)

Much like neighbors Greece and Croatia, Bulgaria is giving visitors 3 choices on how to enter: A negative covid-19 test, proof of recovery, or proof of vaccination.  

Negative Covid Test: PCR or Antigen accepted. The passenger will need to show proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival, or a negative Antigen test taken within 48 hours of arrival

or

Proof of Recovery: The passenger can show a positive PCR or Antigen test, taken 15-180 days before entry to prove a recent recovery from the virus.

or

Proof of Vaccination: 14 days must have passed from the final shot. Passengers can be fully vaccinated with: J&J, Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Sinovac, Sputnik, and Coviesheild.

Quarantine Rules for Bulgaria

If the passenger fulfills one of the 3 options above, there are no quarantine periods when entering Bulgaria.

If a passenger is showing symptoms or tests positive, they could be subject to a 10-day quarantine.

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
• Children under 6 do not have to wear masks

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 centers

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 /

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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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.

Originally posted June 13, 2020 with updates