From 28 June 2021, flights between Russia and Bulgaria will resume

The travel restrictions between Russia and Bulgaria, which have been in place for nearly a year and a half, appear to be coming to an end.  In May, the Bulgarian side began issuing tourist visas to Russians. And on 18 June, the Russian coronavirus task force announced the resumption of air travel between the two countries. It is expected that, starting from 28 June, flights will depart from Moscow to Bulgaria and 8 other countries. Flights will resume to such destinations as Ireland, Belgium, Italy, Cyprus, the USA, Jordan, North Macedonia and the pearl of the Mediterranean – the island of Cyprus. 
Slightly earlier, from 22 June, air travel to Turkey will be restored. Russian airlines have already announced the launch of flights and the introduction of additional services to Istanbul. For those Russian citizens who cannot wait to travel to Bulgaria to purchase property or for a holiday, this is excellent news, since a transfer from Istanbul to Burgas and Varna is a great way to save money on travel.

The first sign of the restored air travel between Russia and Bulgaria in 2021 is the appearance of tickets for sale on aggregator websites. They can be purchased for the Moscow–Sofia route, as well as for direct flights to Burgas and Varna, on skyscanner and aviasales. And if, in addition to the ticket, you also need a hotel, you can turn to travel agencies for a tour package – many of them have resumed operating on the Bulgaria route.

Bulgarian airports have also confirmed scheduled flights. In the first days of July, Burgas is expecting the arrival of 4 flights per week from Moscow; they will be operated by NordWind airline. In the middle of the month, flights from S7 are scheduled. It is expected that tickets from Yekaterinburg, Saint Petersburg, Ufa, Samara and Kazan will soon go on sale, and Russians will be able to travel to Bulgaria without connecting flights.

Varna initially expects 2 flights per week from Moscow. Slightly later, flights from Rostov, Yekaterinburg and Krasnodar will appear. They will be operated by the airlines S7, NordWind, NordStar, AzurAir and RusLine.
Given the busy flight schedule, for those who wish to buy seaside property in Bulgaria from Bulgaria Avenue, now is the time to check whether you have a valid Bulgarian visa. If not, they are currently being issued at consular departments and visa centres. The processing time for an application is from 4 to 10 working days. 

An important question that concerns travellers (besides when Russians will be able to fly to Bulgaria) is whether additional entry requirements have been introduced. In addition to a visa, in 2021 you will need one of the following documents:

• A vaccination certificate confirming that the vaccination has been fully completed, and, if it consists of two doses, that the last one was administered 2 weeks before the trip. Bulgaria admits tourists vaccinated with Sputnik V.
• A test confirming the presence of antibodies. The analysis must have been carried out no later than 180 days, but no earlier than 2 weeks before the date of crossing the border.
• A negative PCR test. The test must be carried out no later than 72 hours before the date of the trip.
• All documents must be issued in English and fully completed. Information is required about the first name, surname, date of birth, the test performed, and the medical institution that issued the document.
• If you are planning a trip with children, ensure they have either a PCR test or a positive antibody test.

In Bulgaria, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases is gradually declining. It is expected that the country will soon enter the green zone. Measures restricting the normal life of local residents and tourists are gradually being lifted. At the time of writing this article, it is important to know:

• In supermarkets, shopping centres, cinemas and public transport, masks must be worn. Payment by card is recommended. Hand sanitiser is available at the entrances.
• In restaurants, bars and cafes, masks are not required. Hand sanitisers are installed everywhere. The distance between tables must be at least 1.5 m. Staff, however, must wear masks. Nevertheless, a regulation is expected to be adopted soon stating that masks will no longer be mandatory if all the establishment's staff are vaccinated. 
• All catering establishments, discos and fitness centres are operating without restrictions.
• There is no curfew.

A number of public beaches offer free umbrellas. They may not be placed close to one another; the minimum distance is 5 m. 
Taking into account the improvement in the coronavirus situation, further easing of restrictions is possible in the near future. 

Sunny Bulgaria is fully prepared to welcome tourists. And if you are interested in a favourable property purchase, the Bulgaria Avenue agency will select for you a studio, a one- or two-bedroom apartment or a house in Bulgaria.