site.btaOutgoing Cabinet Approves Decision on Criminal Records Data Exchange with the United States

The outgoing Cabinet has adopted a decision to exchange criminal records data with the United States as part of measures aimed at enabling visa-free travel for Bulgarian citizens. The Council of Ministers decided to send a diplomatic note to the US Embassy in Sofia to strengthen cooperation in access to criminal records data, as part of the steps required for Bulgaria to meet the criteria for joining the US Visa Waiver Program, the Council of Ministers said in a press release on Tuesday.

The partnership, which aims to protect the national security of both countries, is linked to the exchange of information between the relevant authorities. The exchange of criminal records data on citizens is a requirement for countries seeking to join the US Visa Waiver Program, which was established in 1986. The program allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes.