Covid-19 continues to affect traveling both to Bulgaria and from this country to other European countries and the world. Despite recommendations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Bulgarian citizens to refrain from unnecessary trips, if one needs to travel, they should know that flights are carried out in compliance with introduced strict anti-epidemic measures and rules for air travel. In addition to mandatory disinfection, prevention against the spread of Covid-19 includes various other details.

“We disinfect luggage compartments, armrests, seats and floor, paying special attention to the service tables. We leave the disinfection product to act between 5 and 15 minutes, clean the plane and then disinfect it once again. All passengers and the cabin crew on board are required to wear masks throughout the flight. When possible, passengers are seated in a checkerboard pattern for greater safety. Health of the crew is monitored daily and even in case of slightest illness of a crew member, they are replaced by another. These are the main measures we take for the safety of passengers on board,” Miglena Dolapchieva, a representative of a company providing disinfection of the Sofia Airport, said in an interview with BNR. When it comes to the safety of passengers when traveling by bus from and to the plane, Dolapchieva says that 30 to 40% of the vehicle's capacity is used in order to ensure sufficient distance between passengers. Airport buses are also frequently disinfected.”

Strict security measures continue at the airport:

"Every time people enter the terminals, when landing or taking off, body temperature of all passengers, employees and crew members is measured,” Dolapchieva says. “Additionally, the terminal is disinfected several times a day and additional barriers are placed at the check-in and ticket offices, as well as at the exits, which limit physical contact. An additional access regime has been introduced and only passengers and employees are allowed at the terminal."

Authorities call on all passengers to be prepared and aware of the requirements for travel, both in this country and in their final destination. This will ensure a smooth passage through the security zones and delays in flight schedules will be avoided.

Full information about the possibility to travel in the countries of Europe and the world, as well as the exact degree of risk at the moment, can be found on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria. Bulgarian citizens can send questions and requests for additional assistance using the following telephone numbers: +359 2 948 24 04; +359 2 971 38 56; 02 948 3052; 02 948 2552; 02 948 2085;

During non-working hours: +359 2 948 24 04, +359 893 339 616, as well as at the e-mail address crisis@mfa.bg.

Foreigners who are about to travel can also find out more about the degree of risk, the necessary documents and practical advice for their chosen destination here. 

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria - https://www.mfa.bg/en/

Compiled by: Yoan Kolev

Article based on interview by Darina Hristova, BNR - Radio Sofia

English: Alexander Markov