Key Takeaways
• Bulgaria issued 96,142 Schengen visas in 2024, with 54.5% multiple-entry visas.
• Schengen visa applications reached 11.7 million in 2024, a 13.6% increase from 2023.
• Bulgaria’s full Schengen integration started January 1, 2025, enabling free Schengen travel.
Bulgaria’s Integration into the Schengen Area: Visa Issuance, Trends, and Policy Impacts
Purpose and Scope
This analysis examines Bulgaria’s recent integration into the Schengen Area, focusing on the country’s Schengen visa issuance in 2024, broader Schengen visa trends, and the policy changes that have shaped mobility across Europe. The report draws on official data from the European Commission and related EU sources, presenting a clear picture of Bulgaria’s role in the Schengen system and the practical effects for travelers, residents, and the European Union as a whole.
Methodology
The analysis uses official statistics published by the European Commission, including Bulgaria’s visa issuance figures, Schengen-wide application and approval rates, and policy documents outlining the timeline and requirements for Bulgaria’s Schengen accession. Data is presented in a structured format, with visual descriptions to help readers understand patterns and comparisons. The report also reviews policy documents and EU statements to explain the practical implications of Bulgaria’s Schengen membership.
Key Findings
- Bulgaria issued 96,142 Schengen visas in 2024, marking its first full year as a Schengen visa-issuing country.
- Over half (54.5%) of these visas were multiple-entry, allowing holders to travel in and out of the Schengen Area several times during the visa’s validity.
- Bulgaria’s visa rejection rate was 9.4%, lower than many other Schengen countries.
- Schengen visa demand is rising across Europe, with 11.7 million applications in 2024—a 13.6% increase from the previous year.
- Bulgaria’s full Schengen integration (including land borders) took effect January 1, 2025, after a phased process that began in March 2024.
- Policy changes now allow Bulgarian visa and residence permit holders to travel freely throughout the Schengen Area, boosting mobility, trade, and regional cooperation.
Data Presentation and Visual Descriptions
Bulgaria’s Schengen Visa Issuance: 2024
- Total Schengen visas issued: 96,142
- Multiple-entry visas: 52,417 (54.5% of total)
- Visas issued at border checkpoints: 74
- Long-term Schengen visas: 21,842
- Visa applications received: 122,229
- Applications rejected: 12,246
- Rejection rate: 9.4%
Visual description: Imagine a bar chart with six bars, each representing one of the above categories. The tallest bar shows total applications (122,229), followed by a slightly shorter bar for total visas issued (96,142). The multiple-entry visas bar reaches just over half the height of the total visas issued. The smallest bar, for visas issued at border checkpoints, is barely visible compared to the others.
Schengen-Wide Visa Trends: 2022–2024
- 2022: 7.5 million applications
- 2023: 10.3 million applications (37% increase from 2022)
- 2024: 11.7 million applications (13.6% increase from 2023)
- 2024 visas issued: 9.7 million (14.1% increase from 2023)
- Pre-pandemic (2019): 17 million applications, 15 million visas issued
Visual description: Picture a line graph with years on the horizontal axis and millions of applications on the vertical axis. The line rises sharply from 2022 to 2023, then continues upward to 2024, but remains below the 2019 peak.
Top Five Countries for Schengen Visa Applications in 2024
- China: 1,779,255 applications
- Türkiye: 1,173,917 applications
- India: 1,108,239 applications
- Morocco: 606,800 applications
- Russia: 606,594 applications
Visual description: A horizontal bar chart with each country’s bar proportional to the number of applications. China’s bar is the longest, followed by Türkiye and India, with Morocco and Russia nearly equal in length.
Comparisons, Trends, and Patterns
Bulgaria’s Performance in Context
- Visa Approval Rate: Bulgaria’s 9.4% rejection rate is lower than the Schengen average, indicating a relatively open approach to visa issuance.
- Multiple-Entry Visas: Over half of Bulgaria’s Schengen visas allow for repeated travel, which is higher than some established Schengen countries.
- Long-Term Visas: With 21,842 long-term Schengen visas issued, Bulgaria is actively supporting longer stays for work, study, or family reasons.
Schengen Area Trends
- Rising Demand: The steady increase in Schengen visa applications since 2022 reflects growing travel and business activity as pandemic restrictions ease.
- Shift in Application Sources: China, Türkiye, and India are the largest sources of Schengen visa applications, highlighting the importance of these countries for European tourism and business.
- Unmet Demand: Despite the growth, total applications and visas issued remain below pre-pandemic levels, suggesting there is still room for recovery.
Bulgaria’s Integration Timeline
- March 31, 2024: Bulgaria and Romania began issuing Schengen visas and removed checks at air and sea borders.
- January 1, 2025: Land borders opened, completing full Schengen membership.
- Historical Delays: Bulgaria’s entry was delayed for over a decade, despite technical readiness confirmed by the European Commission as early as 2011. Opposition from Austria and the Netherlands slowed the process until 2024.
Evidence-Based Conclusions
1. Bulgaria is now a fully integrated Schengen member, issuing visas that allow travel throughout the Schengen Area and participating in the common visa policy.
2. Visa applicants benefit from Bulgaria’s relatively low rejection rate, making it an attractive entry point for travelers seeking access to the Schengen Area.
3. The country’s high share of multiple-entry and long-term visas supports business, education, and family reunification, aligning with broader EU goals for mobility and integration.
