BULGARIA will join the Schengen area later this year – here’s everything you need to know ahead of the change.
From March 31, 2024, both Bulgaria and Romania will join the Schengen Area.
GettyBulgaria will join the Schengen Area next month[/caption]
GettyThe most famous sites in the capital city include St Alexander Nevski cathedral (pictured)[/caption]
The Schengen Area is the term given to the 27 European states, which allow passport-free travel through their borders.
While both Bulgaria and Romania have been part of the European Union since 2007, they’ve both remained outside the Schengen area, which meant tourists were still required to show their passports upon entry.
But from next month, the two countries will have border-free travel with those other European countries in the Schengen Area.
Holidaymakers arriving in Bulgaria from other countries that are in the Schengen Area won’t have to show their passports upon arrival – if they’re travelling by air or sea.
Any individual arriving into Bulgaria by train or bus will still need to carry a form of ID.
This is because rules regarding land borders haven’t been ironed out.
A statement on the European Council website states: “A new decision will have to be taken in order to set a date for the lifting of controls at land borders.”
Brit holidaymakers travelling from the UK, which remains outside of the Schengen Area, will still need to show their passports upon arrival into the country.
There are currently no Covid restrictions and Brits can stay in Bulgaria for up to 90 days without a visa.
However, your passport must have at least three months left after the day you plan to leave.
Despite joining the Schengen Area next month, Bulgaria won’t be adopting the Euro as its currency – just yet.
Instead, Bulgaria will continue Bulgaria lev, with £10 getting around 23 lev.
According to Reuters, Bulgaria plans to adopt the Euro by January 1, 2025, although a set date hasn’t been confirmed.
Until the country officially adopts the Euro as its currency, Brit holidaymakers can make the most of Bulgaria’s bargain prices.
Food and drink in the country is cheap, with a bottle of beer costing as little as 80p, meanwhile, a meal out at a mid-range restaurant will cost £12.
It’s not just the pocket-friendly prices that draw holidaymakers to Bulgaria, it also has some of the most underrated beaches in Europe.
Places like Sunny Beach, Albena Beach and Silistar Beach are all among a number of places where the Black Sea Coast impresses visitors.
The seaside town of Sozopol is one of the most popular places among tourists, where walls of an ancient fortress can be found overlooking the sea.
Sunny Beach is arguably the best known and is a popular place for stag and hen parties, as it has something of a party town reputation.
However, much more peaceful seaside stays are available in places like Albena, which is described as “undiscovered” by Mail Online.
World Beach Guide praised its warm and clear waters that have contributed to the beach picking up awards.
Those holidaymakers who enjoy a good city break should head to Sofia – the capital of Bulgaria.
The most famous sites in the capital city include St Alexander Nevski cathedral, the Vitosha Boulevard shopping area and the Ivan Vazov National Theatre.
However, there’s also the Boyana Waterfall and Vitosha Mountain nearby, for those who want to combine their city break with some exploration.
One city in Bulgaria has been likened to “little Vienna” thanks to a striking similarity in some of the architecture.
Set in northeastern Bulgaria, Ruse (which is also known as Russe or Roussé) is the fifth largest city in the country.
Ruse has been compared to the Austrian capital for many years.
Meanwhile. Plovdiv in Bulgaria has been described as a double of Rome.
AlamyAlbena Beach has been described as being “undiscovered”[/caption]
GettySunny Beach is arguably the best known and is a popular place for stag and hen parties[/caption]