Bulgaria will start issuing Schengen visas to Russians beginning April 1.

Bulgaria will start issuing Schengen visas to Russians beginning April 1.

Key Points:

- Bulgarian authorities have announced the commencement of issuing Schengen visas to Russian citizens from April 1, 2024.
- The processing duration for visa applications will align with the standards of other Schengen Zone nations, as confirmed by the TASS agency.
- Visa-related procedures will be managed by staff members of the Bulgarian embassy in Moscow and the Consulate General in St. Petersburg.

Details:

Bulgaria is set to initiate the issuance of Schengen visas to Russian nationals, commencing April 1, 2024. The decision, announced by Bulgarian authorities, ensures that the processing time for visa applications will be in line with the norms observed by other Schengen Zone countries, as corroborated by reports from the TASS agency.

As per the announcement, visa-related tasks will be undertaken by personnel from the Bulgarian embassy located in Moscow, along with the Consulate General in St. Petersburg. This strategic move by Bulgaria signifies a step forward in facilitating travel and fostering diplomatic relations between the two nations.

The decision to grant Schengen visas to Russian citizens comes amidst ongoing geopolitical developments, including the recent imposition of stringent sanctions on Russia by the European Union in response to the conflict in Ukraine.

Starting April 1, Bulgarian and Romanian authorities will begin issuing Schengen C visas, allowing entry and temporary stay within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This development follows the partial accession of Bulgaria and Romania by air and sea, effective from March 31, which eliminates the need for passport controls for air and sea travel. However, passport checks will continue to be enforced for land border crossings.

European Commission officials have expressed expectations for the completion of land border accession procedures following the European Parliament elections. Additionally, it has been emphasized that both Bulgaria and Romania are obligated to implement all Schengen Agreements effective March 31.

Earlier reports from the Russian Union of Travel Industry (RST) suggest that the visa application process for Schengen visas has become more streamlined for Russian citizens. Certain countries have been noted to offer quicker visa processing times for Russian nationals, facilitating smoother travel arrangements.

Disclaimer

The Think Europe Services website is owned and operated by Think Europe Services Sp. z. o. o., a private international company operating independently from the Polish government. Please note that the information on this website is not intended as professional or legal advice. We make every effort to maintain the accuracy of the content, but it's important to be aware that certain terms, like immigration eligibility criteria, may be subject to change without prior notification. ..see more

In reference to our Job Search Service, we specialize in Resume Crafting, LinkedIn Enhancement, and Resume Promotion. It's crucial to emphasize that we do not promote job opportunities on behalf of international employers or serve as agents for any foreign companies. Our Registration number is KRS 0001007806, our tax identification number is NIP 9512557041, and all our services are exclusively offered at our Registered Center.

Please bear in mind that the content provided here is meant solely for informational purposes and should not be regarded as legal or tax guidance. It is recommended that you seek advice from your own legal and/or tax consultant(s). We do not offer legal or tax advice, and the information we present is of a general nature, not customized for any particular company or workforce. Moreover, it does not represent how we operate in a specific jurisdiction. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy or timeliness of this information, and we are not liable for any losses that may occur as a result of using or relying on it.