Why Russian tourists have almost vanished from Bulgaria: causes and risks

Decline of the Russian flow

According to the Russian ambassador in Bulgaria, in 2025 only about 74 000 of the 13.6 million foreign guests were Russian citizens. That is almost seven times fewer than in 2019, when half a million Russians were recorded. In 2024 the figure fell even lower – just over 50 000. A modest rise is visible in 2025, but getting back to the old level still looks out of reach.

What has changed?

No direct flights

The biggest hurdle for most travelers is the disappearance of a direct air link. Without it a trip turns into a logistical puzzle: you have to connect through Belgrade, Istanbul or other hubs. The extra legs lengthen the journey, push ticket prices up and make vacation planning far less convenient.

Visa complications

In 2022 the European Union terminated the bilateral agreement that allowed a simplified visa regime for Russians. Since then obtaining permission to enter has become noticeably harder. A Schengen visa already covered Bulgaria, so the formal paperwork for most tourists did not change, but the overall barrier grew.

Price rise after the euro switch

In 2026 Bulgaria officially adopted the euro. Both locals and foreign visitors note that prices for services and goods have climbed. For Russian travelers, whose budgets are already squeezed by currency restrictions, the higher cost adds another deterrent.

Safety and legal risks

The ambassador also warned about an increased risk of Russian citizens being detained on US requests. Russia’s foreign ministry has placed Bulgaria on a list of countries that cooperate actively with American authorities in criminal cases against Russians. In March 2026 two Russian nationals were extradited from Bulgaria at the request of the United States.

For anyone who could become the subject of US prosecution, the ministry advises staying away from trips to Bulgaria and avoiding layovers in its airports. It is a recommendation, not a ban, but it underscores a real legal danger.

What does the outlook look like?

Numbers are creeping up slightly, yet they remain far from pre‑crisis levels. Restoring direct flights could bring some of the flow back, but without solving visa issues and stabilising prices the situation will stay tense. Moreover, legal risks continue to shape travel decisions, especially for those with ties to the United States.

Points to consider when planning a trip

• Transport: be ready for connections; check options through major European hubs.
• Visa: verify the current requirements; the simplified regime is no longer available.
• Budget: factor in higher prices after the euro adoption and set aside a financial cushion.
• Legal aspect: if you think you could be targeted by a US request, it’s wiser to postpone the journey.

Bottom line

The shrinkage of the Russian tourist stream to Bulgaria stems from a mix of logistical, administrative and economic factors, plus an elevated legal risk. Until at least one of these key barriers is removed, a return to previous visitation levels looks unlikely.

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru.