A new route to Bulgaria

As of 1 May, the ban on Russian citizens entering Bulgaria without long-term residence permits has been lifted. The Bulgarian consular service has already begun accepting documents for type C (tourist) and type D (immigration) visas. The only thing overshadowing this is the absence of direct air service between Russia and Bulgaria. There is a way out, however: transit through Ukraine and other countries is possible.

From 4 June, the Bulgarian airline Bulgaria Air will begin operating direct flights between the Bulgarian and Ukrainian capitals.

The schedule is already known. Flights will be operated to Boryspil Airport three times a week: on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

• Departure from Sofia is at 10.10, arrival in Kyiv at 11.40.
• From Kyiv, aircraft will depart at 12.20 and arrive in the Bulgarian capital at 13.55.

Return tickets cost from 184 euros.

There are also regular flights by the Ukrainian low-cost carrier SkyUp Airlines from Ukraine to Bulgaria’s coastal region:

• Zaporizhzhia – Burgas (from $41 on Mondays and Thursdays).
• Kyiv – Varna (from $44 on Fridays).
• Kyiv – Burgas (from $44 on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays).
• Lviv – Burgas (from $43 on Tuesdays and Fridays).
• Kharkiv – Burgas (from $47 on Tuesdays and Saturdays).

Flights are operated on modern, comfortable Boeing aircraft.

Russians can reach Ukraine by plane, train or bus. To cross the border, a negative PCR test no more than 48 hours old is required. To cross the Bulgarian border, in addition to the standard set of documents, one of the following will be needed:

• a negative PCR test taken no earlier than 72 hours before entry;
• or an antigen test no more than 48 hours old;
• or a certificate of a completed course of vaccination (any vaccine approved by the Bulgarian Ministry of Health, including the Russian Sputnik V).

Tourists who have had COVID-19 may present a positive test if between 14 and 180 days have passed since the illness.

No additional testing or quarantine is required in Bulgaria for those entering the country.

Have a pleasant journey! We look forward to seeing you in Bulgaria!

Residence in Bulgaria (long-term residence permit)

Company registration in Bulgaria

Long-term residence permit in Bulgaria for freelancers