Do I need a visa to Bulgaria for Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians and Moldovans

In anticipation of the beach season many tourists from the CIS countries are interested and need a visa to Bulgaria?On this point there's a lot of conflicting rumors.Allegedly, the country joined the European Union, so you need to open "of the Schengen".Or, on the contrary, to attract the tourist flow Bulgaria has simplified the conditions for entry, the visa can be obtained where, as in Turkey or Egypt, upon arrival.Let's try to understand the intricacies of access to this southern country.

fact remains that Bulgaria joined the European Union.Therefore, EU citizens, as well as Canada, USA, Australia, Israel and some other countries in the way this country is open.And here is the question: "Do I need a visa to Bulgaria for Russians?" The answer is: "Yes, definitely."The same applies to citizens of Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova.Requests for permission to enter they should contact the consular departments of the embassies in their countries in visa centers in Bulgaria or arrange it through travel agencies.What is the difference?At the embassy you need to contact each person individually, even if the family move out.The package of documents is also going on their own.Instead, and is a "fun" a little bit cheaper.Pay only for the application fee of $ 35 or 70 euros (last price - for the rapid processing of documents).

advantage appeals to mediators - the authorized centers in Bulgaria - is that such a clause may be the only one family member.There, he will receive advice on the registration dossier.But the cherished value of inserts increases in this case, the 1000 Russian rubles.Contacting a travel agency simplifies the process of obtaining permission to enter.You can even way to answer the question whether you need a visa to Bulgaria - with intermediary services of a travel company no effort to obtain it is almost not needed.You just buy a ticket, bring a passport and other papers, and at the appointed time (with registration of visa) are going on a journey.

But there are some pitfalls.Travel agencies accredited to the embassy in Bulgaria, often decorate group visas.This means that the quantity and composition of the names of people arriving on the ticket must match the combo going.Thus, you can not change the date of departure, and will be "tied" to the hard part of the tour the group.To avoid excesses with stragglers on the road, the agency collected the passports of their customers, so that self-tour of the country are also becoming problematic.So you need to think twice, but need a visa to Bulgaria this kind?After all, it costs a lot of money: about 130 euros for 15 days.

It should also be borne in mind that the European Union and the Schengen area - is not the same thing.In the last has not yet entered either Romania or Bulgaria.Do I need a Schengen visa to enter the country?No, Bulgaria puts far only national brands.And they do not give any right to enter the Schengen area.However, there have their own tricks.If you have a valid "of the Schengen" with multivezdom, you do not need to register specifically Bulgarian national visa.There is another plus.Stay in this southern European country is not included in those 90 days that you can spend in the Schengen area.

Many holiday country whose state budget depends on the tourist flow is introduced measures to simplify the visa regime.Is no exception and Bulgaria.Do I need a visa?2013 has not yet brought the Russians and other CIS citizens no surprises.But it is up to the future.At least, even now, to get permission to enter Bulgaria is much easier than in any Western European country.