Bulgaria issues Schengen visas only for short-term stays. By the end of July, their number was over 35,000, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in connection with publications in the media about Schengen visas issued by Bulgaria to foreign citizens and possible difficulties of such holders to be admitted to Europe. 

According to a decision of the Council of the EU dated March 31, 2024, Bulgaria has been granted active access to the Central Visa Information System of the EU (CVIS). Information from the national visa system of Bulgaria for all submitted visa applications and the decisions on them is recorded in CVIS. Bulgaria has no problems with connectivity with the Schengen visa system. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs draw attention to the fact that according to EU legislation, the possession of a visa is not the only requirement for a citizen of a third country to be admitted to the Schengen territory. Competent authorities have the power to deny entry if they find that a third-country national does not meet the necessary conditions.