The European Union has introduced more favorable rules for issuing Schengen visas to Turkish citizens, which will make travel within the Schengen Area easier and will contribute to the intensification of tourism, cultural, and trade exchange between the countries. The new rules, adopted on 15 July 2025, will allow the gradual issuance of multiple-entry visas with longer validity periods for Turkish citizens who have an established history of regular and lawful travel.

Under the new “cascade” regime, Turkish citizens residing in Türkiye who apply for a short-stay Schengen visa may initially receive a visa covering the duration of their trip, followed by six-month and one-year multiple-entry visas. With regular and proper use of these visas — and provided their passports remain valid for a sufficient period — Turkish citizens will subsequently be able to apply for three-year and five-year visas. This system significantly simplifies the travel process and reduces administrative burdens for both applicants and the consular services of EU member states.

The Minister of Tourism, Miroslav Borshosh, described the decision as an important step toward strengthening regional connectivity and facilitating tourist flows to Bulgaria. “The ties between Bulgaria and Türkiye have deep historical, cultural, and economic dimensions. Easing the visa regime is a concrete tool for promoting travel, with a positive impact on the tourism sector. It provides real support for the local economy in border and coastal regions, which traditionally welcome a large number of visitors from our southern neighbor,” said Minister Miroslav Borshosh.

This new European-level measure is expected to have a favorable impact on the growing interest of Turkish tourists in Bulgaria. According to data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI), more than 110,000 visits by Turkish tourists were recorded between January and May 2025, representing a 61.6% increase compared to the same period in 2024.