Bulgarian Passport Ranks 20th Globally, 21st in Schengen Area

The Bulgarian passport has achieved a global ranking of 20th and is positioned 21st among the 29 Schengen Area countries, according to a recent report by Passport Reports. This ranking highlights Bulgaria's standing in international travel access.

Ranking Details

In the Schengen ranking, Bulgaria is preceded by Romania and Croatia, which hold the 20th and 19th positions, respectively. Following Bulgaria are Czechia, Latvia, and Slovakia, ranked 22nd, 23rd, and 24th. In contrast, the top three passports in the Schengen area belong to Luxembourg, Spain, and Switzerland, with Denmark, Finland, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands also making the top ten.

Visa-Free Travel Opportunities

Holders of a Bulgarian passport enjoy visa-free travel to 119 countries. Additionally, 27 destinations offer a visa on arrival, while 10 require an electronic travel authorization. This totals 156 destinations accessible without the need for a prior visa, enhancing travel opportunities for Bulgarian citizens.

Understanding the Rankings

The differences in Bulgaria's rankings stem from the methodology used by Passport Reports. In the global context, passports with identical scores share the same rank, whereas in the Schengen ranking, each country is assigned a unique position regardless of score similarities.

As passport rankings and visa requirements can evolve, travelers are encouraged to verify the latest entry requirements before planning their journeys.