Full Breakdown
Bulgaria Seeks U.S. Visa-Free Travel After PM’s Call with President Trump
5/21/2026, 1:01:04 AM
Radev Requests Visa-Free Travel in Call with President Trump
On 20 May 2026, Prime Minister Rumen Radev said he spoke with President Donald Trump, raising the issue of lifting U.S. visa requirements for Bulgarian citizens and urging urgent consideration. He raised the request again before chairing a cabinet meeting.
Background & Context
Since joining the EU, Bulgaria has prioritized visa-free travel to the United States. A year-old public campaign featuring actress Maria Bakalova used the slogan “You don’t need an Oscar to get a visa to the US.” Bulgaria, a NATO member, also hosts U.S. military aircraft that transit its airspace for refueling.
Timeline
- 19 April 2026 – Radev wins a landslide parliamentary election.
- May 2025 – Visa-campaign with Maria Bakalova launched.
- 20 May 2026 – Phone call with President Trump; visa-free travel request raised.
- May 2026 (through 30 May) – Over a dozen U.S. aircraft authorized to transit and refuel in Sofia.
Official Statements & Responses
Radev said the visa-free request continues Bulgaria’s long-standing diplomatic goal and mentioned talks with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on extending U.S. aircraft operations in Sofia. No U.S. response has been reported.
Criticism & Opposition
Some analysts called Radev’s stance “Kremlin-friendly,” noting his remarks on euro-zone entry and military aid to Ukraine. Radev rejects the pro-Russian label, stressing his EU-aligned policy and meetings with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Why It Matters
Visa-free travel aligns with Bulgaria’s diplomatic aim to ease U.S. entry and intersects with security cooperation, as the country hosts U.S. military assets under NATO. Domestically, the issue may affect public perception of Radev’s foreign-policy direction after his election.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Reuters and BalkanWeb provide identical accounts of the phone call and visa request. No U.S. statement is available, leaving the decision timeline and criteria unspecified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In my conversation with the American president, I insistently raised the issue of lifting U.S. visa requirements for Bulgarian citizens and I expect this matter to be considered urgently,” — Rumen Radev, Prime Minister of Bulgaria
- “In my conversation with the US president, I insistently raised the issue of lifting US visas for Bulgarian citizens and I expect this issue to be urgently considered,” — Rumen Radev, Prime Minister of Bulgaria
- “You don't need an Oscar to get a visa to the US.” — Bulgarian Foreign Ministry campaign slogan featuring Maria Bakalova
- “• Radev denies he is pro-Russian and says that he will follow an EU path and has already met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.” — Rumen Radev (statement)
What’s Next
The cabinet meeting convened after the call indicates the request will be considered alongside discussions on extending U.S. aircraft operations. No U.S. decision date has been announced.
