Bulgaria is popular among tourists. This is a country of beach holidays, mineral springs and ski resorts. For those planning a trip, the question of a visa is important, and, therefore, whether Bulgaria is included in Schengen. Let's figure it out.

The so-called Schengen zone appeared only in 1985. Initially it included five states, currently - twenty-six. The states that signed the agreement abolished passport and customs controls at their borders, thereby simplifying the movement of people and the transportation of goods.

When asked whether Bulgaria, which is located in southeastern Europe and borders, for example, Greece, a signatory to the agreement, belongs to Schengen, unfortunately, the answer must be “no.” It is believed that the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the agreement was delayed due to the high level of corruption in these countries: there were fears that free entry permits would become available to everyone, including illegal migrants who would qualify for social benefits.

Forecast regarding Bulgaria's entry into the Schengen area for 2017

It should be recalled that there is also the European Union - a special association of countries that form a common economic space. Bulgaria has been a member of the European Union since 2007.

The admission of Bulgaria and Romania to Schengen has been debated for quite some time. The decision was postponed several times because European states (Great Britain, France, Germany, Holland) exercised their veto power. But still, the question of when Bulgaria will enter the Schengen zone is now very relevant.

Everything seems to have changed in 2017. Germany has changed its position and now supports these countries. At first it was planned to sign the agreement on January 1, 2017: then air and then land borders would open.

However, the European Commission published a report showing the inadequacy of the measures taken by the Bulgarian government in carrying out judicial reform and in the fight against corruption. All this again slows down the republic’s entry into Schengen. The next opportunity will appear for Bulgarians at the end of 2017.

To Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia and Cyprus - one permit each

Like Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia and Cyprus are members of the European Union, but none of these countries are part of the Schengen area. In the summer of 2014, the governments of the listed states adopted an agreement according to which citizens who have a double or multiple entry visa to one of them can enter the territory of the other three.

It turns out that a Bulgarian national visa gives the right to enter and stay in Romania, Croatia and Cyprus. Of course, in this case, you must comply with the established deadlines: you can enter only within the scope of the permit and a certain number of times, which is indicated in the document, as well as for a period not exceeding 90 days within 180.