Bulgaria's recent integration into the Schengen Area has brought about significant changes to its visa policies, impacting travelers planning to visit the country and the broader Schengen Zone. With the implementation of new visa regulations, understanding the application process becomes crucial, particularly for those residing in the UK.
As of March 31st, Bulgaria, alongside Romania, joined the Schengen Area, abolishing internal air and sea border controls with other Schengen countries. This integration has led to the adoption of Schengen visa rules in Bulgaria, affecting visa requirements and travel permissions for visitors.
For individuals in need of a visa to enter Bulgaria, the application process has undergone adjustments. While Bulgaria has been following the Common Visa Policy of the European Union since its accession in 2007, the recent changes align its visa issuance with Schengen regulations. Short-stay visas issued by Bulgaria before the integration on 31st of March remain valid until their expiration date. However, holders of these visas are restricted to travel only within Bulgaria, Romania, and Cyprus. To visit other Schengen countries, travelers must obtain a regular Schengen visa.
Moreover, residence permits and long-stay visas issued by Bulgaria remain valid, allowing holders to travel freely within the Schengen Zone. However, they must adhere to the standard 90-day stay limit within a 180-day period.
Starting March 31, 2024, the Republic of Bulgaria will issue unified (Schengen) visas, valid across the entire Schengen area. A Schengen visa issued by the Republic of Bulgaria after this date will permit its holder to travel throughout the Schengen area, adhering to Schengen rules (with a maximum stay of 90 days within any 180-day period), regardless of internal land border checks.
The calculation of short-term stays (90 days within any 180 days) within the Schengen area will commence from the moment of entry into Schengen territory, including visits to the Republic of Bulgaria.
To facilitate the visa application process, Bulgaria has enlisted the services of VFS Global, a specialized visa service provider. Currently, there are 60 visa processing centers established in nine countries, including the United Kingdom. For UK residents planning to visit Bulgaria or other Schengen countries, these processing centers offer convenient access to visa services.
Understanding the implications of Bulgaria's integration into the Schengen Area is essential for travelers. Previously, individuals could use Bulgaria and Romania as a base to reset their 90-day stay limit within the Schengen Zone. However, with the recent changes, time spent in Bulgaria or Romania is now counted towards the total duration of stay within the Schengen Zone. This adjustment affects third-country travelers who utilized Bulgaria for periodic stays in the Schengen Area.
In summary, the Bulgarian Schengen visa application process has evolved to adhere to Schengen regulations, offering travelers enhanced mobility within the Schengen Zone. UK residents seeking to visit Bulgaria or other Schengen countries can utilize the services of VFS Global for efficient visa processing. Understanding these changes ensures a smoother travel experience and compliance with visa requirements. If you need visa assistance for a visa to Bulgaria from UK, feel free to send us an email to info@getvisas.co.uk
