Bulgaria is taking new steps to speed up visa processing for tourists and seasonal workers from outside the European Union as the country prepares for the summer tourism season.
The measures were agreed during a meeting between Deputy Foreign Minister Christo Polendakov and Deputy Tourism Minister Georgi Todorov, according to statements from both ministries. The plan includes immediate actions for summer 2026 and longer‑term improvements in coordination between agencies handling visa applications.
Polendakov said Bulgaria remains committed to being a safe and welcoming destination and that consular services are working to accelerate visa issuance without lowering security standards.
The Foreign Ministry said Bulgarian consulates issued more than 180,000 visas last year despite staffing shortages, with some missions operating with only one consul.
To meet rising demand, staffing has already been increased in key markets such as Türkiye, Egypt, India and Vietnam.
An additional 53 employees will be deployed on temporary assignments this summer to support consular offices in major travel hubs including Madrid, Munich, Berlin, London, Beijing, Belgrade, Dubai and Jakarta.