For transit passengers passing through Bulgaria, the customs rules of the European Union apply, as the country, after its full accession to the Schengen area on January 1, 2025, applies the same standards as all member states. This means that travelers within the Schengen area (including through Bulgaria and Romania) do not undergo systematic customs or border control, but when passing from or to third countries (outside Schengen/EU), the rules for customs checks and admission are maintained.

When transiting through Bulgaria without leaving the airport zone, a thorough customs check is usually not carried out. But in cases where the traveler goes out into the city, changes terminals or crosses a land border — the EU customs regulations and local legislation are fully applied.

Import and export without duty:
It is allowed to carry personal belongings and clothes in reasonable quantities, as well as the following goods:
– Up to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 100 cigarillos or 250 g of tobacco — for persons over 17 years of age;
– Up to 1 liter of spirits (over 22%) and up to 2 liters of wine (under 22%) — for persons over 16 years of age;
– Up to 500 g of coffee or 100 g of tea, 50 ml of perfume and 250 ml of eau de toilette;
– Other goods up to 100 euros (or dollars) per trip;
– For children under 16 years of age, the limits are halved.

Cash:
Up to 10,000 euros (or the equivalent in another currency) can be transported without declaration. Above this amount, a written declaration is filled in when passing through the "red corridor".

Products and food:
It is allowed to transport food supplements, canned vegetables and fruits, baby food and medical products with a medical certificate.
The import of meat, meat and dairy products of animal origin from third countries (except from the EU) is prohibited. The control of transit passengers from non-EU countries is strengthened.

Customs corridors:
At the airports in Bulgaria, there are two corridors — "green" (without declared goods) and "red" (in the presence of a declaration or goods above the limit). The choice of the "green corridor" is considered a statement of the absence of goods subject to declaration. In case of a violation by customs officers, fines and confiscations are applied.

Restrictions:
Narcotic substances, weapons, rare animal species and objects of cultural heritage without permission are prohibited. No exceptions are made even for short stays.
Transit passengers who do not leave the international zone of the airport are usually not subject to physical inspection, but are subject to control in case of any suspicion or when leaving the protected zone.

Important:
These rules are valid both for passengers entering the Schengen area through Bulgaria and for passengers who transit within Schengen. According to the decision of the EU Council, from January 1, 2025, Bulgaria and Romania are fully part of the Schengen area. Therefore, for travel between Bulgaria and the other Schengen countries, there is no border control, but for travel to countries outside Schengen (such as Turkey, Serbia, the United Kingdom), customs and passport checks are maintained.

It is recommended that passengers check the latest updates on the official website of the Bulgarian Customs Agency and be prepared for random luggage checks.