Skopje, 17 January 2022 (MIA) – As the epidemiological situation has worsened in Bulgaria and across Europe, new travel rules for arrivals in the country, including citizens of North Macedonia, will take effect as of Jan. 19 in line with the latest decision by the Bulgarian Health Ministry. Entry restrictions will be in place for all non-essential travels in the country (exceptions include medical personnel, aid workers, students, people with regulated residence, delegations, etc.). North Macedonia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains communication with competent institutions in the Republic of Bulgaria and counterparts in the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs towards replacing the current decision that could cause serious delay in the intensive communication between the citizens of the two countries, it said in a press release. “Until the start of implementation of the full restriction order as of Jan. 19, we expect our efforts to result in replacing the current decision with a new one that will allow our citizens to enter the Republic of Bulgaria for the so-called non-essential needs, by presenting a proof of vaccination or recovery and a negative PCR test done in the previous 72 hoours,” said the Foreign Ministry. The Ministry adds that entry requirements for children aged 12 to 18 have also changed – they will also need to provide the above documents upon arrival. A ten-day quarantine is in place for persons who fail to observe the rules. “Citizens who plan to travel to the Republic of North Macedonia as of Jan. 19 should carefully follow the official announcements of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs so as not to find themselves in a situation to be returned by Bulgaria’s border authorities,” reads the press release.