Due to the latest escalation of tension in the Middle East region, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) recommends several communication channels for Bulgarian citizens in need of assistance. The ministry announced this on its website.
People can contact the "Situation Center" Directorate by phone: +359 2 948 24 04; +359 2 971 38 56; +359 893 339 616, by fax: +359 2 870 71 37 and by e-mail: crisis@mfa.bg.
The Embassy of Bulgaria in the Islamic Republic of Iran has a 24-hour hotline: +98 930 568 34 09, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicates.
Currently, Iran's airspace is closed, which is why leaving the country by air at this stage cannot be carried out. Evacuation is possible only through the country's land borders - through the land border with Armenia, and a visa is not required for Bulgarian citizens holding valid passports. Another option is through the land border with Turkey, as Bulgarian citizens holding valid passports do not require a visa. The other land border is with Azerbaijan - Astara border checkpoint, and it is necessary to provide a special permit for crossing from the Azerbaijani authorities. Such a permit can be obtained with the assistance of the Bulgarian Embassy in Tehran.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on Bulgarian citizens, when undertaking such actions, to contact our diplomatic mission in the Iranian capital or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in advance at the indicated telephone numbers. Holders of ordinary Bulgarian passports need a visa for Azerbaijan. The visa can also be obtained through the online system - ASAN Visa. The service is available on the electronic portal https://evisa.gov.az/en/. Another option is through the land border with Turkmenistan. A visa is required for Bulgarian citizens holding valid passports. It is required to enter the country and present a negative result from a COVID-19 test, of the "PSR" type, which is done on site. It should be borne in mind that there are difficulties in purchasing plane tickets to leave the territory of Turkmenistan.
The Embassy of Bulgaria in Israel can be contacted for assistance by phone: + 972 54 595 4379; +972 54 463 4003, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also stated. The situation in Israel is currently extremely dynamic and constantly changing, therefore the recommendations of local authorities and those of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should be carefully monitored. A state of emergency has been declared in the country, and the airspace is currently closed, therefore departure by air is not possible. In connection with the situation and the holidays for Israel (Shabbat), no vessels are expected to depart from the ports of Haifa and Ashdod before Sunday, June 15, 2025. The possibilities for departure by sea after the mentioned date will depend on the recommendations of the Israeli authorities and the availability of free seats.
Leaving Israel via the Arab Republic of Egypt – BCP “Begin“ (Taba) is possible, as there is currently no information that this point is closed, but given the dynamic situation, this circumstance may change at any time. A visa is required to travel to Egyptian territory. Visa-free passage through this border checkpoint for Bulgarian citizens is possible only on condition that the flight is from Sharm el-Sheikh airport, where they will be issued a visa upon exiting the country.
The Jordanian authorities announced that the “King Hussein“ bridge will be opened on June 15, 2025 from 08:00 to 14:00. Given the situation, this circumstance may change at any time. Entry into Jordanian territory is carried out with a visa. Currently – June 15, 2025, Jordan's airspace is closed.
The indicated options for leaving Israel should take into account the risks of moving on Israeli territory, the declared state of emergency and the related restrictions.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the embassies in the region, continues to closely monitor the extremely dynamic situation and will inform interested Bulgarian citizens about the options for leaving the dangerous areas.