British Citizens Can Now Enter Bulgaria Through E-Gates at Airports

Veneta Litkova

Sofia,

17.06.2025 16:29

(BTA)

British citizens can now enter Bulgaria through electronic gates at airports. Symbolically, the first passengers to do so were those arriving in Sofia from London. The UK Minister for the Constitution and European Union Relations Nick Thomas-Symonds and Bulgaria’s Minister of the Interior Daniel Mitov observed the system in action at Sofia Airport.

Speaking to the media, Mitov said that the agreement between the EU and the UK is significant for Bulgaria, as a large number of UK tourists are expected to visit during both the summer and winter seasons. Mitov pointed out that the use of electronic gates facilitates the entry of British citizens into the country, although Schengen procedures will still be observed.

Nick Thomas-Symonds, who arrived in Sofia earlier today, said it was a pleasure to welcome the first group of British tourists. He added that the practical implementation of the cooperation agreement signed on May 19 between the EU and the UK will bring mutual benefits.

"Bulgaria is a very popular tourist destination in the UK," said Thomas-Symonds, noting that the ability for British tourists to use e-gates will encourage even more UK citizens to visit the country.

Bulgaria is among the first countries to implement the new screening system, which has already been deployed at international airports across the country, said Director of the General Directorate of Border PoliceChief Commissioner Anton Zlatanov.

Thanks to a partnership with the British Embassy in Sofia and UK institutions, Bulgaria’s customs administration has received donated equipment for inspecting cargo, vehicles, and passengers. More than 60 Bulgarian customs officers have undergone training with British experts.

In cooperation with UK institutions, the Customs Agency is also continuing efforts to intercept the trafficking of so-called "small boats" through Bulgaria. So far, 136 boats have been intercepted, including 23 since the beginning of 2025, mostly at the Bulgarian-Turkish border.

According to an analysis by the UK National Crime Agency (NCA), the joint operations with Bulgaria’s Customs Agency and the resulting seizures have helped rescue at least 6,100 illegal migrants at the country's borders and inflicted material losses of over EUR 18.3 million on organized crime groups.

/NF/