4. Schengen-wide visa demand is rebounding, but has not yet reached pre-pandemic levels, suggesting continued recovery and potential for further growth.
5. Policy changes linked to Bulgaria’s Schengen accession have practical benefits for travelers, residents, and businesses, including easier movement, reduced border checks, and greater economic opportunities.
Policy Implications and Practical Effects
Visa Validity and Travel Rights
- Schengen visas issued by Bulgaria after March 31, 2024 allow holders to travel throughout the entire Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- Long-stay visa holders (those with Bulgarian visas valid after March 31, 2024) can also travel freely within the Schengen Area under the same 90/180 day rule.
- Bulgarian residence permit holders in the uniform format are entitled to visa-free short stays in other Schengen countries.
Economic and Social Benefits
- Trade and Investment: Full Schengen membership is expected to boost Bulgaria’s economy by making it easier for goods, services, and people to move across borders.
- Regional Cooperation: Open borders foster closer partnerships with neighboring countries and support EU integration.
- Citizen Mobility: Millions of Bulgarians now enjoy passport-free travel across Europe, strengthening their sense of belonging in the European Union.
Upcoming Changes in 2025
- Entry and Exit System (EES): The EU will introduce a digital system to record entries and exits at external borders, replacing manual passport stamps. This will streamline border checks and improve security.
- European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS): Travelers from over 60 visa-exempt countries will need to apply for electronic travel authorization before visiting the EU. This will affect around 1.4 billion people worldwide.
Limitations and Considerations
- Data Coverage: The visa statistics reflect only the first year of Bulgaria’s Schengen visa issuance. Longer-term trends will become clearer as more data becomes available.
- External Factors: Global events, such as health crises or geopolitical tensions, can affect visa demand and approval rates.
- Policy Adjustments: The introduction of EES and ETIAS may change travel patterns and administrative processes, requiring ongoing monitoring.
Comparative Analysis: Bulgaria vs. Other Schengen Countries
- Rejection Rates: Bulgaria’s 9.4% rejection rate is lower than the Schengen average, which often ranges from 10% to 15% in larger countries like France or Germany.
- Visa Types: Bulgaria’s high proportion of multiple-entry and long-term visas suggests a focus on facilitating repeated and extended visits, which may differ from countries with more restrictive policies.
- Application Volume: While Bulgaria’s total visa issuance is modest compared to countries like France or Italy, its performance is strong for a new Schengen member.
Practical Guidance for Travelers and Stakeholders
- Visa Applicants: Those seeking to visit the Schengen Area can now apply for a Schengen visa through Bulgarian consulates, with the same rights as visas issued by other Schengen countries.
- Long-Stay Residents: Holders of Bulgarian residence permits in the uniform format can travel visa-free for short stays in other Schengen countries.
- Businesses and Investors: The removal of border checks and the ability to issue Schengen visas make Bulgaria a more attractive destination for trade and investment.
- Policy Makers: Bulgaria’s experience demonstrates the importance of technical readiness, political negotiation, and phased integration in expanding the Schengen Area.
Official Resources and Further Information
For the most up-to-date information on Schengen visas, including application forms and official requirements, visit the European Commission’s Schengen visa page.
Visa applicants can also access the official Schengen visa application form directly from the European Commission website.
Conclusion
Bulgaria’s full integration into the Schengen Area marks a major step for the country and for the European Union’s vision of open borders and shared mobility. The data from 2024 shows that Bulgaria is not only meeting its obligations as a Schengen member but is also contributing to the broader goals of the EU by supporting mobility, economic growth, and regional cooperation.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, Bulgaria’s relatively low visa rejection rate and high share of multiple-entry visas make it a welcoming gateway to Europe for travelers and businesses alike. The upcoming introduction of digital border systems like EES and ETIAS will further modernize travel across the Schengen Area, making it important for travelers and stakeholders to stay informed about new requirements.
While challenges remain, including the need to monitor long-term trends and adapt to new technologies, Bulgaria’s experience offers valuable lessons for future Schengen expansions and for countries seeking to align with EU standards. The practical benefits for citizens, businesses, and the wider region are clear, and Bulgaria’s successful integration sets a positive example for the European project.
Actionable Takeaways
- Travelers: Check the latest Schengen visa requirements and apply through Bulgarian consulates for access to the entire Schengen Area.
- Residents: Use your Bulgarian residence permit for short-term travel across Schengen countries.
- Businesses: Explore new opportunities for trade and investment in Bulgaria, now fully integrated into the Schengen system.
- Policy Watchers: Monitor the rollout of EES and ETIAS, as these will affect travel processes in 2025 and beyond.
For more details on Schengen visa policies and Bulgaria’s role, consult the European Commission’s official Schengen visa information.
Learn Today
Schengen Area → A zone of 27 European countries with abolished border controls for free travel.
Multiple-entry visa → A visa permitting repeated entry and exit within its validity period.
Visa rejection rate → The percentage of visa applications denied by issuing authorities.
Entry/Exit System (EES) → An EU digital system recording arrivals and departures at external borders.
European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) → An electronic authorization for visa-exempt travelers visiting the EU.
This Article in a Nutshell
Bulgaria’s 2024 Schengen visa issuance highlighted its integration success, noted by 96,142 visas and low rejections. Full Schengen access began in 2025, boosting travel, trade, and regional cooperation across Europe.
— By VisaVerge.com
