Bulgaria: Schengen Guide for UK Travellers
Yes, Bulgaria is a member of the Schengen zone. Bulgaria joined the Schengen area for air and sea borders on 31 March 2024, and full land border controls were lifted on 1 January 2025. This is a significant change for UK travellers: days spent in Bulgaria now count toward your 90-day Schengen allowance within any rolling 180-day period.
Before 2024, Bulgaria was in the EU but outside the Schengen zone, meaning time spent there did not affect your Schengen day count. That has now changed. Bulgaria offers some of Europe's best value travel, with affordable Black Sea beach resorts, ski slopes in Bansko, rich history in Sofia and Plovdiv, and dramatic mountain scenery. It remains one of the cheapest countries in the EU, making it attractive for UK travellers seeking more for their money.
Key Facts
- Schengen Member: Yes
- EU Member: Yes
- Year Joined Schengen: 2024
- Capital: Sofia
- Currency: Bulgarian Lev (BGN)
- Languages: Bulgarian
Bulgaria joined the Schengen zone for air and sea borders in March 2024, with full land border participation following in January 2025. It is one of the newest Schengen members. Days in Bulgaria now count toward the 90/180-day limit.
Heading to Bulgaria?
Bulgaria joined the Schengen zone in 2024, so every day now counts toward your 90-day limit. Track your Bulgarian holiday with Entorii alongside all your other European trips.
How Long Can You Stay?
UK passport holders can stay in Bulgaria (and the wider Schengen zone) for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period without a visa. Since Bulgaria's full accession to Schengen in 2025, these days are shared with all other Schengen countries. A week on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast followed by two weeks in Spain draws from the same 90-day pool.
A typical Bulgarian holiday for UK visitors lasts 7 to 14 days, whether for beach holidays on the Black Sea, skiing in winter, or cultural city breaks in Sofia and Plovdiv. Bulgaria's low costs make it attractive for longer stays, but remember that extended time here now reduces your Schengen allowance for the rest of Europe.
Top Destinations in Bulgaria
Sofia (2-3 days)
The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Vitosha Mountain backdrop, Ottoman mosques, and a thriving food scene.
Plovdiv (2-3 days)
European Capital of Culture with a beautifully preserved old town, Roman amphitheatre, and creative arts district.
Sunny Beach & Black Sea Coast (7-10 days)
Affordable beach resorts with long sandy beaches, water sports, and lively nightlife.
Bansko (5-7 days)
Bulgaria's premier ski resort with affordable lift passes, traditional taverns, and Pirin Mountain scenery.
Veliko Tarnovo (1-2 days)
The medieval capital perched above the Yantra River, with the dramatic Tsarevets Fortress.
Getting There from the UK
Direct flights from the UK serve Sofia and Bourgas (for the Black Sea coast). Flight times are around three to three and a half hours. Wizz Air runs year-round services from London Luton to Sofia, while Ryanair and easyJet also serve the route. Bourgas airport is seasonal (May to October) with charter and budget flights from several UK airports for beach holidays. British Airways operates a London Heathrow to Sofia service. During the winter ski season, some operators run charter flights to Sofia or Plovdiv for Bansko packages.
Travel Tips
Bulgaria uses the Bulgarian Lev (BGN), not the Euro, though the country is expected to adopt the Euro in the coming years. The Lev is pegged to the Euro at a fixed rate. Credit cards are accepted in cities and tourist areas, but carry cash for rural areas, smaller restaurants, and market stalls. ATMs are widely available but avoid those run by Euronet, which charge high fees and offer poor exchange rates.
Bulgaria is excellent value for UK travellers. A full meal with drinks in a traditional mehana (tavern) costs a fraction of what you would pay in Western Europe. Skiing in Bansko is dramatically cheaper than the Alps, with lift passes, accommodation, and meals costing roughly a third of equivalent Austrian or French resorts. Public transport between cities is affordable but can be slow; consider renting a car for flexibility outside Sofia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bulgaria in the Schengen zone?
Yes. Bulgaria joined the Schengen zone for air and sea borders on 31 March 2024, with full land border participation starting 1 January 2025. All days spent in Bulgaria now count toward the 90-day Schengen limit for UK passport holders.
When did Bulgaria join the Schengen zone?
Bulgaria joined the Schengen zone in two stages. Air and sea border controls were lifted on 31 March 2024, and full land border participation began on 1 January 2025. Before these dates, Bulgaria was in the EU but not in the Schengen area.
What currency does Bulgaria use?
Bulgaria uses the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). It has not yet adopted the Euro, though the Lev is pegged to the Euro at a fixed exchange rate. You will need to exchange currency or withdraw Lev from ATMs when visiting.
Is Bulgaria a cheap destination for UK travellers?
Yes. Bulgaria is one of the most affordable countries in the EU. Accommodation, meals, and activities cost significantly less than in Western European Schengen countries. A week in Bulgaria can cost less than a long weekend in Switzerland or Scandinavia.
Will I need ETIAS to visit Bulgaria from the UK?
Yes. Starting in late 2026, UK citizens will need an ETIAS travel authorisation to enter Bulgaria and other Schengen countries. ETIAS costs 7 euros, is valid for three years, and can be applied for online. It does not change the 90/180-day stay limit.