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 have a valid passport issued within the past ten years and valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay.
Passport Note
Passport and visa regulations are subject to change, and airlines may have different requirements. Information is correct at the time of writing; travellers should check with the relevant embassy before departure, particularly when transiting through a third country. We accept no liability for any inconvenience or loss arising from changes to these requirements.
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 and other Schengen countries visa-free for up to 90 days within 180 days:
Africa: Mauritius, 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, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan (passport must include an identity card number), 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, and Tuvalu.
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
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.
