Bulgaria will pause accepting documents for Schengen visas from tourists at its consulates in Moscow and St. Petersburg. This change was reported by Type. The pause appears to be a temporary measure tied to ongoing adjustments in how Bulgarian consulates handle visa applications and process travel documents. Applicants should expect some disruption as offices implement the new procedures and testing runs take place to ensure smooth operation once the software goes live.
In the Russian capital, the Bulgarian consulate will not accept documents for type C visas from August 1 to August 18, while in St. Petersburg the window runs from August 1 to August 11. Travelers who had planned to submit during those dates will need to re-book for new appointment slots. Officials have stressed that this pause is strictly logistical and aimed at minimizing errors during the software transition. Applicants are advised to monitor official notices for updated timelines and any temporary changes to submission requirements.
Visa agencies indicate that the suspension is a direct result of the switch to a new software platform designed to streamline the visa application process. The transition is part of a broader modernization effort across Bulgarian consulates, intended to speed up processing and improve eligibility checks, though it temporarily disrupts routine intake. Prospective visitors should prepare for potential additional screening steps or longer-than-usual processing times once the system is fully operational.
On July 29, Dmitry Gorin, Vice President of the Russian Tourism Industry Association, noted that the share of Russians denied Schengen visas has risen to about 10 percent. He explained that, historically, Russians were issued roughly 4 million visas in 2019, but the volume dropped dramatically to around 600 thousand in 2023, with estimates for the current year showing about 449 thousand. These figures reflect broader shifts in visa policy and an increased emphasis on security checks, which have a tangible impact on travel planning and tourism flows from Russia to Europe.
Earlier reports raised questions about the cost of European beach tours in August, underscoring how visa delays and tightening procedures can affect overall trip budgeting and itinerary planning for travelers seeking sun and sea experiences in Europe.