Starting from April 1, Bulgaria is poised to issue Schengen visas to Russian applicants for the first time, a development reported by TASS and confirmed by the Bulgarian embassy. This marks a notable change in visa policy and hints at broader travel possibilities between Russia and the European Union through Bulgaria’s participation in the Schengen system. The move signals a potential widening of pathways for Russians to enter the Schengen area via Bulgarian authorities, expanding the practical routes for short-stay and long-stay visits.
Applications and the issuance of Schengen visas are expected to begin after April 1, 2024. The Bulgarian mission includes the Bulgarian Embassy in Moscow, with notice that the consular section of the Consulate General in St. Petersburg will handle Schengen visa applications. The practical effect is that Russians will have a formal avenue to seek entry through Bulgarian authorities within the wider Schengen framework. This shift is described in reports from TASS and statements from the Bulgarian government.
For travelers who already hold long-term residence documents, there is an important provision. Type D visas issued before March 31 that permit Bulgaria-based residence for more than 90 days may also allow short-term travel to other Schengen countries under certain conditions. This introduces additional flexibility for those who already carry long-term Bulgarian permits, enabling limited movements within the Schengen zone without requiring a separate visa for each country.
In a related clarification, type C visas issued before the cutoff date will permit entry only to Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania rather than the entire Schengen area. This distinction matters for individuals relying on Bulgarian-issued short visas to explore neighboring countries, as the scope of permissible entry will be more restricted in this scenario. This differentiation is reflected in statements from the Bulgarian government and reported by TASS.
Earlier, the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) noted that Bulgaria had begun preparations to issue Schengen visas to Russians in April, signaling a coordinated effort across Bulgarian diplomatic channels to expand accessible visa services. Specific timelines for processing and the speed at which applicants will receive their documents were not disclosed at that time, according to ATOR briefings.
There is ongoing dialogue about visa policies within the European Union, including discussions in the European Parliament about mobility and visa issuance practices in neighboring states. While some developments prompt scrutiny and debate, the overall trend points toward clearer, more structured visa pathways for Russian travelers seeking entry through select EU members in the region. The discussions reflect a broader pattern of EU mobility considerations, with various stakeholders weighing security, border controls, and regional cooperation.
From a practical perspective, travelers should monitor official Bulgarian consular channels for the latest instructions on where and how to apply, the required documents, and current processing times. In the ever-changing landscape of visa policy, staying informed through official announcements helps applicants prepare complete submissions and anticipate potential delays. A practical approach includes following guidance issued by the Bulgarian diplomatic mission in Moscow or the Consulate General in St. Petersburg to obtain the most up-to-date information and procedural details.