Minister Georg Georgiev and Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, Irene Maria Plank, Sign Agreement on Temporary Representation in the Processing of Transit Visa Applications for a Specific Category of Individuals from the Republic of Turkey
30 May 2025 News
At an official ceremony held today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Foreign Affairs Georg Georgiev and the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, Irene Maria Plank, signed an agreement on temporary representation in the processing of transit visa applications for a specific category of individuals from the Republic of Turkey.
In his address at the ceremony, Minister Georgiev stated that the signing of this document marks an important step forward in Bulgaria's bilateral cooperation with the Federal Republic of Germany. "This is an expression of genuine partnership, of our shared understanding of the need to facilitate mobility, enhance security, and build mutual trust between our institutions and citizens," emphasised Bulgaria's top diplomat. He noted that the agreement would contribute even more effectively to the spirit of cooperation for the benefit of citizens and businesses in both countries.
Ambassador Plank, for her part, commended Bulgaria for the responsibility it is assuming within the Schengen area and underlined that Bulgaria's full membership in Schengen is an excellent decision.
Under the agreement, the Federal Republic of Germany agrees to continue processing incoming applications for Schengen transit visas submitted by Turkish nationals seeking to enter the country for the purpose of providing temporary services as employees engaged in lawful activities or services on behalf of an employer based in the Republic of Turkey (excuding the tourism sector). This category includes individuals seeking entry into the Federal Republic of Germany as drivers engaged in international transport of passengers or goods, members of maritime crews, crews navigating inland waterways, or aircrew, as well as individuals employed in connection with the installation, maintenance, or repair of delivered machinery and equipment, among others.
Upon expiry of the agreement period, the processing of transit visa applications for these categories of individuals from the Republic of Turkey will be taken over by the Bulgarian diplomatic and consular missions in the country.
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