Bulgaria in Schengen: what are the changes?

Bulgaria in Schengen: what changes for all third country citizens residing in Bulgaria?

As of 31 March 2024, Bulgaria is officially entered into the Schengen zone via air and sea. Furthermore, all checks on persons at internal air and sea borders with and between Bulgaria and Romania shall be lifted.

Holders of valid Bulgarian residence permits and national visas for long-term residence can then, in accordance with Article 21 of the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement, travel freely in the territory of the other Schengen countries for up to 90 days per period of 180 days on the basis of these documents and a valid and recognized travel document, provided they meet the entry requirements in accordance with Article 6 of the Schengen Borders Code. It is irrelevant whether you stay in the other states of the Schengen area for 90 days or whether you enter and leave several times.

National short-stay visas issued by Bulgaria and Romania before 31 March 2024 shall remain valid during their period of validity. They allow free travel in Bulgaria, Romania and Cyprus only. For a stay in Germany these visa holders still need a Schengen visa.

From 01. April 2024 on, Bulgaria will also issue Schengen visas.

NB! These regulations apply to short-term stays only, e.g. for tourism or private visits.

If you want to work in Germany, a visa is usually required, even if you want to stay in another EU country for less than 90 days. For further information, you can visit the respective embassy.