SOFIA, Bulgaria — Travelers from Türkiye will find it far easier to vacation in Bulgaria over the next two years, and Bulgarian resorts are already feeling the impact.
Turkish arrivals surge in Sofia and on the Black Sea coast
Data from the National Statistical Institute show more than 110,000 tourist registrations by Turkish citizens between January and May 2025, a 61.6 percent jump versus the same stretch of 2024. With Türkiye consistently ranked among Bulgaria’s top five foreign markets, officials in Sofia believe the momentum will only accelerate now that the European Union has relaxed Schengen-area visa rules for Turkish passport holders.
What changed in the Schengen visa process?
- On July 15, EU consulates began issuing tourist visas valid for one, three, or five years to Turkish citizens who have a clean travel record, expanding the previous menu of three- and six-month options.
- The so-called “cascade” approach increases validity after each trouble-free trip. A traveler who has used a Schengen visa at least twice without violations can jump to the next, longer tier.
- Each application is still reviewed individually under the EU Visa Code, but routine second or third visits now come with significantly less paperwork.
“This will completely ease the visa regime with Türkiye,” Tourism Minister Miroslav Borshosh said at a parliamentary briefing.
Why the new rules matter for vacationers
1. Fewer consulate visits: Multiple-entry visas lasting up to five years mean frequent travelers no longer need fresh stamps every season. 2. Spontaneous getaways: Flexible validity lets Istanbul-based families decide on a last-minute ski weekend in Bansko or a spa break in Velingrad without red tape. 3. Multi-country itineraries: Because Bulgaria joined Schengen’s air and sea zones in March 2024, the same visa opens the door to onward travel in 27 European states.
Government marketing blitz targets Istanbul and Ankara
Borshosh told lawmakers his ministry has shifted a sizable chunk of its 2026 advertising budget toward Google, YouTube and Meta placements aimed at Turkish users. A print supplement in Istanbul’s mass-circulation daily Milliyet that highlighted regional Bulgarian attractions “had an excellent effect,” the minister added. Beyond digital outreach, Bulgaria will maintain a heavy presence at tourism fairs in Istanbul, Izmir and Antalya. These shows allow not only hoteliers but also municipalities such as Plovdiv, Varna and the wine-rich Thracian Valley to pitch themselves directly to Turkish tour operators and media outlets.
Where Turkish travelers are going inside Bulgaria
- Sofia – Weekend shoppers flock to the capital’s malls and Roman ruins.
- Plovdiv – The old town’s amphitheater and street-art alleys have become Instagram staples for 20-something visitors from Ankara.
- Bansko and Pamporovo – Winter 2024–25 saw double-digit growth in ski package bookings originating in Türkiye.
- Sunny Beach & Golden Sands – All-inclusive Black Sea resorts expect larger family groups thanks to the five-year visa tier.
Tips for Travelers
- Carry proof of previous Schengen usage. Border police may ask for old passport stamps, especially during the first trip after your visa is upgraded.
- Mind the entry point. Although land borders between Türkiye and Bulgaria remain non-Schengen, once stamped in you can fly onward to other EU nations without additional control.
- Book ski passes early. January and February weekends are selling out faster as Turkish demand rises.
- Currency prep. Bulgaria is on the lev (BGN). Many shops accept cards, but rural guesthouses prefer cash.
How to apply under the cascade system
- Complete the standard Schengen application at the Bulgarian consulate or an authorized visa center in Türkiye.
- Provide evidence of at least two prior Schengen entries with no overstay or penalty.
- Request the longer validity (one, three, or five years) that matches your travel history.
- Wait times are typically 15 calendar days, although peak periods may extend processing.
FAQ
Does a five-year visa guarantee unlimited stay?
No. The 90/180 rule—no more than 90 days in any 180-day period—still applies.
Can I work in Bulgaria with this visa?
Tourist visas do not grant employment rights. Separate permits are required for work stays.
Is medical insurance mandatory?
Yes. Schengen rules require coverage of at least EUR 30,000.
What about travelers who have never held a Schengen visa?
First-time applicants must still begin with a single-entry visa. Only after two compliant trips can they move into the cascade tiers.
Looking ahead to 2026
Officials forecast another upswing once Bulgaria gains full land-border Schengen membership, a milestone tentatively expected in 2026. By then, the ministry’s digital push will be in its second year, and Borshosh is counting on high-visibility campaigns in Turkish media to keep Bulgaria top of mind. “The digital campaign is of crucial importance,” he added later during the parliamentary session. Whether it is a five-hour drive from Edirne to Sunny Beach or a one-hour flight from Istanbul to Sofia, the streamlined visa process removes one of the few remaining hurdles for Turkish citizens eyeing a quick European escape. For travelers, the payoff is clearer options and longer horizons; for Bulgaria, the bet is that easier paperwork will translate into fuller hotels, busier restaurants and robust year-round tourism growth. — as Borshosh said at a parliamentary briefing.
