Since 10 April 2026 the Entry/Exit System (EES) has been fully operational at all external borders of the Schengen area, including in Bulgaria. It has replaced passport stamping.
The system applies to non-EU nationals coming for a short stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, whether or not they need a visa. This includes Georgian citizens entering Bulgaria from a country outside Schengen.
On your first crossing, the border guards record your passport data, a facial image and fingerprints. If you travel again within three years, a face or fingerprint check is enough. Registration is free and requires nothing in advance.
Holders of a residence permit or long-stay visa issued by a country using the system are not registered in the EES. Nor are family members of EU citizens who hold a residence card or permit.
You can check how many days of authorised stay you have left online at travel-europe.europa.eu.
European Commission: home-affairs.ec.europa.eu
Travel to Europe: travel-europe.europa.eu