In a move set to further deepen bilateral ties and accelerate tourism growth, the Bulgarian government has announced a major visa facilitation policy for Turkish citizens. According to Bulgaria’s Minister of Tourism, Miroslav Borşoş, the new visa policy will not only streamline the application process but also significantly extend the duration of visas issued to Turkish nationals.
The announcement comes amid a dramatic 60 percent increase in Turkish tourists visiting Bulgaria during the first half of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024.
Long-Term Visas Now Available
Speaking on the matter, Minister Borşoş detailed the visa reforms as part of a broader tourism-focused agenda:
“In addition to the existing 3-month and 6-month visas, we are now able to issue 1-year, 3-year, and even 5-year visas to Turkish citizens.”
The longer-term visas will be granted based on the applicant’s visa history. Those who have previously held Bulgarian or Schengen visas without any violations will be eligible for extended visa durations.
Borşoş emphasized that this reform is aimed at “fully facilitating” the visa process for Turkish nationals, making travel between the two neighboring countries smoother, faster, and more efficient.
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Tourism as a Bridge Between Nations
The Bulgarian tourism minister made it clear that this development is not only an administrative improvement but a strategic step toward enhancing bilateral relations between Bulgaria and Türkiye.
“Tourism is extremely important to us, especially in our cooperation with Türkiye,” said Borşoş. “By easing visa regulations and extending stay durations, we hope to strengthen the flow of visitors and encourage repeat tourism.”
Bulgaria has emerged as a favorite destination for Turkish travelers in recent years due to its proximity, affordability, and shared cultural ties. Popular regions include Sofia, Varna, Plovdiv, and Bansko, offering a mix of history, seaside relaxation, and winter sports.
Turkish Tourist Numbers Soar by 60 Percent
One of the most compelling motivations for this visa reform is the significant rise in Turkish visitor numbers.
Minister Borşoş highlighted that Turkish tourist arrivals to Bulgaria increased by 60 percent in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in the previous year.
“This is a remarkable growth. It shows that the efforts we’ve made for years to improve our tourism relationship with Türkiye are finally becoming a reality.”
Such growth also reinforces the importance of cross-border collaboration in tourism, especially as countries recover from the pandemic’s lingering impact and seek new sources of travel revenue.
Economic and Cultural Benefits
Beyond individual tourism, the move is expected to yield significant economic benefits for both nations:
For Bulgaria:
Increased hotel bookings and tourism revenue
More diverse tourist demographics
Potential for longer-stay travelers and second-home buyers from Türkiye
For Türkiye:
Easier access to European territory without Schengen hassle
Boost to cross-border trade, especially in Edirne and Thrace
Stronger people-to-people ties between the two countries
Additionally, extended visas allow Turkish nationals to explore Bulgaria in-depth, fostering cultural exchange, business opportunities, and regional integration.
A Step Toward Schengen?
Though not yet a full member of the Schengen Zone, Bulgaria is in the final stages of alignment with EU regulations. Analysts speculate that easing entry for Turkish travelers could also be a preparatory step toward broader Schengen integration — which could one day further reduce bureaucratic barriers across the continent.
For now, Bulgarian authorities hope that long-term visas will encourage trust and mobility, positioning the country as a gateway to Europe for many Turkish citizens.
How to Apply for the New Visas
Applicants interested in the new long-term visas will need to demonstrate:
Valid previous visas with no violations or overstays
Proof of travel intent (tourism, family visit, business)
Sufficient financial resources and accommodation details
Standard biometric and identification documentation
Visa applications will continue to be handled by the Bulgarian consulates in Türkiye, and the Ministry of Tourism has announced that processing times will be shortened under the new policy.
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Public Reaction and Travel Industry Response
Turkish travel agencies have welcomed the reform as a long-awaited relief for travelers frequently visiting Bulgaria for shopping, family connections, business meetings, or simply weekend getaways.
“The demand has been consistently high, especially for border cities like Plovdiv and Burgas,” said a representative from a leading İstanbul-based travel company. “This will allow our clients to travel more freely, with less paperwork.”
Many frequent travelers to Bulgaria shared their optimism on social media, expressing interest in five-year multiple-entry visas, which they believe will reduce both cost and stress.
Opening Doors, Building Bridges
The Bulgarian government’s decision to extend visa durations and streamline applications for Turkish citizens is a clear signal of the growing importance of Türkiye–Bulgaria relations in both diplomatic and tourism contexts.
As borders open wider and mutual trust deepens, both nations stand to gain — not only in terms of economic growth but also through shared cultural experiences, personal connections, and regional harmony.
In a time when travel is increasingly seen as a diplomatic tool, Bulgaria has shown that thoughtful policy can pave the way for meaningful progress.
