Starting March 31, 2024, third-country nationals who hold visas and residence permits issued by Cyprus will not be permitted entry to Bulgaria.
As the Bulgarian authorities have clarified, entry will not be allowed to third-country nationals holding both short-term and long-term national Cyprus-issued visas, SchengenVisaInfo reports.
Explaining the reason behind this decision, the Bulgarian authorities said that Cyprus has not yet fully implemented the Schengen acquis.
The decision confirmed by the Bulgarian government press office means that all non-EU/EEA nationals now need to obtain or hold a Schengen visa issued by any other country but Cyprus in order to be permitted entry to Bulgaria.
In addition to no longer recognising visa and residence permits issued by Cyprus to third-country nationals for entry, Bulgaria has also decided to abolish simplified border controls with the country.
Bulgaria has so far been keeping facilitated border controls with Cyprus, in line with a decision of the EU Parliament and Council.
However, since the country officially becomes a partial Schengen member on March 31, 2024, it has decided to tighten border controls with Cyprus and thoroughly check those crossing the border, especially third-country nationals.
Bulgaria Joins Schengen by Air & Sea at the End of This Month
Bulgaria will join Schengen by air and sea on March 31, 2024. The move means that the travel process for Bulgarians will become significantly less burdensome as they will no longer have to undergo checks when entering the Schengen Area by air and sea.
On the other hand, since Bulgaria will only join Schengen partially, checks will remain in place for Bulgarians entering other Schengen countries by land.
Another change is that Bulgaria will start issuing its own Schengen visas from April 1, 2024.
Those who obtain a Bulgaria Schengen visa will be permitted entry and stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Bulgaria’s Eurozone Entry Expected in 2025, Eurogroup President Says
In addition to Bulgaria partially entering Schengen at the end of this month, Eurogroup President Paschal Donohoe has said that he is positive that Bulgaria will join the Eurozone in 2025.
I am strongly convinced that Bulgaria will join the Euro area in 2025. The question is when your country will introduce the Euro as its currency, and not if.
Such a statement from Donohoe was made at a news conference after a meeting with the Prime Minister of Bulgaria.
Donohoe further said that Bulgaria’s entrance into the Eurozone will bring the country more opportunities and help its economy.
