There’s a lot to see in Bulgaria, starting from one of its historical sites (which are in abundance) to lounging in one of its well-known beaches. But if you’re planning a trip to one of these sunny, golden beaches, or the beautiful capital, Sofia, then you may need to apply for a Bulgaria visa.
This article is a guide to the application process, requirements, and some frequently asked questions regarding Bulgarian visas.
Who Needs a Bulgaria Visa?
Nationals of several countries can enter Bulgaria for short-term stays without a visa, including Schengen countries, the USA, Australia, and Canada.
All foreign nationals that are not visa-exempt must apply for a visa for Bulgaria to be allowed into the country. However, all children under the age of six (even those from visa-required countries) are exempt from holding a visa when entering Bulgaria.
- Afghanistan
- Algeria
- Angola
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Belarus
- Belize
- Benin
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Botswana
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- The People’s Republic of (PRC) China
- Comoros
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Congo-Brazzaville
- Cote d’Ivoire
- Cuba
- Democratic Republic of Korea
- Djibouti
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Guyana
- Haiti
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Jamaica
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kenya
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Lebanon
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Maldives
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Mongolia
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Myanmar
- Namibia
- Republic of Nauru
- Nepal
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Palestinian Authority
- Papua New Guinea
- Philippines
- Qatar
- Russia
- Rwanda
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Africa
- Sri Lanka
- Sudan
- Surinam
- Swaziland
- Syria
- Tajikistan
- Tanzania
- Thailand
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Turkmenistan
- Uganda
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
- Yemen
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
What Countries are Exempt from Bulgaria Visas?
The following countries are exempt from holding a visa when traveling to Bulgaria for a period of less than 90 days.
- Albania*
- Andorra
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina*
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Canada
- Chile
- China, Hong Kong
- China, Macao
- Columbia
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominica
- El Salvador
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Georgia*
- Germany
- Greece
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Iceland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Kiribati
- Kosovo
- Latvia
- Lichtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxemburg
- Macedonia*
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Micronesia
- Moldova*
- Monaco
- Montenegro*
- Netherland
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Norway
- Palau
- Panamas
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- Puerto Rico
- Republic of Korea
- Romania
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and Grenadines
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Serbia*
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Timor-Leste
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tuvalu
- Ukraine*
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- Uruguay
- The United States of America
- Vanuatu
- Vatican City State
- Venezuela
*Bulgaria visa-exemption only applies to holders of biometric passports.
Additionally: Since Bulgaria is part of the European Union, all other EU member countries along with Norway, Iceland, Lichtenstein, and Switzerland are also exempt from Bulgaria long-term visas (over 90 days) as well as from Bulgaria work permit requirements due to the EU Right of Free Movement.
How to Travel to Bulgaria if You Don’t Need a Visa?
If you do not need a visa for Bulgaria, you can travel there with just your passport, which must be valid for at least another six months and have a minimum of two blank pages.
The immigration officers at border control will then give the necessary stamps on the blank pages, allowing you to enter and remain in the country.
What Are the Types of Bulgarian Visa?
The types of a Bulgarian visa include:
- Schengen Visa (Type C). Designed for short stays, up to 90 days within a 180-day period, and be issued for the following purposes:
- Tourism visa for sightseeing, leisure, and cultural experiences.
- Business visa to attend meetings, conferences, and non-employment business activities.
- Visitor visa to visit family and friends.
- Short-term studies to participate in courses, workshops, and research programs under 90 days.
- Airport Transit Visa (Type A). Issued to allow travelers to transit or change planes at a Bulgarian airport to go to the main destination.
- Long-Stay Visa (Type D). Intended for stays exceeding 90 days for the following activities:
- Long-term employment in Bulgaria.
- Long-term study programs at Bulgarian institutions.
- Family reunification to join Bulgarian citizens or residents.
- Other reasons for retiring, volunteering, and other extended stay purposes.
Bulgaria Visa Requirements
- Bulgaria visa application form. You must complete the Bulgaria visa application form in typed letters. The information must be filled in in English or Bulgarian. The applicant must personally sign the application.
