The Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the implementation of a new version of the National Visa Information System (NVIS).

Key Points:

• Consular authorities have implemented a temporary suspension of the current system and will not accept visa applications from Aug. 9-18 while technology updates are being made on the new version of NVIS.
• Consular offices will also suspend applications for Bulgarian identity documents —passports and ID cards.
• Measures have been put in place to allow temporary passports to be issued and powers of attorney and declarations in emergency and humanitarian cases to be validated during this time period.

Background: The new NVIS is a large-scale project between Bulgaria and the European Union. The European Council recently agreed to lift controls at air and sea borders in Bulgaria, paving the way for the country to officially join the Schengen area. The Schengen area is an important component of the EU’s legal framework, and the change should also be significantly positive for Bulgarian nationals who now have additional access to the world’s largest free travel zone. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is implementing a new version of NVIS in anticipation of Bulgaria’s joining the Schengen area.