- Bulgaria has worked for over a decade to meet the Schengen area requirements.
- An ETIAS travel authorisation will be needed to enter Bulgaria starting in November 2023.
17-10-2022
Bulgaria, as an EU member state, is committed to eventually joining the Schengen zone.
Bulgaria is eager to join the Schengen Area. The Bulgarian government has worked hard in recent years to meet the high standards expected of Schengen member states.
Bulgaria, according to the local government, is now fully prepared to join the borderless Schengen Zone.
This article answers the most frequently asked questions about Bulgaria and the Schengen Area. It also looks at how travelling to Bulgaria will change once it joins the borderless zone.
IS BULGARIA IN THE EU?
Bulgaria did, in fact, join the European Union on January 1, 2007.
Bulgaria currently has 17 members of the European Parliament (MEPs). Bulgarian government representatives attend European Council meetings on a regular basis to discuss EU policy.
Bulgaria has yet to adopt the Euro as its official currency. The country continues to use the Bulgarian lev (BGV), but has committed to joining the Eurozone once all requirements are met.
Bulgaria currently meets some requirements, including exchange rate criteria; however, the country has yet to meet others.
IS BULGARIA PART OF THE SCHENGEN AREA?
Bulgaria is not yet a member of the Schengen Zone. The Balkan country is preparing to join the Schengen area and is expected to do so soon.
The Republic of Bulgaria already makes extensive use of the Schengen acquis. However, the country has not abolished borders and is currently outside the free travel zone.
Croatia, Cyprus, and Romania may also join the Schengen Area in the near future.
WHY IS BULGARIA NOT PART OF THE SCHENGEN AREA YET?
The Treaty of Accession requires Bulgaria, as an EU member state, to eventually join the Schengen Area.
The precise date on which Bulgaria will join the Schengen Area is unknown, but it is expected to be soon.
Ylva Johansson, European Commissioner, supports Bulgaria’s accession to the Schengen Area. Concerning the accession of Bulgaria, Croatia, and Romania to the Schengen area, the Commissioner stated:
“We cannot accept a Europe that operates on two levels.”
According to Johansson, admitting these countries to the Schengen Area will help to strengthen borders and ease movement between Schengen countries.
MEETING THE HIGH SCHENGEN STANDARDS
When determining whether a Schengen candidate is eligible, the European Commission considers several criteria. These criteria are as follows:
- Infrastructure and organisation
- Personal data protection
- Border control legislation
- Police cooperation
Bulgaria’s entry into the Schengen Area has been delayed due to concerns about corruption and organised crime.
In recent years, the Bulgarian government has worked hard to meet these high standards and earn the trust of its European partners. Kiril Petkov, Prime Minister, recently stated:
“We must now build and demonstrate confidence.” The new Bulgarian government will demonstrate that it keeps its promises.”
Bulgaria has now met the key EU indicators, bringing it one step closer to joining the Schengen Area, according to the European Parliament.
BULGARIA AND SCHENGEN, A TIMELINE OF KEY EVENTS
Some of the most significant events in the Bulgaria-Schengen relationship are as follows:
- October 2010 — Bulgaria joined SIS II for law enforcement cooperation.
- June 2011 — Bulgaria’s bid to join the Schengen Area was approved by the European Parliament but blocked by the Council of Ministers. Some countries had ongoing concerns about corruption and organised crime.
- August 2018 — Bulgaria gains full access to the Schengen Information System.
- December 2018 — the European Parliament voted to accept Bulgaria into the Schengen zone.
Bulgaria is thus prepared to join the borderless Schengen zone and benefit from free movement.
IS A SCHENGEN VISA VALID FOR BULGARIA?
Holders of any type of valid Schengen visa can enter Bulgaria without a separate visa.
Bulgaria’s entry requirements allow visitors with a Schengen visa to enter the country and stay for up to 90 days in a 6-month period without the need for a short-term Bulgarian visa.
Bulgaria, on the other hand, does not issue Schengen visas. It only issues national visas that cannot be used to enter Schengen countries.
OTHER VISA-FREE AGREEMENTS WITH BULGARIA
Holders of Romanian, Cyprus, and Croatian visas and residence permits can also stay in Bulgaria without a visa for up to three months.
Bulgarian visas are also valid for entry into Romania, Croatia, and Cyprus.
WILL I NEED ETIAS TO TRAVEL TO BULGARIA?
To enter Bulgaria, ETIAS will be required. It will still be an entry requirement if it does not complete its Schengen membership before the ETIAS travel authorisation is in use. This is due to Bulgaria’s legal obligation to join the Schengen Area soon.
In November 2023, the European Travel Information and Authorisation Service will go live. It will be applicable to all Schengen Member States as well as candidate countries. This includes Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, and Romania, even though they are not yet Schengen states.
ETIAS is a new visa waiver programme for third-country nationals who do not require a visa. Passport holders who do not require a visa to enter Schengen countries must apply for the new travel permit.
Applying for ETIAS will be quick and easy. The application is entirely online and requires only basic personal and passport information.
ADVANTAGES OF SCHENGEN MEMBERSHIP FOR BULGARIA
When Bulgaria joins the Schengen Area, it will eliminate internal EU border checks.
People from other EU countries will be able to visit Bulgaria more easily, and Bulgarians will benefit from increased mobility.
Another benefit of Schengen membership is:
- Cross-border police cooperation
- Better judicial cooperation
- Standardised entry and visa requirements
- Shared security databases
Schengen membership, particularly ETIAS, will strengthen borders while making it easier for foreign visitors to visit Bulgaria.