When did Bulgaria join Schengen?

Bulgaria opened its air and sea borders to Schengen on 31 March 2024 and became a full member, land borders included, on 1 January 2025.

Can I reset my Schengen days in Bulgaria?

No. Bulgaria is inside Schengen, so days there count. And no country resets the count: days only stop counting when they are more than 180 days old. To be outside Schengen nearby, go to Türkiye or North Macedonia.

Is there a border check between Bulgaria and Greece?

Not routinely. Both are Schengen members, so there are no systematic passport checks between them. Carry your passport anyway, because countries can reintroduce temporary checks at internal borders.

Guide

Is Bulgaria in the Schengen Area?

Yes — Bulgaria has been a full member of the Schengen Area since 1 January 2025. Every day in Bulgaria counts toward your 90 days in any 180, shared with the other Schengen countries.

In the Schengen Area: Yes

In the EU: Yes

Days count toward 90/180: Yes

Facts checked 5 October 2026. Entry rules change and differ by passport. Confirm them with the official source linked in each section, or your own government's travel advice, before you travel.

Do days in Bulgaria count toward the 90/180 rule?

Yes. Bulgaria joined with Romania in two stages: air and sea borders on 31 March 2024, land borders on 1 January 2025. Time on the Black Sea coast or in Sofia now uses your Schengen 90.

Older guides that recommend Bulgaria as a break from Schengen are out of date.

Source: European Commission: the Schengen Area

Entering Bulgaria

Visa-free visitors follow the normal Schengen rules. Bulgaria's borders with Türkiye, Serbia and North Macedonia are external Schengen borders with full checks.

Sources: Schengen Borders Code, Article 6; European Commission: the Schengen Area

How EES applies

The Entry/Exit System has been fully operational at every external Schengen border since 10 April 2026. On your first entry it records your passport, fingerprints and a facial image; after that, every entry and exit is logged and your 90/180 days are counted automatically.

Sources: European Commission: EES fully operational (10 April 2026); EU: EES FAQ

Türkiye and North Macedonia are outside

Türkiye and North Macedonia are not in Schengen and keep their own counts. Türkiye gives US, British, Canadian and Australian passports 90 days in any 180, separate from Schengen.

For more places whose days do not count, and how long each lets you stay, see where to go when your Schengen days run out.

Sources: Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs: visa information; GOV.UK: North Macedonia entry requirements

Check your own Schengen days

Whatever the answer for Bulgaria, your 90 days are counted across all 29 Schengen countries together, and each day looks back 180 days. Add your stays to see how many days you have used and the last day you can stay.

Count your days before you go

Add past stays and a planned trip. Stay180 shows days used in the last 180 and your leave-by date. Free, no account needed.

Open the Schengen calculator Plan a trip

Common questions

When did Bulgaria join Schengen?: Bulgaria opened its air and sea borders to Schengen on 31 March 2024 and became a full member, land borders included, on 1 January 2025.
Can I reset my Schengen days in Bulgaria?: No. Bulgaria is inside Schengen, so days there count. And no country resets the count: days only stop counting when they are more than 180 days old. To be outside Schengen nearby, go to Türkiye or North Macedonia.
Is there a border check between Bulgaria and Greece?: Not routinely. Both are Schengen members, so there are no systematic passport checks between them. Carry your passport anyway, because countries can reintroduce temporary checks at internal borders.