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Bulgaria is actively working toward meeting the requirements to join the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which would allow its citizens to travel to the US visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes. Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivan Kondov has reported significant progress, although challenges related to the program's technical criteria remain, according to Schengen.News.
One of the main conditions for participation in the VWP is maintaining a visa refusal rate of less than 3% for category B visas.
According to the US Department of State, Bulgaria's refusal rate fell to 6.02% in 2024 from 11.61% in 2023, marking the lowest level ever recorded since 2006.
Previously, Bulgaria’s refusal rate only dropped below 10% twice. Ivan Kondov expressed confidence that if this trend continues, Bulgaria could meet the target by the end of the 2025 fiscal year, paving the way for visa-free travel by 2026.
To accelerate compliance, Bulgaria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched a public awareness campaign in December 2024 with the slogan: "You don’t need an Oscar to get a visa to the US." The campaign featured Bulgarian actress Maria Bakalova, a 2021 Academy Award nominee.
The campaign aims to:
- Educate citizens about the visa application process.
- Reduce application errors that often result in refusals.
Additionally, in December 2024, Bulgaria signed an agreement with the US on enhanced border security cooperation, further supporting its efforts to join the VWP.
While Bulgaria and Romania joined the Schengen Area together on January 1, 2025, their journeys to the VWP have differed.
Romania has already succeeded: starting March 31, 2025, Romanian citizens will be able to travel to the US without a visa. This was achieved by reducing visa refusal rates to target levels as early as 2023.
Bulgaria, on the other hand, is still working to meet the necessary criteria. Ivan Kondov highlighted that Bulgaria is focused on improving results and expects positive developments in the near future.
Joining the VWP would provide Bulgarian citizens with simplified access to the US, creating new opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural exchange. It would also enhance Bulgaria's international reputation and strengthen its strategic partnership with the US.
Bulgaria has made significant strides in meeting the requirements for the US Visa Waiver Program, particularly in reducing visa refusal rates. However, more work is needed to achieve the target rate of 3%, which requires continued effort and close collaboration with US authorities. Romania’s success serves as a testament that meeting these conditions is achievable within a short timeframe, offering Bulgaria a clear path forward. If Bulgaria maintains its current momentum, its citizens could enjoy visa-free travel to the US by 2026.