The citizens of Russia, Ukraine and Moldova who visited Bulgaria in 2011 can now enjoy eased visa rules for the Balkan country.

As of July 1, Bulgaria's consular offices in the aforementioned countries will issue annual multiple entry visas to all citizens who made a holiday or business trip to Bulgaria in 2011.

The candidates have to bring a photocopy of their 2011 visa.

As of January 2012, Russian holders of Schengen visas have been able to visit and stay in Bulgaria without Bulgarian visas.

The number of visas that Bulgaria issued to Russians in 2011 grew by 35% compared with 2010, and by 100% compared with 2009.

According to Bulgaria's National Statistical Institute, a total of 469 800 Russians and 38 500 Ukrainians visited the country in 2011.