28th April - Bulgaria removes all Covid requirements
From 1st May, all travel restrictions and requirements will be lifted for Bulgaria. The Bulgarian Government has announced that travellers will no longer need to show tests or certificates upon entry into the country.
1st April - UK removes last of the Covid restrictions
Bulgaria has changed the requirements whilst in the country. It is no longer a requirement to wear a mask in indoor places. It is recommended though in hospitals, on public transport and in crowded places.
There is no requirement for social distancing.
Entry requirements remain the same, you will need a valid vaccination certificate to enter, a negative covid test or evidence of a prior infection.
18th March - UK removes last of the Covid restrictions
If you are entering the UK from 04:00hrs on 18th March there will no longer be a requirement to complete the Passenger Locator Form, take any form of testing or quarantine on arrival.
1st February - Bulgaria Relaxes Entry for Travellers
From 1st February, entry to Bulgaria has relaxed for arrivals from the UK. After 1st February, if you qualify as fully vaccinated, you will only need to provide one of the following documents:
A valid covid vaccination certificate
Evidence of prior covid infection
A negative covid test (PCR taken maximum 72hrs prior to arrival or rapid antigen taken maximum 48hrs prior to arrival).
On return to the UK, all testing requirements are no longer in place as long as you qualify as fully vaccinated. This will come into effect from 04:00hrs on 11th February 2022.
11th January 2022 - Winter Holidays Update
Entering Bulgaria
There has been an update to the entry requirements to Bulgaria from Friday 7th January 2022, all passengers
aged 18 and above must present a certificate of full vaccination/ valid EU digital COVID-19 certificate of vaccination AND a negative result from a PCR test taken a maximum of 72hours prior to entry to Bulgaria (not departure from the UK). Free NHS tests are not valid for travel only those from an authorised laboratory for travel purposes.
If you are travelling with children -
All children under 12 are exempt from covid testing to enter Bulgaria.
Children aged 12-17 years can enter Bulgaria with only a negative PCR Test taken a maximum 72 hours prior to arrival.
Please ensure your PCR Test is valid for travel and a certificate issued for this purpose from an authorised laboratory.
Returning to the UK from 4am on 7th January
If you qualify as fully vaccinated you do not need to take a Covid-19 test prior to arrival in the UK only a PCR Test on or before Day 2 of your return.
Returning to the UK from 4am on 9th January
If you are fully vaccinated and you will arrive in England after 4am, Sunday 9 January, you can take only a lateral flow test after your arrival. If the test is positive, you will need to self-isolate and take a free confirmatory PCR test. You must book the test before you travel to England and proof will be needed to complete the Passenger Locator Form. You can book lateral flow tests from 4am Friday 7 January. Children aged 17 years and under will follow the rules as if fully vaccinated.
We advise you to refer to the following information prior to your return to the UK: Visit the following link for returning to England https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-to-england-from-another-country-during-coronavirus-covid-194
and if you are returning to Northern Ireland via the following link https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-advice#toc-1
29 November 2021 - Holiday Update
Balkan Holidays Partners with Randox for Testing Discount!
From 1st December 2021, for Bulgaria, all adults should either be double vaccinated or have valid proof and a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival in Bulgaria. On return to the UK you should book and have proof of a reservation for the relevant return to UK testing to be taken on or before Day 2 of your arrival back in the UK. Balkan Holidays has now partnered with Randox Testing to make the process a little easier for you, of course you can decide on your own testing arrangements but please ensure they comply with all Government Requirements. With discount code
"Balkan43" you will receive a discount on checkout from the
Randox website. The code is valid for all package holidays and flight only bookings (lease ensure you enter the dates required or code may not work). Full details for entry requirements can be found below for all of our destinations along with return requirements to the UK. We would advise to constantly monitor the UK Government advice as you approach your departure date.
Bulgaria
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/bulgaria/entry-requirements
Slovenia
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/slovenia/entry-requirements
Croatia
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/croatia/entry-requirements
Montenegro
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/montenegro/entry-requirements
On return to the UK in addition to the Day 2 testing a Passenger Locator From should be completed which can be found by navigating to the following link:
Passenger Locator Form
https://www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-details-before-travel-uk
You may not be provided with a boarding pass until you can show your completed Passenger Locator From at the check in on your return flight.
Step 1
Review the Government website for the current entry requirements to your destination and return to the UK, and ensure you have sufficient validity on your passport.
Step 2
Book, take and return your tests taking relevant documentation to the airport with you
Step 3
Complete the Passenger Locator Form for your return journey 48hours prior to your return to the UK
Step 4
Ensure you have your Day 2 test booked with a reference number, or be ready to be tested at the airport on return
Step 5
Take your Day 2 test, return and follow any Government Advice.
Demonstrating Your Covid Status
Bulgaria will accept your proof of recovery and vaccination record as long as you are travelling with a proof of vaccination status which must be printed and dated after 1st November 2021. You cannot use an NHS appointment card as proof of vaccination..
Please visit our to see how to arrange your travel test(s).
https://www.balkanholidays.co.uk/holiday_information/covid-testing-requirements.html
