Bulgaria, the latest country to join the Schengen Area, is ramping up efforts to modernize its visa issuance system in a strategic move to strengthen its tourism industry. Recognizing the need for a more efficient process, authorities have set up a specialized working group dedicated to simplifying visa procedures and reducing processing times. The initiative is expected to attract more international visitors and bolster Bulgaria’s position as a competitive European travel destination.

Alongside its domestic visa improvements, Bulgaria is also striving to gain visa-free access to the United States by 2026. To achieve this milestone, the country must meet a series of stringent requirements under the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This includes enhancing security cooperation, improving data-sharing mechanisms, and, most crucially, lowering its visa rejection rate to below three percent.

Recent data from 2023 shows that 20,601 Bulgarians were granted US visas, reflecting a strong interest in travel to the United States. However, Bulgaria still faces challenges in reducing its visa refusal rate to align with VWP standards. Government officials are actively working on refining application procedures and fostering closer ties with US authorities to overcome this barrier.

Beyond its ambitions for visa-free US travel, Bulgaria is positioning itself as a more accessible destination for global travelers. By implementing faster and more efficient visa approvals, the country is not only enhancing its appeal to tourists but also creating opportunities for international business and investment. These reforms are set to reinforce Bulgaria’s economic growth, expand its tourism footprint, and pave the way for a more connected future in global travel.

The post Bulgaria Enhances Travel and Tourism Policies by Streamlining Visa Approval, Strengthening Security Partnerships, and Working Toward US Visa-Free Entry: Latest Updates You Must Need To Know  appeared first on Travel And Tour World.