Bulgaria Adds Online Visa Booking for Turks
Bulgaria's tourism minister and his Turkish counterpart agreed on steps to simplify visa procedures for Turkish visitors.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Travel — General
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Bulgaria will introduce an electronic appointment booking system for visa applications from Turkish tourists and increase consular staffing. The measures were discussed by Tourism Minister Ilin Dimitrov and Turkish counterpart Mehmet Ersoy at World Travel Market 2026 in London.
Why it matters
Turkey is a significant source of visitors to Bulgaria, with nearly 192,000 Turkish tourists recorded between January and August 2026. Simpler visa access could make it easier for Turkish travelers to plan trips to Bulgaria.
Bulgaria recorded nearly 192,000 Turkish tourists from January to August 2026, with approximately 746,000 total visits by Turkish citizens. The source does not provide a comparison to earlier years or detail when the new booking system will be operational.
The players
Ilin Dimitrov
Ilin Dimitrov is Bulgaria's Minister of Tourism, responsible for the country's tourism policy and promotion.
Mehmet Ersoy
Mehmet Ersoy is Turkey's Minister of Culture and Tourism, overseeing tourism policy and promotion in Turkey.
The details
Dimitrov and Ersoy met on the sidelines of World Travel Market 2026 in London to discuss tourism ties. Bulgaria plans to add consular staff and an online appointment system that is expected to undergo testing shortly.
Timeline
January to August 2026: Nearly 192,000 Turkish tourists recorded in Bulgaria.
2026: Dimitrov and Ersoy meet at World Travel Market in London.
Shortly after the announcement: The online appointment system is expected to undergo testing.
Travel Outlook
Bulgaria's move to streamline visas for Turkish visitors reflects the ongoing effort by EU member states to balance border controls with tourism revenue. The reform places Bulgaria's consular processing capacity alongside its broader efforts to attract non-EU travelers.
Turkish travelers planning a trip to Bulgaria may benefit from an online appointment system that makes visa applications easier to schedule. The system is expected to undergo testing shortly, so applicants should watch for its official launch before booking travel.
The takeaway
Simpler visa appointment booking can reduce uncertainty for travelers planning trips abroad. Checking official consulate channels before departure remains the most reliable way to confirm current procedures.
Further reading
For more on how visa rules shape travel decisions, explore Travel — General.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Novinite.
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