Bulgaria Introduces Biometric ID Cards for EU Travel

Bulgaria has rolled out new biometric ID cards, making it easier for its citizens to travel to European Union countries. The new IDs, which contain both facial and fingerprint data, allow Bulgarians to travel to EU countries using Automated Border Crossing (ABC) systems or eGates that authenticate electronic machine-readable travel documents (e-MRTD).

According to the country's Interior Ministry, Bulgaria partially joined the Schengen area alongside Romania in March 2024. While the countries have lifted controls at air and sea borders, land crossings are still excluded as EU member states such as Austria say Romania and Bulgaria need to do more to prevent irregular migration.

The biometric ID card's chip was produced by a consortium including Mühlbauer, which won a 10-year contract valued at US$134 million. In the future, citizens will be able to use an electronic identity certificate to access online electronic services and systems.

Bulgaria made Evrotrust's eID scheme the country's official digital identity program last year. The digital government initiative recently received a boost after launching a public services platform called the Single Portal for Electronic Services (SPES).

 Plans are also underway to introduce new passports with enhanced security features in the coming year. Meanwhile, the new ID cards are not obligatory, and older cards will remain valid until August 2nd, 2023, or until their expiry date. Bulgaria is planning to introduce legislative changes to align its ID document validity with EU rules, which means the country will no longer be able to issue ID documents with no expiry date.

In the background, Bulgaria's digital government initiative has been making progress. The country's official digital identity program, Evrotrust's eID scheme, has been launched, and a public services platform called the Single Portal for Electronic Services (SPES) has been introduced. This move is expected to enhance the security and efficiency of Bulgaria's online services.

Mühlbauer is a leading provider of innovative ID document solutions, having won a 10-year contract with Bulgaria to produce the biometric ID card's chip."

Q: What is the main feature of Bulgaria's new biometric ID card?

A: The new ID card contains both facial and fingerprint data.

Q: What is the purpose of Bulgaria's new biometric ID card?

A: The new ID card makes it easier for Bulgarians to travel to European Union countries.

Q: Who produced the biometric ID card's chip?

A: The chip was produced by a consortium including Mühlbauer.

Q: Will the new ID cards be mandatory?

A: No, the new ID cards are not obligatory, and older cards will remain valid until August 2nd, 2023, or until their expiry date.

Q: What is Bulgaria's official digital identity program?

A: Bulgaria's official digital identity program is Evrotrust's eID scheme.