site.btaForeign Ministry Issues Advisory for Bulgarians in Israel, Iran

Amid the latest escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry advises all Bulgarian nationals currently in affected countries to contact the Ministry in need of assistance using the following contact points:

Situation Centre Directorate

Phone: +359 2 948 24 04; +359 2 971 38 56; +359 893 339 616

Fax: +359 2 870 71 37

Email: crisis@mfa.bg

Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in the Islamic Republic of Iran

24/7 Emergency Phone: +98 930 568 34 09

Please be advised that Iranian airspace is currently closed and departure by air is not possible.

Evacuation is only possible via the country's land borders with Armenia, Tukriye, Azerbaijan (Astara border checkpoint), and Turkmenistan. 

Bulgarian nationals holding valid passports do not need a visa to enter Armenia and Turkiye. 

Crossing into Azerbaijan requires a special permit issued by Azerbaijani authorities. This permit can be obtained with the help of the Bulgarian Embassy in Tehran. Bulgarian nationals are advised to contact the embassy in Tehran or the Foreign Ministry in advance at the provided phone numbers. Bulgarian passport holders require a visa to enter Azerbaijan. Visas can be obtained online via the ASAN Visa system at: https://evisa.gov.az/en/

Bulgarian nationals holding valid passports require a visa to enter Turkmenistan. Entry also requires submission of a negative COVID-19 PCR test, which is done on site.

The Bulgarian Foreign Ministry also warns of challenges in obtaining air tickets for departure from Turkmenistan.

Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in the State of Israel

Phone: +972 54 595 4379; +972 54 463 4003

The situation in Israel remains highly dynamic and constantly evolving. Therefore, the guidance of the local authorities and the Foreign Ministry should be carefully followed.

A state of emergency has been declared. Israeli airspace is currently closed and departure by air is not possible.

No sea departures are expected from the ports of Haifa and Ashdod before Sunday, June 15, due to Shabbat and current conditions. Future sailings will depend on Israeli government advisories and capacity.

Departure from Israel to Egypt via the Menachem Begin/Taba Border Crossing is currently possible. There is currently no indication that this crossing point is closed, but given the dynamic situation, this could change at any time. A visa and a special permit are required to enter Egyptian territory. No visa is required for Bulgarian nationals wishing to exit Israel through this checkpoint provided that they fly from Sharm El Sheikh Airport, where a visa will be issued upon exit from the country.

Jordanian authorities have said that the King Hussein Bridge border crossing will be open on June 15 between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Given the situation, this could change at any time. 

A visa is required to enter Jordanian territory.

As of June 15, Jordanian airspace is closed.

All travellers should consider the risks of movement within Israel due to the state of emergency and associated restrictions.

The Foreign Ministry and Bulgarian embassies in the region are closely monitoring developments and will continue to update Bulgarian nationals on exit options.