Bulgaria in Schengen: the 90/180 rule, EES at the border and ETIAS in 2026
Since 1 January 2025 Bulgaria has been a full Schengen member: there are no more checks on the borders with Romania and Greece. That is convenient, but it changed how days are counted and how the external border works.
In short: days in Bulgaria now count together with days in every other Schengen country — no more than 90 in any 180 without a D visa or residence permit. At external borders (Turkey, Serbia, North Macedonia, airports) non-EU visitors go through EES — photo and fingerprints instead of stamps. ETIAS is not running yet and has no start date.
What changed
- Checks at internal air and sea borders ended on 31 March 2024, and at land borders on 1 January 2025.
- The borders with Romania and Greece are internal: no passport control, but police may run spot checks, so carry your passport or ID.
- Bulgaria's external land borders are with Turkey, Serbia and North Macedonia, with full Schengen checks.
- A Schengen visa from any member state is valid in Bulgaria, and a Bulgarian C visa is valid across Schengen.
The 90/180 rule
A non-EU national without a D visa or residence permit may stay in Schengen for 90 days in any 180. Days in Bulgaria used to be counted separately; now they add up with days in Greece, Romania, Germany and every other Schengen state.
| Visa-free or with a C visa | 90 of 180 days across Schengen |
| Bulgarian D visa | live in Bulgaria within the visa; up to 90/180 elsewhere |
| Residence permit of Bulgaria or another Schengen state | unlimited at home; up to 90/180 elsewhere |
| EU, EEA and Swiss citizens | rule does not apply |
Use the European Commission's official calculator (see sources). Overstaying can mean a fine and a Schengen entry ban. To stay longer, see the residence check or the D visa guide.
EES at the border
The Entry/Exit System replaced passport stamps. It records entries and exits and counts the 90/180 days automatically.
- In Bulgaria EES started on 12 October 2025 at airports, seaports and the Kalotina crossing (Serbia), and on 6 January 2026 at the other land crossings with Turkey, Serbia and North Macedonia. It has been fully operational across Schengen since 10 April 2026.
- On first entry, non-EU short-stay travellers give passport data, a facial image and fingerprints. Children under 12 give no fingerprints. Later trips usually need only a face scan.
- Not registered in EES: EU, EEA and Swiss citizens, and holders of a residence permit or D visa of any Schengen state.
First registration takes a few minutes per person, so allow extra time at the Turkish border at weekends and in summer.
ETIAS
ETIAS is a travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationals (for example Ukraine with a biometric passport, Moldova, Serbia, the US, the UK). As of 23 October 2026 it is not in operation: the EU dropped the earlier "late 2026" timeline and will announce the date several months ahead. Until then you need nothing — beware of sites already charging for "ETIAS".
Trips to Serbia, Turkey and North Macedonia
- Going there means leaving Schengen: your passport is checked, and non-EU travellers without a residence permit are registered in EES.
- Entry rules of Serbia, Turkey or North Macedonia themselves depend on your citizenship — check the destination's embassy.
- Driving? Bulgarian roads need an e-vignette, and transit without Schengen documents may need a transit visa.
FAQ
How long can I stay in Bulgaria without a visa?
Visa-exempt nationals may stay 90 days in any 180, and since 2025 those days add up with all other Schengen countries.
Do I give fingerprints when entering Bulgaria?
Yes, if you are a non-EU short-stay traveller: EES takes a photo and fingerprints (not from children under 12). EU citizens and holders of a Schengen residence permit or D visa are not registered.
When does ETIAS start?
No date yet: as of October 2026 it is not running, and the EU will announce the launch several months ahead.
Is there passport control between Bulgaria and Romania or Greece?
No, these have been internal Schengen borders since 1 January 2025. Police spot checks are possible, so carry your documents.
📚 Sources: 6
For information only; not legal advice.