- Valid passport/travel document. Your passport/travel document should have at least two blank pages for visa affixation and must be valid for your intended stay in Bulgaria.
- Photocopies of passport pages. Include copies of the personal information page of your passport and any previous visas you have obtained.
- Other permissions to stay. Provide photocopies of any other permission to stay in a foreign country, such as a visa or residence permit, even if it’s not affixed to your passport.
- A recent passport-size photo. Submit a recent passport-size photo of yourself that meets Bulgaria’s specifications, including dimensions, background color, facial expression, and other requirements.
- Travel itinerary/flight ticket. Include your travel itinerary or a copy of your flight ticket showing your entry and exit dates from Bulgaria.
- Proof of Schengen travel insurance. Provide proof of travel insurance with coverage of at least €30,000 for medical emergencies, repatriation, and other related expenses during your stay in Bulgaria.
- Proof of accommodation. Submit a hotel reservation or proof of another form of accommodation for your stay in Bulgaria.
- Purpose of travel documentation. Include documents that explain the purpose of your travel to Bulgaria, such as invitations, conference registrations, or business meeting schedules.
- Financial proof. For financial proof, submit bank statements or financial documents indicating enough funds to sustain yourself in Bulgaria, with a minimum of €50 per day or its equivalent in your local currency, but not less than €500 overall. If applicable, provide evidence of pre-paid accommodation or sponsorship by a Bulgarian individual or entity covering your expenses during your stay.
- Police clearance certificate.
- For underage children traveling without their parents or legal guardians, the following documents must be submitted:
- A copy of the birth certificate.
- An original and photocopy of a power of attorney, notarized by both parents/legal guardians or by one parent/legal guardian consenting to the child’s unaccompanied travel.
Additional Requirements for Bulgaria Tourist Visa
The additional required documents for a regular Bulgaria tourist visa include:
- Letter of invitation from your host in Bulgaria. If you are travelling for business purposes or for a private stay, you must have an invitation letter from the relevant person/legal body. The letter must be legalised by a notary judge and the Migration Directorate of the Ministry of the Interior in Bulgaria.
- Hotel reservation, or proof of another form of accommodation.
- Proof of return/onward flight ticket reservation or proof you have enough money to purchase such a ticket.
- If you are travelling as part of an organized group/with a travel agency: Tourist voucher from the travel agent.
Additional documents required for a:
- Bulgaria Medical Treatment Visa
- A discharge declaration by the hospital in your country
- A certificate from the Bulgarian medical institution receiving you along with a treatment plan
- Cultural exchange: A letter of invitation from the Ministry of Culture or from the mayor of the municipality receiving you.
- Bulgaria Sports Visa: A letter of invitation, issued from the Bulgaria Ministry of Youth and Sport or from the relevant athletic club.
Bulgaria short-stay visas (also referred to as C Visas or tourist visas) are issued mainly for tourism, business, recreational, medical purposes or for a private stay.
However, Bulgaria also issues a type of C Visa for transit purposes, issued for foreigners travelling through the territory of Bulgaria (ie. entering through the border with one country and exiting through the border with another country).
Bulgaria Visa Requirements for Airport Transit Visas
When applying for a Bulgaria airport transit visa, you need the following additional documents:
- Photocopies of any other permission to stay in a country, even if not affixed to the passport (if applicable)
- Flight booking for onward travel along with the original and a photocopy of the flight ticket.
Bulgaria Student Visa Requirements
In addition to the requirements mentioned above, when applying for a Bulgaria student visa, you must also have the following documents:
- Certificate of Acceptance issued by Ministry of Education Bulgaria (original).
- Original copies of your academic transcripts/certificates.
- Travel insurance from your country of residence.
- Proof of private health insurance in Bulgaria.
- Proof of payment of the educational institution’s tuition fee.
- Police clearance or previous convictions certificate from your country of residence.
- Proof of financial means for a student: You must prove you have access to at least €4000 or the equivalent, either in your own bank account or that of your parents.
