Traveling to Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a popular destination for tourism and business that welcomes millions of visitors each year, with numbers sure to grow after Bulgaria’s forthcoming accession to the Schengen area.
Nationals from more than 90 countries can travel to Bulgaria visa-free. Schengen citizens, British nationals, and holders of valid visas and residence permits issued by Romania, Cyprus, and Croatia, are also allowed visa-free entry into Bulgaria. Although not yet part of the Schengen zone, Bulgaria permits double and multiple Schengen visa holders to enter Bulgaria visa-free, as long as they have used their Schengen visa at least once before. All other foreign nationals are required to apply for a Bulgaria visa, prior to traveling to Bulgaria, at their nearest Bulgaria embassy, consulate, or foreign mission abroad.
The Bulgaria transit visa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue. The Bulgaria short-stay visa allows for a 90-day stay within any 180-day period from the date of first entry into Bulgaria. A Bulgaria long-stay visa can be issued for up to 6 months with a right to stay up to 180 days, or can be issued for up to 1 year with a right to stay up to 360 days.
Bulgaria Visa Types
Foreign nationals required to obtain a Bulgaria visa, prior to traveling to Bulgaria, should apply for the appropriate Bulgaria visa based on the purpose of travel to Bulgaria and intended duration of stay in Bulgaria. The Bulgaria visa types are:
- Bulgaria Visa A – airport transit:
- The Bulgaria transit visa is for foreign nationals passing through Bulgaria on their way to another destination, allowing holders entry only into the transit zone of the Bulgaria point of entry. The Bulgaria transit visa can be issued as a single, double, or multiple entry, and is valid for 3 months from the date of issue.
- Please note that foreign nationals from North Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro, who hold non-biometric passports with valid Schengen visas that they have used at least once before, do not need a Bulgaria transit visa.
- Bulgaria Visa C – short stay:
- The Bulgaria short stay visa is for foreign nationals who wish to travel to Bulgaria for purposes of short-term planned stays, such as tourism or business, or for transit through Bulgaria. The Bulgaria short stay visa can be issued as single, double, or multiple-entry, allowing for a 90-day maximum stay within any 180-day period from the date of first entry, and can be issued as a multiple entry visa valid for 12 months, and sometimes for 5 years.
- Bulgaria Visa D – long stay:
- The Bulgaria long stay visa is for foreign nationals who wish to stay in Bulgaria long-term or permanently reside in Bulgaria. The Bulgaria long stay visa is a multiple entry visa issued as a 6-month visa allowing a 180-day stay, or as a one-year visa allowing a 360-day stay.
- Please note that once the foreign national obtains a Bulgaria residence permit, the Bulgaria long-term visa is automatically canceled.
Bulgaria Visa Requirements
Bulgaria transit visa A
The following are required when applying for a Bulgaria transit visa:
Passport & copies
Applicant should have a passport or travel document that has been issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least 3 months after the departure date from Bulgaria, and contains 2 blank pages for official use. Applicants should make a photocopy of the passport’s information page.
Personal photo
The applicant is required to submit one recent standard size personal photo
Airline ticket
Applicant should provide a flight booking exiting Bulgaria
Application form
Applicant should fill out a Bulgaria visa application form.
Bulgaria short stay visa C
The following are required when applying for a Bulgaria short stay visa:
Passport & copies
Applicant should have a passport or travel document that has been issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least 3 months after the departure date from Bulgaria, and contains 2 blank pages for official use. Applicants should make a photocopy of the passport’s information page.
Personal photo
The applicant is required to submit one recent personal photo, 3.5cm x 4.5cm, against a light background, with full frontal features.
Application form
Applicant should fill out a Bulgaria visa application form and attach a personal photo to it.
Purpose of travel proof
Applicant should provide proof of their purpose of travel to Bulgaria, such as a personal or business invitation, Bulgaria marriage certificate, work permit, ministry letter, etc.
Medical insurance
Applicant should have valid insurance, worth at least 30 thousand euros and recognized by the EU.
Financial proof
Applicant should have proof of financial means, such as bank statements or salary slips.
Bulgaria long stay visa D
In addition to the Bulgaria short stay visa C requirements listed above, the following are required when applying for a Bulgaria long stay visa:
Accommodation
Applicant should provide proof of housing during their stay in Bulgaria, such as a notarized lease, rental, or owner declaration document.
Clean record
Applicant should have a clean criminal record.
Minors traveling alone should provide a copy of their birth certificate and a notarized parental consent or power of attorney.
Certain exceptions can be made to the above requirements if the applicant is a member of the EU, has refugee status, or a holder of a diplomatic passport.
Bulgaria Visa Application Steps
Foreign nationals applying for a Bulgaria visa should follow these steps:
- Complete visa application form
• Print out a Bulgaria visa application form and fill it out with your personal details and other requested information.
• Book an appointment at your nearest Bulgaria embassy or foreign mission abroad. - Submit visa application
• Attend your scheduled appointment at your nearest Bulgaria embassy or representation office where you booked.
• Submit the Bulgaria visa application form and the documents required for the Visa category chosen at your nearest Bulgaria embassy, consulate, or representation office abroad.
• Pay the Bulgaria visa application fees. - Await visa decision
• Approved Bulgaria visas should be collected from the Bulgaria embassy, consulate, or representation office where the Bulgaria visa was applied for.
• Make sure all visa information is correct and matches the passport or travel document.
Where to Apply for Bulgaria Visa
All foreign nationals, who do not qualify for visa-free travel into Bulgaria, are required to apply for a Bulgaria visa at their nearest Bulgaria embassy, consulate, or representation office.
Bulgaria Visa Processing Time
Bulgaria visas A and C take approximately 15 calendar days to be fully processed and issued, while Bulgaria visa D for long-term stays takes about 35 days.
