site.btaGovernment Repeals Earlier Decision Concerning Recognition of Foreign Visas in Connection with Bulgaria's Schengen Accession by Air, Sea

The government repealed its decision of July 3, 2014 regarding the implementation of Decision No 565/2014/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014, in the wake of Bulgaria's accession to the Schengen area by air and sea from March 31, 2024.

As of the end of March, third-country nationals holding national short-stay visas, national long-stay visas and residence permits issued by the authorities of Cyprus will not be able to enter the territory of Bulgaria with these documents, as Cyprus is a country which does not yet fully apply the Schengen acquis.

Mutual recognition of national short-stay visas, national long-stay visas and residence permits issued by the Romanian authorities by March 31, 2024 will continue and will be recognized as equivalent to Bulgarian visas for transit and planned stay until their expiry date.

National short-stay visas, national long-stay visas and residence permits issued by the end of 2022 by the Croatian authorities shall be recognized as equivalent to Bulgarian visas for transit and planned stay until their expiry date.