Bulgaria Work Visa Requirements
If you want to apply for a Bulgaria work visa, your Bulgarian employer must first obtain a work permit for you. Your employer has to request a work permit to the Bulgarian Employment Agency by submitting the following documents:
- A work permit application form.
- Proof of private health insurance in Bulgaria.
- Travel insurance from your country of residence.
- Police clearance or previous convictions certificate from your country of residence.
- A letter explaining the reason for the request.
- The employment contract.
- Copy of your passport/travel document which is valid for at least 7 more months.
- Three passport-size pictures of you.
- A certified copy of your employer’s registration document or ID code.
- Documents related to your educational background, skills and qualifications, previous work experience, etc.
- A report regarding the number of employees your employer has had under employment contracts for the preceding 12 months.
- Any additional documents which are related to your job.
Bulgaria Family Reunification Visa Requirements
You may apply to bring your non-EU family members in Bulgaria if:
- You are a Bulgarian citizen
- EU national
- Holder of a Bulgaria long-term residence permit
You may bring your spouse or partner (with whom you have been cohabitating) and any children under the age of 18.
In addition to the requirements listen above under long-stay visas, Bulgaria visa requirements for a family reunification visa include:
- Marriage certificate.
- Proof you have lived together for no less than one year (if not married).
- Travel insurance from your country of residence.
- Birth certificates or adoption papers, as applicable.
- Proof of private health insurance in Bulgaria.
- Police clearance or previous convictions certificate from your country of residence.
- Any other documents proving family relationship or custody over child/ren.
Bulgaria Visa Requirements for Minors
If a minor is traveling to Bulgaria on their own or accompanied by someone other than their parent/legal guardian, they must present:
- A copy of their birth certificate.
- A power of attorney notary, which is certified by both parents/legal guardians (or the one who has custody, if the child does not have both parents), stating that they agree that the child travels unaccompanied. Include both the original and a photocopy.
The Bulgarian embassy or consulate may request additional documents as they see fit. Always check in with the Bulgarian embassy/consulate before applying.
You should submit these documents at the Bulgarian representation in your countries, such as an embassy or consulate. You must do so in person.
However, Bulgaria also allows foreigners to submit visa applications via an authorized visa application agency.
How to Apply for a Bulgaria Visa?
The application process for a Bulgaria visa is as follows:
- Determine your visa type. Firstly, you should determine your visa type based on your purpose and duration of stay in Bulgaria. Consider the nature of your travel, whether for tourism, work, study, or other reasons and choose the appropriate visa category accordingly.
- Gather the required documents. Once you’ve identified your visa type, the next step is to gather all the required documents, which will vary depending on your choice. The documents have to be legalized (through an apostille stamp or otherwise).
- Complete and download the application form. After gathering your documents, carefully complete the visa application form. Ensure that all information provided is accurate and complete. Double-check the form for any errors or missing details before proceeding.
- Book an appointment with the nearest Bulgarian embassy/consulate. Next, you must book an appointment with the nearest Bulgarian Embassy or Consulate. Some embassies or consulates may require appointments for visa applications, so it’s essential to check their website or contact them directly to schedule your appointment. You can book an appointment via email or phone.
- Attend the appointment. On the day of your appointment, attend the meeting with all the required documents. A consular officer will review your application and documents during the appointment. Be prepared to answer any questions they may have about your travel plans or the information provided in your application.
- Pay the visa fee. During the appointment, you’ll also need to pay the visa fee. The visa processing fee varies depending on your nationality and the type of visa you’re applying for. Ensure the required payment is ready in the accepted form (cash, debit/credit card, etc.).
- Wait for approval. Finally, you’ll enter a waiting period for approval upon submitting your application and attending the appointment. The processing time typically spans at least 15 working days, though this duration may sometimes extend to 30 days or more.
Do I Have to Attend a Bulgaria Visa Interview?
The Bulgarian embassy or consulate through which you are applying may ask you to enter a visa interview, at their discretion.
