SOFIA, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Bulgaria is stepping up efforts to welcome more international visitors ahead of the busy summer season, as the ministries of tourism and foreign affairs launched joint measures to speed up visa processing for travelers and seasonal workers from outside the European Union.
The initiative was agreed during a meeting on Wednesday between Deputy Foreign Minister Christo Polendakov and Deputy Tourism Minister Georgi Todorov, according to statements from the two ministries.
The coordinated measures aim to make travel to Bulgaria easier and more efficient, while supporting the country's tourism industry during the peak holiday season. Officials said the plan includes both immediate actions for summer 2026 and longer-term improvements in coordination between institutions handling visa applications.
Polendakov said Bulgaria remains committed to being a safe, stable and welcoming destination for tourists and international workers alike, adding that consular services are working to accelerate visa issuance without compromising security standards.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bulgarian consulates issued more than 180,000 visas last year despite staffing shortages at several missions, some of which operated with only one consul and limited technical personnel.
To meet growing demand, the ministry has already increased staffing in key markets including Türkiye, Egypt, India and Vietnam. In addition, 53 employees will be deployed on temporary assignments during the 2026 summer season to support consular offices in major travel hubs such as Madrid, Munich, Berlin, London, Beijing, Belgrade, Dubai and Jakarta.
