Bulgaria Commits to Accelerating Visa Processing for Tourists and Workers

Key Takeaways

1. Bulgaria is forming a working group to streamline the visa issuance process.
2. The Tourism Minister has pledged support for businesses to boost tourism.
3. This year marks Bulgaria’s first as a full Schengen member.

Bulgaria Takes Steps to Accelerate Visa Processing for Tourists and Workers

As the newest member of the Schengen Area, Bulgaria is prioritizing efforts to enhance its visa issuance process, particularly to strengthen its tourism sector.

Tourism Minister Miroslav Borshosh announced the formation of a working group dedicated to coordinating efforts among relevant institutions to speed up the issuance of tourist and work visas. He emphasized that Bulgaria’s Schengen membership presents a significant opportunity, but administrative barriers must be addressed to fully capitalize on it.

"To seize this opportunity, we must eliminate administrative hurdles affecting the tourism sector. That’s why the Ministry of Tourism is creating a working group to accelerate visa processing."
— Miroslav Borshosh, Minister of Tourism

Minister Pledges Support for Businesses to Boost Tourism

Minister Borshosh stressed that Bulgaria’s entry into the Schengen Zone offers a competitive edge in attracting more visitors. However, he warned that failing to act decisively could mean missing out on its full potential. He assured businesses of his commitment to facilitating improvements in the tourism infrastructure.

"Schengen gives us a strategic advantage, but if we do not act decisively, we risk losing this opportunity. I am committed to not only coordinating efforts but driving the necessary changes. Businesses can count on me as a reliable partner."
— Miroslav Borshosh

Optimizing the Work Visa Process

During the roundtable discussions, Minister Borshosh highlighted the need for improving the process of hiring third-country nationals to ensure Bulgaria’s long-term tourism competitiveness.

"We must simplify hiring procedures to strengthen Bulgaria’s tourism industry. Establishing this working group is a step in the right direction, but now is the time for concrete action to enhance tourism under the new Schengen conditions."
— Miroslav Borshosh

Bulgaria’s Visa Challenges with the U.S.

Although not discussed in the roundtable, Bulgaria faces its own visa challenges with the United States. The country aims to achieve visa-free travel to the U.S. by 2026, but it must meet the criteria for the Visa Waiver Program. A key hurdle is the visa rejection rate, which must be below 3% to qualify.

In 2023, Bulgaria issued 20,601 U.S. visas, but reducing its rejection rate remains a critical challenge as it works toward fulfilling U.S. requirements, including enhanced security cooperation and information sharing.