After the first Schengen plane from Naples landed at Sofia airport shortly after midnight, later in the day there was also an official ceremony for the country's entry into the Schengen family. Retired Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov, retired Minister of Foreign Affairs Maria Gabriel and Head of the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria Yordanka Chobanova welcomed the passengers from Berlin at an official ceremony. The flight from the German capital was not chosen by chance. It symbolizes the fall of the Berlin Wall more than 30 years ago, noted the executive director of Sofia Airport. Jesus Caballero, as well as the words of American President John Kennedy, spoken 60 years ago: “I am a Berliner!“.
"Schengen is the biggest success since our admission to the EU, because we were able to unite and restore the trust of the EU. Schengen is a confidence that Bulgaria has confidently set out on the European path,” said the resigned Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov.
"Schengen is not a fence. The role of the government is key, because without the changes in the laws and the Constitution, this would not have happened," Denkov emphasized. "There are concrete plans so that Bulgaria will be admitted to the land-based Schengen as of January 1, 2025. We can enter if we are united, otherwise we can miss the historic window, which may not open soon," Denkov also said.
"We are all witnessing a moment that is unique and historic. This day is unique, because it tells us that today Bulgaria is not just an observer, but with its experience will shape the Schengen area", said the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister in resignation Maria Gabriel.
What is changing for passengers?
If you are a departing passenger
The passenger registers his baggage, if any. A security check follows. In the case of traveling to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, customs control is also carried out. The passenger then proceeds to the departure gate without going through passport control.
If the destination is to a country outside the Schengen area, the travel procedure remains the same as before.
If you are an arriving passenger
If a passenger lands at Sofia Airport from a Schengen member country, he can go directly to pick up luggage, if he has registered luggage, without going through passport control.
If you are arriving from a destination outside the Schengen area, the procedure for border inspection and customs inspection before receiving registered baggage remains the same as before.