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Bulgaria Nears US Visa-Free Travel program
Interior Minister Cites Progress After US Visit
Bulgaria is on the cusp of joining the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, a move that would allow Bulgarians to travel to the United States without a visa for tourism or buisness purposes. This development follows a recent working visit to the united States by Interior Minister Daniel Mitov.
Visa progress
Daniel Mitov emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that the government considers it a major priority. He reported notable progress after discussions with Christopher Pratt of the Department of Homeland Security. Mitov’s visit also included meetings at the Department of Internal Security and the Diplomatic security Bureau.
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism, business, or transit for up to 90 days without a visa. As of 2024, 41 countries participate in the VWP.
Key figures from bulgarian law enforcement,including General Commissioners Zahari Vaskov,Boyan raev,and Anton Zlatanov from the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (DGBOP) and the Border Police Directorate General (GDGP),were also involved in the discussions.
Upcoming Tripartite Meeting
A new tripartite meeting involving the United States, the European Commission, and Bulgaria is scheduled to address technical aspects of the plan. The evaluation from the previous administration under President Donald Trump is being considered. Discussions also covered security concerns along the Bulgarian-turkish border,one of the world’s busiest.
For Bulgarians interested in traveling to the U.S., staying informed about the Visa Waiver program requirements and updates is crucial. Regularly check the U.S. Department of State website for the latest information.
Commitment to Security
During a meeting with Tad Osterhaut, director of the Diplomatic Security bureau, Mitov emphasized Bulgaria’s renewed stability and commitment to being a reliable partner in addressing potential threats. He noted that Bulgaria aims to regain its standing as a trusted ally, especially after a period of political instability.
Mitov affirmed that the Ministry of the Interior and the Bulgarian government are actively combating human trafficking and illegal migration. According to a 2023 report by the U.S. State Department, Bulgaria is making significant efforts to combat human trafficking, even though challenges remain (U.S.State Department).
Gratitude Expressed
Mitov concluded by thanking Stefka Yovcheva, the Bulgarian Chargé d’Affaires in the U.S., and Ivaylo Genkov, the Ministry of Interior’s liaison officer in Washington, for their exceptional work in preparing and organizing the Bulgarian delegation’s visit.
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