Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

US to help Bulgaria meet visa waiver criteria

Foreign Minister Ivan Kondov (R) and US Ambassador to Bulgaria Kenneth Merten.
Photo: FM press office

Bulgaria's inclusion in the US Visa Waiver Programme was discussed at a meeting today between Foreign Minister Ivan Kondov and US Ambassador to Bulgaria Kenneth Merten. "Bulgaria's inclusion in the US Visa Waiver Programme is of the utmost importance and will demonstrate the strategic nature of the relations between our two countries," Kondov said. He noted that an information campaign would be launched by the end of the year to raise public awareness of the programme and explain the conditions and process for applying for a visa to the US. 


The aim is to reduce the refusal rate, a necessary criterion for lifting the visa requirement. Ambassador Merten confirmed the Embassy's willingness to continue to facilitate Bulgaria's efforts to join the programme.


In the course of the conversation, Kondov also raised the issue of concluding a social security agreement between Bulgaria and the US, which would be in the interest of Bulgarian citizens working or living in the US. Co-operation with the US to counter foreign manipulation of information was also discussed.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

122 years since the outbreak of the Ilinden-Preobrazhenie uprising

The 122 nd anniversary of the outbreak of the Ilinden-Preobrazhenie uprising will be marked on 2 August in the locality Predela with a flower and wreath laying ritual at the monument Ilinden. Razlog municipality has announced that the ritual will..

published on 8/2/25 7:05 AM

The Union of Thracian Societies commemorates the Ilinden–Preobrazhenie Uprising

In the village of Slaveyno near Smolyan, the Union of Thracian Societies in Bulgaria is organizing a National Gathering-Pilgrimage on August 2 and 3. The festival is dedicated to the 122nd anniversary of the Ilinden–Preobrazhenie Uprising and the 145th..

published on 8/2/25 5:35 AM

Temperatures begin to rise over the weekend

On Saturday minimum temperatures will range between 15 and 23° C., for Sofia 15° C. During the day the weather will be predominantly sunny, cumulus clouds will form around and after midday. There will be rain and thunder mostly in the mountain..

published on 8/1/25 6:35 PM