Arrival from Ukraine

Entry in Bulgaria:

You will be allowed entry in Bulgaria if you have one of the following documents:

  • Biometric passport
  • Non-biometric passport
  • Driving license
  • ID card
  • Birth certificate (children below 14 years old)

As a temporary measure in view of the current situation in Ukraine, you may also enter with an expired passport. If you do not have any documents, you may be allowed entry on humanitarian grounds.

You can enter using your personal car, with or without international insurance

You can enter with your pets. If they do not have the necessary documents, a simplified procedure is applicable.

Staying in Bulgaria

Upon entering Bulgaria, all people from Ukraine have the right to:

  • Apply for temporary protection – this is an exceptional measure introduced by the EU for people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. The duration of temporary protection is one year and can be renewed. The temporary protection provides an opportunity to:
    • be provided with free shelter and food
    • access health care, education and social assistance;
    • access the labor market;
    • start your own business;
    • return home at any time and travel freely within the EU under certain conditions

You can find out more at https://ukraine.gov.bg/ua/, https://eu-solidarity-ukraine.ec.europa.eu/information-people-fleeing-war-ukraine_uk or at the border checkpoint.

  • Apply for international protection, which includes granting refugee or humanitarian status. You can apply for International Protection once your Temporary Protection status expires. You can find more about the procedure at: https://asylum.bg/uk/home-dashboard-ua, at https://ukraine.gov.bg/ua/ or at the border checkpoint.
  • Stay in Bulgaria without visa at your own expense within 90 days with the possibility of an extension for up to 6 months.

The Bulgarian government has established an official website with information – national portal for the people affected by the conflict in Ukraine (translated into Ukrainian): https://ukraine.gov.bg/ua/

National hotline: 📞 +359 2 90 55 555; +380322465075

Representation in Bulgaria of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
Phone:📞 +359 2 98 02 453/4 (Monday to Friday 9:00 – 17:00), [email protected]