Bulgaria Nears Visa Waiver for the USA: What Is the Progress?

High-level meeting on the elimination of US visas

Minister of Foreign Affairs Velislava Petrova held a key meeting with a delegation from the US Department of Homeland Security, led by Deputy Under Secretary John Guntanis. The main focus of the talks was our country's progress on the path toward a visa-free regime with the US.

The visit is an expression of serious recognition of the progress achieved by Bulgaria in meeting the technical security requirements, stated Minister Petrova.

Key steps toward eliminating visa requirements

• Technical criteria: Bulgaria has met all necessary requirements, with the exception of the statistical percentage of denied visas.
• 3% threshold: The main goal remains achieving a visa refusal rate for tourist visas below 3%.
• Strategic partnership: The elimination of visas will strengthen equality and mutual respect for priorities between the two countries.

Position on current topics

Regarding speculations about linking the visa regime to logistical issues at Sofia Airport, Minister Petrova was categorical: Bulgaria puts its national interest first. By the end of April, our country had already met all the technical criteria required by the American partners.