Bulgaria Issues Travel Advisories Amidst Escalating Middle East Tensions
Bulgaria’s government is closely monitoring the rapidly evolving security situation in the Middle East following recent strikes and reports of the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Authorities are prioritizing the safety of Bulgarian citizens in the region and have issued travel recommendations and established crisis communication channels.
Travel Recommendations and Warnings
The Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is advising all Bulgarian citizens currently in affected countries – including Israel, Iran, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Jordan, and Lebanon – to remain in protected locations and avoid unnecessary travel within these nations. Citizens are urged to strictly adhere to the instructions of local authorities.
Bulgarian citizens are also advised to refrain from any travel to, or transit through, the affected countries, given the current elevated risk levels. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is focusing efforts on the evacuation of Bulgarian citizens from areas directly impacted by hostilities.
Airspace Status
As of March 3, 2026, airspace remains open over Saudi Arabia, Oman, Lebanon, and Jordan. However, Jordan has implemented partial airspace closures between 18:00 and 09:00 local time until further notice. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes that the situation is dynamic and airspace status is subject to change.
Crisis Communication Channels
The Bulgarian government has established multiple 24-hour telephone lines to provide assistance and receive signals from citizens stranded in the region:
- +359 2 948 3051
- +359 2 948 3052
- +359 2 948 2085
- +359 2 948 2087
- +359 2 948 3124
- +359 2 948 2798
- +359 2 948 2552
- +359 2 948 2086
These lines are managed by the Situation Center and the newly formed Crisis Staff dedicated to assisting Bulgarian citizens in the Middle East.
Government Response and Concerns
Acting Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov convened an extraordinary session of the Security Council under the Council of Ministers to address the escalating conflict. The government has stated that there is currently no direct military threat to Bulgaria.
President Iliana Yotova and former President Rumen Radev have both expressed serious concern over the deteriorating security environment. President Yotova aligns Bulgaria with international efforts to halt violence and resume negotiations, advocating for an urgent convening of the UN Security Council. Radev warned against the increasing reliance on force over diplomacy, emphasizing the need for dialogue to resolve disputes.
European Reactions
European leaders have largely reacted cautiously to the recent events, with some openly discussing the possibility of a fresh regime in Iran. Bulgaria joins other EU nations in condemning Iran’s retaliatory strikes and urging de-escalation.