site.btaForeign Ministry Issues Guidance for Bulgarians in Iran, Israel amid Escalating Tensions in Middle East

Amid the latest escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry advises all Bulgarian nationals currently in affected countries to contact the Ministry in need of assistance using the following contact points:

Situation Centre Directorate

Phone: +359 2 948 24 04; +359 2 971 38 56; +359 893 339 616

Fax: +359 2 870 71 37

Email: crisis@mfa.bg

Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in the Islamic Republic of Iran

24/7 Emergency Phone: +98 930 568 34 09

Please be advised that Iranian airspace is currently closed and departure by air is not possible.

Land exit via the Republic of Azerbaijan is possible, but requires special permission from Azerbaijani authorities. This can be arranged with the help of the Bulgarian Embassy in Tehran. Bulgarian nationals are urged to contact the Bulgarian diplomatic mission in Tehran or the Foreign Ministry in advance, using the above-mentioned phone numbers.

Alternative land routes include the Republic of Turkiye, the Republic of Armenia (visa-free), and the Republic of Turkmenistan (visa required), although no confirmation has been received yet from Iranian authorities regarding the status of the country’s land borders.

Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in the State of Israel

Phone: +972 54 595 4379; +972 54 463 4003

The situation in Israel remains highly dynamic and constantly evolving. Therefore, the guidance of the local authorities and the Foreign Ministry should be carefully followed.

A state of emergency has been declared. Israeli airspace is currently closed and air travel is suspended.

No sea departures are expected from the ports of Haifa and Ashdod before Sunday, June 15, due to Shabbat and current conditions. Future sailings will depend on Israeli government advisories and capacity.

Departure from Israel to Egypt via the Menachem Begin/Taba Border Crossing is currently possible. There is currently no indication that this crossing point is closed, but given the dynamic situation, this could change at any time. A visa and a special permit are required to enter Egyptian territory.

No visa is required for Bulgarian nationals wishing to exit Israel through this checkpoint. However, they must fly from Sharm El Sheikh Airport, where a visa will be issued upon exit from the country.

Due to Shabbat, the King Hussein Bridge (Allenby) border crossing between Israel and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is expected to reopen on Sunday morning. Entry to Jordan requires a visa. Jordanian airspace is currently closed, so air travel from the country is not available.

All travellers should consider the risks of movement within Israel due to the state of emergency and associated restrictions.

The Foreign Ministry and Bulgarian embassies in the region are closely monitoring developments and will continue to update Bulgarian nationals on exit options.