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Bulgaria will keep on issuing short-term Schengen visas, clarifies MFA

Bulgaria has clarified its views on the issue of Schengen visa connection with the national visa system. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there are currently no issues issuing short-term Schengen visas. It furthermore clarified the following things as well:

Visa System Integration

Bulgaria has connected its national visa system with the Schengen system. This means that Bulgaria’s visa information is now linked with the broader Schengen visa system. This connection was tested thoroughly with about 15 successful tests.

Visa Issuance Update

Starting from March 31, 2024, Bulgaria will only issue Schengen visas for short stays. Up to the end of July this year, Bulgaria has issued over 35,000 of these visas. Since the same date, Bulgaria has also gained full access to the EU’s central visa information system, which records all visa applications and decisions.

Visa and Entry

Just having a visa doesn’t automatically guarantee entry into the Schengen Area. Authorities can still refuse entry if they believe someone doesn’t meet the required conditions or doesn’t fit into the categories set out by European law.

Upgradation of the National Visa Information System

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bulgaria is upgrading the National Visa Information System (NVIS), which will require a temporary shutdown of the current system from August 9 to 18.

During this period, Bulgarian consular offices will not accept visa or identity document applications. However, temporary passports and emergency powers of attorney or declarations will still be processed for urgent situations such as natural disasters, serious illness, or travel needs related to close family emergencies.