This was explained to journalists by the resigned Interior Minister Kalin Stoyanov. He inspected the readiness of RGDP-Airports in connection with the acceptance of our country into the Schengen area by air and the introduction of the new border control regime.
Minister Stoyanov stated that our country is fully ready. "If someone travels to a country that is not part of Schengen, they will have to go through a passport check,", he explained.
“The fact that the mandatory border control for part of the countries is abolished does not mean that the security measures at the air terminals are reduced,” said Anton Zlatanov, director of the Main Directorate “Border Police” (GDPR). “We are starting to rely more on risk analysis, on operational activity, and all aeuro stations are divided into Schengen and non-Schengen areas. The Schengen area plays the role of internal lines” , he added.
Regarding the declarations for the children, Zlatanov explained that there will be no border control and inspections for children with a companion. Declarations are not required, but if there is a parent who does not wish their child to travel with the other parent, there is the relevant procedure from the district court and an order is issued that the child does not travel abroad. He said the right remains for police checks if law enforcement deems it necessary. Zlatanov explained that minors (14-18 years old) can travel alone, without a declaration of consent from a parent to leave the country, in the Schengen area.
The airport also explained that from March 31 the existing passport control counters at Sofia Airport will be removed. That is, after checking the passenger's ticket, he will go through airport security (baggage check). Flights to the Schengen Area will be operated from the sleeves. And there will be a passport check at the bottom of the hall, where the counters will function.
For passengers traveling to Switzerland or transiting through the country to a Schengen country, there will be no passport control and they will travel under the rules under which citizens of Schengen countries travel. If the passenger travels to a non-Schengen country, but with a transfer in a Schengen country, he passes passport control in the country from which the flight will be made to the non-Schengen country, the airport explained.