The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) informs Romanian citizens who are in, transit through or intend to travel to Bulgaria to the Hellenic Republic and the Republic of Turkey, as well as return to Romania, between May 31 and June 5, 2023, that waiting times are expected picked up at Bulgarian road border crossing points (BCPs), reports News.ro.
According to the MAE, Romanian citizens are recommended to use all border points and make sure they have enough fuel, water, and food for such situations.
Also, Romanian citizens returning to Romania on June 5, 2023 are advised to take into account the possibility of a considerable increase in waiting times when passing through the Ruse border point, at the bridge toll, when Romanian tourists return to Romania and they choose to enter the country through the PTF from the Giurgiu-Ruse bridge.
“Thus, it is recommended that Romanian tourists who choose to return to the country via PTF Giurgiu-Ruse prepare, in advance, the exact amount for the bridge fee, namely two euros (coins with a nominal value of one or two euros) or four (four) leva, in this way the waiting times for the processing and issuance of supporting documents such as receipts, invoices or tax vouchers can be significantly shortened”, the MAE sent.
According to the institution, in this context, it is important to have the correct information, the timely purchase of electronic vignettes and the compliant payment of TOLL type road taxes, for the use of the public road infrastructure in Bulgaria, in accordance with the legislation in force.
“Romanian international freight or passenger transport companies, which transit the Bulgarian territory during this period, are recommended to take the appropriate measures in order to thoroughly organize the travel itineraries and establish the work schedule of the drivers, by taking into account certain times considerably increased waiting times when crossing the borders”, the MAE also transmitted.
It is recommended to use the other border crossing points located on the border with Bulgaria
To enter Romania, it is recommended to use the other border crossing points located on the border with Bulgaria, such as PTF Vidin – Calafat, PTF Kardam – Negru Vodă, PTF Oryahovo – Bechet (ferry), PTF Dobromir – Krushari (maximum 3.5 tons), PTF Kainardzha – Lipniţa (maximum 3.5 tons), PTF Nikopol – Turnu Măgurele (ferry) and PTF Svishtov – Zimnicea (ferry), the last four PTFs with operating hours between 08:00 and 20:00.
In this context, the importance of correctly informing Romanian citizens, of the early purchase of electronic vignettes and the compliant payment of TOLL type road taxes for the use of the public road infrastructure in the Republic of Bulgaria, in accordance with the legislation in force, is emphasized. Additional information can be accessed as follows:
- regarding the current state of the roads: on the free LIMA application www.lima.api.bg, on the Internet page of the “Road Infrastructure” Agency – www.api.bg and on the phone number 070013020, accessible 24/7 ;
- regarding the e-vignette and the e-TOLL system: on the website www.bgtoll.bg;
- regarding the traffic situation through the Bulgarian border crossing points: on the website www.mvr.bg;
- regarding the flight situation at Sofia airport: www.sofia-airport.eu;
- regarding the state of the weather: on the website www.weather.bg;
- regarding the customs regime, when entering the Republic of Bulgaria from the Republic of Turkey: on the website www.mae.ro/travel-conditions/3677 (Travel conditions in the Republic of Bulgaria, title Customs Regulations) and on the website of the “Customs” Agency ” from the Republic of Bulgaria: www.customs.bg.
Romanian citizens can request consular assistance at the telephone numbers of the Embassy of Romania in Sofia: +35929712858 and +35929733510, calls being forwarded to the Contact and Support Center for Romanian Citizens Abroad (CCSCRS) and answered by Call Center operators on a permanent basis . Also, Romanian citizens who are faced with a difficult, special situation, with an emergency character, have at their disposal the permanent telephone number of the diplomatic mission of Romania in the Republic of Bulgaria: +359879440758.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends consulting the web pages http://sofia.mae.ro, www.mae.ro and reminds that Romanian citizens traveling abroad have at their disposal the application “Travel safely” (http://www.mae.ro). ro/app_cs), which offers travel information and advice.
Editor: Bianca Chirilă
