When will Russia open its borders to Bulgaria and during coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in 2021?

2019 divided the history of most countries into «before» and «after». We are talking about a pandemic that has swept the whole world. The SARS-CoV-2 virus was first identified among residents of Hubei province (China). In just a few months, a disease called Covid-19 has spread to the inhabitants of the entire planet. Bulgaria and Russia were not an exception.
Why is covid so dangerous? Regardless of the level of development of a particular state, medical care and other factors, millions of people have become victims of the coronavirus. According to the latest data, this figure is 183 742 033 people, among the total — 3 976 335 deaths. The main symptoms of the disease are: shortness of breath, high fever, dry cough, loss of taste and smell. The world’s leading countries have developed or are working on the production of their own vaccines that protect against COVID-19. Naturally, vaccination is not a 100% guarantee of protection against coronavirus, however, when infected, the disease is transferred much easier.
According to current data (statistics for Monday, 5 July 2021), the number of cases in Russia is 5 635 294 people, total deaths are 138 579, and 413 274 are sick right now. Such statistics forced the government of the state of Russia to impose certain restrictions on flights and border crossing.
Is it allowed to enter Russia from Bulgaria?
Current statistics on the restrictions on entry to Russia:
- Open to Russian citizens: Yes
- Open to s: Partially
- Open to foreigners and tourists: Partially
- Quarantine (lockdown) in Russia: No
During the most «acute» periods of the pandemic, the following restrictions are applied in Russia:
- Foreigners can enter the territory of Russia only if absolutely necessary: study in Russia, employment, residence permit. For more information about the conditions of entry, read the official sources of the Russian government: https://ru.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/
- Availability of the test: Negative PCR results required for all countries.
All countries are divided into 3 main categories by the Russian Ministry of Health:
- «Green» (low rate of spread of coronavirus)
- «Orange» (average rate of spread of coronavirus)
- «Red» (high rate of spread of coronavirus)
In this regard, the Russian government acts in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Association. The distribution of states into separate categories is updated regularly. At the moment, Bulgaria ranks among the states of the «Orange» category.
The main reasons for the introduction of new restrictions are coronavirus mutations, an increase in the number of cases, and insufficient vaccination rates.
Rules for entering Russia from Bulgaria in 2021
At the moment, Russia is partially opened to foreigners, including s. Quarantine measures are applied to tourism and trade.
Before travelling to Russia, s must pass the PCR test no earlier than 72 hours in advance and submit a written document of an international standard (in English). Also, at the time of arrival, there should be no signs of SARS (fever, chills, runny nose, cough, etc.).
Is it necessary to comply with quarantine and take a PCR test when entering Russia?
Negative PCR results required for all countries.
Self-isolation required if you develop any symptoms of COVID-19
For which countries are the borders with Russia open?
Today (Monday, 5 July 2021) the borders of Russia are fully open for 29/ 38 countries, partially open for 21/ 38 countries. See how we collect data and find out why not all countries are included in the statistics.
List of countries for which the borders with Estonia are partially or completely open:
United Arab Emirates
Armenia
Australia
Azerbaijan
Belgium
Bulgaria
Belarus
Switzerland
China
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Germany
Dominican Republic
Egypt
Finland
France
United Kingdom
Greece
Croatia
Hungary
India
Italy
Japan
Kazakhstan
Morocco
Portugal
Turkey
USA
Vietnam
In Russia, bars and restaurants work with restrictions, all shops work without restrictions. Public events (exhibitions, concerts, museums, etc.) are allowed but with restrictions.
