The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) has issued a travel warning for Romanian citizens planning to visit Bulgaria or transit through the country to Turkey or Greece. This alert comes as the Easter mini-holiday, May 1st, and the summer season approach, indicating that waiting times at Bulgarian border points, particularly at PTF Ruse, are expected to increase significantly.
In a statement, the MAE informed that "the waiting time will be increased when crossing through the Bulgarian border crossing points, especially through PTF Ruse." This point is currently undergoing rehabilitation, which is anticipated to exacerbate congestion during these busy travel periods.
To mitigate potential delays, the MAE recommends that travelers utilize all available border crossing points open to international traffic. These include several options at the Romanian-Bulgarian border: Vidin-Calafat, Kardam-Negru Voda, Silistra-Ostrov Calarasi, Dobromir-Krushari, Kainardzha-Lipnita, Nikopol-Turnu Magurele (ferry), Svishtov-Zimnicea (ferry), Oryahovo-Bechet (ferry), and Aydemir (Silistra)-Chiciu (ferry). The Ruse-Giurgiu crossing is also mentioned, but travelers should be aware of ongoing rehabilitation works affecting this route.
At the Bulgarian-Greek border, the recommended crossings include Kulata-Promachonas, Makaza-Nimfea (for vehicles under 3.5 tons), Ilinden-Exohi, Kapitan Petko Voivoda-Ormenion, Zlatograd-Termes, and Ivaylovgrad-Kiprinos (the last two points are designated for lighter vehicles).
Travelers heading towards Greece are specifically advised to avoid secondary or tertiary bypass routes to the Kulata crossing. The MAE cautions that these routes are primarily meant for local officials and employees, with access to Kulata restricted to the A3 - Struma highway.
Furthermore, at the Bulgarian-Turkish border, the main crossing points are Kapitan Andreevo-Kapikule, Lesovo-Hamzabeyli, and Malko Tarnovo-Derekoy, the latter of which is known for limited infrastructure and long waiting times.
In light of the expected traffic increases, the MAE has also provided several useful tips for Romanian tourists traveling to Bulgaria. Firstly, it is advised to purchase an electronic vignette in advance, as starting May 1, 2025, the fees for all categories of vignettes will increase by 10%. This advance purchase will not only save money but also facilitate smoother travel.
Travelers are urged to adhere to Bulgaria's legal speed limits: 140 km/h on highways, 120 km/h on express roads, 90 km/h outside localities, and 50 km/h within localities. Compliance with these regulations is crucial for ensuring safety and avoiding fines.
Parking regulations are another important aspect to consider. Tourists are encouraged to park only in designated areas, especially in popular seaside resorts such as Sunny Beach, Nessebar, Golden Sands, and Albena. Local authorities enforce strict penalties for illegal parking, making it essential for visitors to use marked spaces, even if they come with a fee.
For those who may encounter difficulties while abroad, the MAE has provided contact information for the Romanian Embassy in Sofia. Citizens can reach the embassy at +35929712858 or +35929733510, with calls redirected to the Contact and Support Center for Romanian Citizens Abroad (CCSCRS). In case of emergencies, the embassy's permanent contact number is +359879440758.
As the travel season approaches, the MAE emphasizes the importance of planning trips carefully and staying informed about traffic conditions and access routes. This proactive approach can help prevent unpleasant situations during the busy spring holiday period.
In summary, the combination of holiday travel and ongoing infrastructure work at key border points is likely to lead to increased wait times and traffic congestion. By following the MAE's recommendations, travelers can help ensure a smoother journey to their destinations.