If you are applying for a long-stay visa, you have to enter a Bulgaria visa interview, without exception.
Additionally, Bulgarian consulates and embassies also accept applications submitted through an authorized visa application agency. Check to see if there is one in your country.
How Long Does it Take to Process a Bulgaria Visa?
Processing typically takes a minimum of 15 working days. However, due to application volume and case complexity, this timeframe can extend to 30 days or more. It’s important to exercise patience and refrain from making non-essential travel plans until you’ve received a decision.
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Bulgaria Visa?
The fees for a Bulgaria visa are:
| Type of visa | Consular fee |
| Short-term visa (C type) | €90 |
| Airport transit visa (A type) | €90 |
| Long-term visa (D type) | €120 |
| Children aged 6 to 12 | €45 |
When to Apply for a Bulgaria Visa?
You are allowed to apply for your Bulgaria visa as early as six months before your intended travel date and as late as 15 days before your travel date. That being said, you are advised to apply for your application between one to three months before you plan to enter the country.
What to Do if My Bulgaria Visa Is Refused?
If your Bulgaria visa application is denied, you have the following options:
- Appeal the decision. You can appeal to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria at 2 “Alexander Zhendov” str., 1113 Sofia, or email [email protected]. Alternatively, you can appeal to the Administrative Court in Sofia City at 17 George Washington Str., 1301 Sofia, or email [email protected]. Make sure to address the reasons for the denial in your appeal.
- Re-apply for the visa. Start a new application, addressing the reasons for the previous denial. Ensure that your new application resolves any issues that led to the initial denial.
Are Bulgarian Visas Issued Before March 31, 2024, Still in Effect?
Bulgarian visas issued before March 31, 2024, remain valid until expiration. Travelers can still enter Bulgaria, Romania, and Cyprus, but not other Schengen Area countries.
Where Can I Apply for a Bulgaria Schengen Visa?
You can submit your application for a Bulgaria Schengen visa at one of the following:
- A Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your home country.
- A visa application center (VAC).
- Another Schengen diplomatic mission in charge of receiving applications for Bulgaria (if a Bulgarian diplomatic mission is missing in your country of residence).
If visiting Bulgaria and another Schengen country:
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- Apply at a Bulgarian representation (embassy/consulate/visa center) if Bulgaria is where you will spend the most days.
- If you plan to spend an equal number of days in Bulgaria and the other Schengen countries, apply at a Bulgarian representation (embassy/consulate/visa center) if Bulgaria is your first entry point into the Schengen area
Where Can Bulgarian Visa Application Forms Be Submitted Through VfS Global’s Visa Application Centers??
Visa Application Centers, operated by VFS Global for Bulgarian Consular Services, streamline and expedite visa applications with submission options in multiple countries and cities.
- Russia: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Arkhangelsk, Irkutsk, Kaliningrad, Kazan, Khabarovsk, Krasnodar, Krasnoyarsk, Nizhny Novgorod, Novorossiysk, Novosibirsk, Omsk, Perm, Rostov-on-Don, Samara, Saratov, Ufa, Vladivostok, Voronezh.
- India: New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Calcutta, Mumbai, Pune.
- Indonesia: Jakarta, Bali.
- Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur.
- Singapore: Singapore.
- United Kingdom: London, Edinburgh, Manchester.
- Turkey: Ankara, Istanbul, Antalya, Bursa, Diyarbakir, Edirne, Gaziantep, Izmir.
- Kazakhstan: Nur-Sultan, Almaty.
- China: Beijing, Shanghai, Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Jinan, Kunming, Nanjing, Shenyang, Shenzhen, Wuhan, Xi’an.
How Long is a Bulgaria Visa Valid For?
A Bulgaria visa’s validity depends on the type of visa you are applying for.
A Bulgaria short-stay visa is valid for up to 90 days within a six-month period. If you are transiting through the Bulgarian territory, your short-stay visa for transit purposes is valid for a maximum of 2 days on each entry.
A Bulgaria long-stay visa may be valid for up to six months or one year, depending on your purpose of travel.