Will there be a tourist season in Bulgaria in 2020

Updated 15.06.2020

Everyone dreams of a beach holiday, travel and freedom, but is it possible to buy tickets and rent accommodation in Bulgaria right now for July and August? Will there be a tourist season in Bulgaria in 2020?

What is happening in beloved Bulgaria today, what should property owners and those planning a holiday or the purchase of a flat do – read our article.

By Order No. RD-01-334 of 12.06.2020, the emergency epidemiological situation in Bulgaria has been extended from 15.06.2020 to 30.06.2020.

A decision has been taken on the free crossing of Bulgaria’s borders for EU citizens, as well as for citizens of the United Kingdom, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. At the same time, citizens of Sweden, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Portugal, the Netherlands and third countries – with the exception of Montenegro, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina – are required, upon arrival in Bulgaria, to undergo 14 days of self-isolation.

Under the same order, the directors of the regional health inspectorates are cancelling the quarantine orders issued between 02.06.20 and 14.06.20 in respect of persons arriving from Spain, Ireland, Italy and Malta.

For citizens of other countries, including Israel, Ukraine, the Russian Federation and Kazakhstan, no decision on the free crossing of borders has been taken so far.

The opening of the EU’s external borders is scheduled for 1 July 2020.

Bulgaria 2020 beach season

Beaches in Bulgaria opened on 1 June. The coastline has been prepared, umbrellas and sunbeds have been set up, and the operation of the cafes is being checked. Work is under way on all the beaches of the Black Sea coast. Whether you are planning to come in June, July or August – clean beaches and a beautiful sea are waiting for you.

For a pleasant holiday, cafe terraces, museums and parks are open. Individual and group outdoor sports activities are permitted.  

Additional measures to attract tourists are also being introduced:

• The rental price for umbrellas and sunbeds  has been reduced. On some beaches they are provided free of charge.
• In order to attract tourists arriving in the country by car, Pomorie and other seaside towns are planning to abolish paid parking. This is particularly convenient for people who dream of coming to Bulgaria on a property-buying tour.
• Every hotel or hotel complex has prepared separate zones for the isolation of holidaymakers who have tested positive for the coronavirus. The possibility of organising special centres is being considered. This will help to keep other guests of the country safe. Prices for accommodation at the complexes are being reduced. 

Tourists arriving with the aim of combining a beach holiday with the purchase of property in Bulgaria can count on buying a cheaper flat or house. Many developers and owners are offering good discounts.
Forecasts

Despite active preparations for the tourist season, the question of when the Bulgarian resorts will open to tourists remains unresolved. At the moment, only people who are already in the country, as well as those who have grounds to return to Bulgaria, have the opportunity to take a holiday. These are citizens and people with residence permit or permanent residence status.

There is no precise information about when the borders will be opened for foreign tourists. The forecasts vary  –  1 July, 13 July. That is why it is impossible to decide whether or not to travel to Bulgaria this summer until official information is available.

The borders will probably first be opened with neighbouring states – Turkey, Greece and Romania. Then permission will be given for the country to be visited by EU residents, and only after that by citizens of Israel, Russia and Ukraine. 

The speed at which the decision is taken will depend on the epidemiological situation in Bulgaria and other countries.

The decision on whether to travel to Bulgaria in 2020 will be influenced by several other factors:

• Whether the requirement of self-isolation for arriving tourists will remain in force.
• Whether leaving the country of residence will be permitted.
• Whether self-isolation will be required on returning home.

Property tours to Bulgaria

Unfortunately, the situation with property-buying tours to Bulgaria is similar to that of the beach holiday. Flats can be bought and rented more cheaply, but not everyone has the opportunity to travel. 

If quarantine is interfering with your plans to come to Bulgaria to buy property, do not despair. The Bulgaria Avenue estate agency offers you the chance to take a virtual tour, or to arrange an online viewing of a property you like in Bulgaria.  

We will provide full information about the accommodation options.  This will allow you, while staying at home and without risking your health, to buy a luxurious house or a flat with a sea view at a discount, and to come to Bulgaria at the first opportunity.