The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has successfully activated a new version of the national visa information system, the ministry website has announced. Bulgaria’s consular offices have reopened to the public, accepting applications for all services – visas, Bulgarian personal documents, certification, legalization etc. Before the renovation of the system the Foreign Ministry had warned that due to the implementation of a large-scale renovation project, coordinated with all relevant institutions in Bulgaria and the EU, and with the exception of cases of force majeure, from 9 to 18 August no applications would be accepted for the issuance of visas or Bulgarian identity documents. The renovation of the system was connected with the implementation of the Schengen area requirements.