The Bulgarian authorities have confirmed that the country’s international airports are fully prepared to adhere to the new regulations once Bulgaria becomes a partial member of the Schengen Area.
According to the Minister of Interior of Bulgaria, Kalin Stoyanov, airports in the country are ready to enter Schengen by air and start applying new passport-checking rules from March 31, 2024, SchengenVisaInfo reports.
Such a statement from Minister Stoyanov was made following a personal assessment he made.
Starting March 31, when Bulgaria officially joins the Schengen Area by air and sea, travel will become more facilitated for citizens of Schengen countries arriving in Bulgaria and for passengers reaching the Schengen member states through Bulgaria.
Travellers from Schengen countries flying to Bulgaria from March 31 will no longer be required to undergo passport checks. They will only be subject to regular security checks.
Upon their arrival at Bulgarian airports, travellers from Schengen countries will be directed to specified gates. Through these gates, they will be able to enter Bulgaria without having to wait for long periods of time just to have their passports checked.
The same goes for passengers travelling to the Schengen Area from Bulgaria. They will have to undergo security checks, but there will no longer be any passport control for them.
However, the authorities have highlighted that the airlines will continue to require all passengers, regardless of their nationality, to present official identification documents.
As for persons travelling from Bulgaria to a country outside the Schengen Area, they will still have to undergo passport checks.
In addition, since Bulgaria will join Schengen partially, those crossing the land border will also continue to be required to undergo checks.
Bulgaria Will Start Issuing Schengen Visas From March 31, 2024
Another change that comes along with Bulgaria’s partial accession is that the country will start issuing Schengen visas from March 31, 2024.
Foreigners who are issued a Bulgarian Schengen visa will be permitted to enter the country and the other Schengen member states for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
From March 31, 2024, the Republic of Bulgaria issues uniform (Schengen) visas valid throughout the Schengen area.
As for national visas that Bulgaria issues before March 31, they can be used only for entry to Bulgaria, Romania, and Cyprus.
Moreover, Bulgaria will not permit entry of Cyprus-issued visas from March 31, 2024. The decision not to allow entry on this type of visa has been made due to the incomplete implementation of the Schengen acquis by Cyprus, according to the Bulgarian authorities.