Foreigners can cross the Russian border if all the conditions for entering the country are strictly kept to:
Russia has restricted the entry of most foreign nationals. There are some exemptions such as for members of diplomatic missions, certain work-travelers who qualify as highly qualified specialists, for medical treatment, passengers with the UEFA 2021 FAN ID card (until July 2), for students (with written approval from their universities and submitted to the Federal Security Service by the university) returning to Russia for their studies, and for caring for close family members as well.Citizens (or residents) of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, Germany, Greece, India, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Qatar, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Turkey, United Kingdom, UAE, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, and Vietnam are allowed to enter if arriving on a direct flight from these countries. Starting May 25th, Russia also resumed flights with Iceland, Malta, Mexico, Portugal, and Saudi Arabia, although the number of flights is very limited.Citizens of Armenia, Belarus, Kazachstan, and Kyrgyzstan may also arrive on a direct flight. They must have a negative PCR COVID-19 test result issued at most 72 hours before arrival with a green QR code in the app «Traveling Without COVID-19.»Travelers (other than Russian citizens) have to present a printed medical certificate with a negative Coronavirus (COVID-19) PCR test result issued at most 3 days before arrival. The certificate can be in Russian or in English, and a notarized translation to Russian is acceptable. This includes travelers transiting as well.Travelers are also required to pass two PCR COVID-19 tests (one within 3 days after arriving and the second within 5 days) and submit the test results via the Public Services Portal.Those arriving to Russia for permanent work purposes, including Highly Qualified Specialist (HQS) visa holders, and travelers from the UK have to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival.Flights to and from the UK are suspended until at least June 16, and flights to and from
At the moment, there are no other restrictions on entering the territory of Russia. At the same time, the Russian government recommends waiting for travel to countries with extremely high rates of covid-19 spread (red zone).
For which countries are the borders with Bulgaria open?
Today (Monday, 5 July 2021) Bulgaria’s borders are fully open to 34/ 38 countries, partially open — to 17/ 38 countries. See how we collect data and find out why not all countries are included in the statistics.
List of countries for which the borders with Bulgaria are partially or completely open:
United Arab Emirates
Austria
Australia
Belgium
Belarus
Canada
Switzerland
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Germany
Denmark
Estonia
Spain
Finland
France
United Kingdom
Georgia
Greece
Croatia
Hungary
Italy
Japan
Lithuania
Latvia
Morocco
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Sweden
Thailand
Turkey
Ukraine
In Bulgaria, bars and restaurants work with restrictions, all shops work without restrictions. Public events (exhibitions, concerts, museums, etc.) are allowed but with restrictions.
Foreigners can cross the border if all the conditions for entering the country are strictly kept to:
At the moment, there are no other restrictions on entry into Bulgaria. At the same time, the government recommends waiting for travel to countries with extremely high rates of covid-19 spread (red zone).
The cheapest flights to Russia from Bulgaria
The resumption of full-fledged air communication is gradual. At the moment, direct flights to Russia are limited, so it is possible to get to Russia with transfers. We offer the best air fares from Bulgaria to Russia. Today you have the opportunity to book tickets at an affordable price. A pandemic is not a barrier to business and travel.
We constantly monitor the situation with the spread of coronavirus and are always ready to provide you with up-to-date information.
Actual data of COVID-19 in Russia
Current coronavirus statistics in Russia:
- Total cases of covid infection: 5 635 294
- Sick right now: 413 274
- Number of deaths: 138 579
- Recent morbidity: declining
Situation with lockdown in Russia:
In response to a worsening epidemiological situation, municipal and regional authorities in the Russian Federation continue to take steps to restrict the spread of COVID-19. Measures and restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 vary widely, as individual regions and cities set their own policies. Travelers should check with the local government in their region for current restrictions. These measures may include curfews for restaurants and bars, attendance limits on large gatherings, and the closure of all noncritical infrastructure. Travelers should comply with all government restrictions/requirements regarding the spread of COVID-19.The government of the Russian Federation requires the use of masks in crowded public areas, including public transportation, taxis, parking lots, and elevators. This order applies to the entire country. Non-compliance may result in fines.In the Moscow region, indoor gatherings of more than 50 people and outdoors events of more than 500 are prohibited. In the city of Moscow, the mayor has implemented a system of QR codes for those seeking to dine in restaurants