Bulgaria Visa and Passport Requirements
| Passport required | Return ticket required | Visa Required | |
|---|---|---|---|
| British | Yes | Yes | No |
| Australian | Yes | Yes | No |
| Canadian | Yes | Yes | No |
| USA | Yes | Yes | No |
| EU | See below | No | No |
Passports
EU nationals: Citizens of EU and EEA countries may enter Bulgaria with a valid passport or national ID card. Airlines, train operators or other carriers may also require you to show your passport or ID to confirm your identity.
Non-EU nationals: To enter Bulgaria, you must hold a valid passport issued within the last ten years, valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from Bulgaria (or from the Schengen/Bulgaria area). You may also be asked to show a return or onward ticket and proof of funds.
Visas
EU nationals: Citizens of EU and EEA countries do not need a visa to enter Bulgaria. But those planning to stay longer than 90 days must apply for a registration certificate or residence permit with local authorities.
Non-EU Nationals: Citizens of the following countries can visit Bulgaria visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period (subject to Schengen visa policy):
Africa: Seychelles.
Americas: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela.
Asia: Brunei, Georgia, Hong Kong (SAR passport holders), Israel, Japan, Macao (SAR passport holders), Malaysia, Maldives, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Timor-Leste, United Arab Emirates.
Europe: Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, San Marino, Serbia, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Vatican City.
Oceania: Australia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, New Zealand, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.
Nationals from countries not listed above are advised to contact the nearest Bulgarian embassy or consulate to verify visa requirements.
Types and Cost
Short-stay (Type C) visa: €90 for applicants aged 12 and over, €45 for children aged 6 to 11, free for children under 6. Some categories (students, researchers, family members of EU/EEA citizens) may be exempt from the fee.
Validity
The short-stay visa permits a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Transit
A transit visa may be required for passing through Bulgarian territory, including airport transit.
Application to
Visa applications must be submitted at Bulgarian embassies, consulates, or authorized visa centres in your home country.
Schengen Visas
Bulgaria is a Schengen country, so the Schengen visa scheme applies.
Temporary residence
EU nationals: You will need to obtain a residence permit before the end of your first 90 days.
Non-EU nationals: You will need a visa if the stay is more than 90 days.
Working days
Schengen visa applications usually take 15 calendar days, but sometimes up to 45 days. Be mindful of the national holidays in Bulgaria as they may affect the processing time. It is recommended to submit applications at least four weeks prior to departure.
Sufficient Funds
Schengen visa applicants must be able to provide proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay.
Extension of stay
Short-stay visas generally cannot be extended beyond 90 days. For longer stays, you must apply for a long-stay visa (Type D) or a residence permit.
Entry with pets
When bringing a pet from another EU country, the animal must have a microchip or tattoo, an EU pet passport and a valid rabies vaccination certificate (the vaccination must have taken place at least 21 days prior to travel).
If you are entering Bulgaria from a non-EU country, please check with the consulate for the appropriate procedures.
This page reflects our understanding of current rules for the most common types of travel to the said country. However, please note that each authority sets and forces entry rules, hence we strongly recommend that you verify critical information with the relevant embassy before travel.
Embassies and tourist offices
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in the USA
Telephone: +1 202 387 0174 or 7969 (consular office: Mon-Fri 1400-1700 only).
Website: http://www.bulgaria-embassy.org
Address: NW, Dimitar Peshev Plaza, 1621 22nd Street, Washington, 20008,
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0900-1730; Mon-Fri 0900-1230 (consular section).
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in the UK
Telephone: +44 20 7581 3144 or +44 20 75849400 or +44 20 7589 3763 (visa section; individual enquiries; Mon-Fri 1300-1600 only).
Website: http://www.bulgarianembassy.org.uk
Address: Kensington, 186-188 Queen's Gate, London, SW7 5HL,
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0930-1330 (consular section).
