"We are working on specific solutions that will facilitate the issuance of visas and bring more Turkish tourists to Bulgaria," the Minister of Tourism Dr. Ilin Dimitrov during said a meeting with the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Bulgaria, H.E. Mehmet Sait Uyanık. Minister Dimitrov also indicated that actions are being taken to increase the capacity of consular services. Possibilities for a simplified procedure for Turkish citizens who have already received visas are also being discussed.  "Turkey is among the countries best connected to Bulgaria. The proximity between the two countries allows for easy travel by car, and if we ease the visa process, we can significantly increase tourist exchange," Minister Dimitrov said.

Ambassador Mehmet Sait Uyanık described tourism as one of the strongest bridges between the two peoples. According to him, in 2025, about 3 million Bulgarians have visited Turkey, which ranks our country among the five leading markets for Turkish tourism. Since the beginning of 2026, the number of trips by Bulgarian citizens to Turkey has already reached around 1.2 million. "Bulgaria has enormous potential. SPA tourism is an area in which the country is extremely strong, and Bansko and Borovets are already very popular among Turkish tourists," Ambassador Uyanık said. He emphasized that more flexibility in issuing visas will encourage Turkish citizens to visit Bulgaria more often and discover its winter, balneology and SPA destinations.

The Ministry of Tourism plans to organize a visit for Turkish tour operators during the winter season so they can see firsthand the opportunities offered by Bansko and Borovets. Minister Dimitrov also extended an invitation to the ambassador to participate in the initiative.