and cafes. Starting from June 28, 2021, all patrons at restaurants and bars will need to utilize an application connecting to a centralized government database in order to generate a QR code proving that they have either: been vaccinated, recovered from COVID-19 within the last six months, or had a negative PCR test result from an approved Moscow lab within the last three days. Otherwise, they will not be permitted to enter. Moscow authorities will only accept evidence of vaccination with one of the vaccines registered in the Russian Federation. The Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are not currently registered in the Russian Federation. For more information, please see the following website.In Saint Petersburg, the governor has suspended the work of amusement and water parks and increased enforcement of the mask regime in public transportation and cultural and retail establishments.Source:https://ru.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/
Actual data of COVID-19 in Russia
Current statistics on coronavirus in Russia:
- Total cases of covid infection: 422 053
- Sick right now: 8588
- Number of deaths: 18 084
- Recent morbidity: declining
Situation with lockdown in Russia:
With regard to the introduced anti-epidemic measures on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria:Order № RD-01−375of 27.05.2021 for introduction of temporary anti-epidemic measures on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria1. Conducting face-to-face group classes in language centers, educational centers and other training centers and schools, organized by legal entities and individuals is allowed with a physical distance of at least 1.5 m, wearing face masks, hand hygiene, regular airing every hour and disinfection.2. Visits to children’s centers, clubs and others providing organized group services for children are allowed when using no more than 50% of the room capacity and wearing protective masks for staff.3. Conducting congress-conference events, seminars, competitions, trainings, teambuildings, exhibitions and other public events in person is allowed when using no more than 50% of the capacity of the room in which they are held, subject to physical distance from the most -a little 1.5 m. and wearing face masks by all participants.4. The holding of cultural and entertainment events (festivals, cinemas, theaters, circus performances, stage events, concerts, museums, galleries, libraries, classes in dance, creative and musical arts) is allowed when using no more than 50% of the capacity of the premises, observance of a physical distance of at least 1.5 m., wearing protective face masks and use only on seats (for concerts, festivals, theaters, circus performances and other stage events).5. Conducting sports competitions with an audience is allowed when occupying no more than 50% of the seats, observing a physical distance of at least 1.5 m and wearing protective face masks.6. Visits to fitness centers, gyms and clubs, swimming pools and complexes, balneotherapy (medical SPA) centers, SPA centers, wellness centers and thalassotherapy centers are allowed when using no more than 50% of their capacity and observing physical distance from the most -a little 1.5 m.7. Visits to restaurants and entertainment within the meaning of Art. 124 of the Tourism Act, gaming halls and casinos are allowed when using no more than 50% of their capacity and wearing protective masks for a person by the staff. 8. All natural and legal persons who own or manage commercial, administrative or other sites that provide services to citizens, create an organization to control the number of customers in the site, not allowing more than 1 person per 8 square meters.9. In all markets, bazaars and bazaars, an organization is created for one-way traffic and providing a distance of at least 1.5 m between visitors. Workers and visitors are required to wear a face mask.10. Employers and recruitment bodies to organize the work process of employees in remote form (teleworking / home work), where possible, allowing the present work of a maximum of 50% of the staff.11. Visits to outsiders / visits to hospital facilities are prohibited, except for visits to patients in the terminal stage. The prohibition does not apply to the control bodies in carrying out their control activity.12. In the specialized institutions for providing social services and those for residential-type social services for children and adults, visits to outsiders are allowed exceptionally and at the discretion of the director of the institution in compliance with the introduced anti-epidemic measures and submission of a declaration by the visitor that no is in contact with infectious patients, has no signs of acute respiratory disease and will comply with the anti-epidemic measures introduced on the territory of the institution. The restriction does not apply to the control bodies in carrying out their control activity.Source:https://coronavirus.bg/bg/merki/ogranichitelni-merki
Thus, the restrictions associated with the coronavirus dictate living conditions in 2021. Each state has developed its own border crossing rules and entry rules. It all depends on the general situation with the spread of COVID-19.
However, even in a pandemic, you can leave Bulgaria for Russia with the necessary permits:
Negative PCR results required for all countries.
Self-isolation required if you develop any symptoms of COVID-19