To travel to Bulgaria you need to have the following documents:
- Biometric passport: The passport must be issued less than 10 years before the date of entry into the country and remain valid for at least 3 months after the planned departure.
- Visa: Citizens of some countries need a tourist visa to enter Bulgaria.
- Airline tickets: Confirmation of round-trip airfare reservation.
- Accommodation reservations: Proof of hotel or other accommodation reservation.
- Financial proof: Proof of financial solvency for the duration of your stay in Bulgaria.
- Insurance policy: A travel insurance policy with coverage of at least 30,000 euros that covers the costs of medical repatriation, emergency medical care, emergency hospitalization or death.
Visa to Bulgaria: requirements and procedure
Depending on your citizenship and purpose of travel, you may need a tourist visa to enter Bulgaria.
To find out in more detail whether you need a visa to Bulgaria, as well as for how long you can enter the country without a visa, depending on your citizenship, use the search engine on the page by entering your citizenship.
Visa-free entry
If you are allowed to enter a country without a visa, your stay must not exceed 90 days. This rule applies to tourist travel, visiting family or friends, participating in business meetings, cultural or sporting events, and short-term study.
Tourist visa to Bulgaria
On March 31, 2024, Bulgaria partially joined the Schengen area. On April 1, Bulgaria started issuing Schengen visas (type C) to tourists instead of national visas.
Citizens of countries that require a visa need to apply for a short-term visa type C. This visa allows you to stay in Bulgaria for no more than 3 months within a 6-month period from the date of first entry.
Types of short-term visas to Bulgaria
Short-term visas of type C are divided into two categories depending on the purpose of travel:
• Type C visa for transit: This visa is granted to those who use Bulgaria as a transit stop on the way to their final destination. It is valid for up to 12 months and allows entry to Bulgaria for one, two or three transit trips of up to 2 days.
• Type C visa for a planned visit: This visa allows you to enter Bulgaria several times for a maximum of 90 days in a 180-day period. The visa is usually valid for up to 1 year, and in some cases up to 5 years. An invitation letter is required to clarify the purpose of the visit.
Documents for obtaining a type C visa for a planned visit
- Foreign passport.
- Copies of the passport pages with personal data, visas and residence permits.
- A recent passport-size color photograph.
- Documents supporting the visa application and copies thereof.
- Confirmation of the availability of the necessary financial resources for accommodation (at least 50 euros per day) or a document on the subscription of travel services.
- Documents confirming the availability of financial resources for accommodation (at least 50 euros per day), or a document on prepayment of accommodation, or an invitation-declaration from a Bulgarian individual or legal entity undertaking to cover all expenses for the period of stay.
- Documents confirming the availability of financial resources to leave the country, or an airline ticket.
- An insurance policy with a minimum amount of coverage of EUR 30,000, covering the costs of repatriation, emergency medical care and inpatient treatment for the period of stay.
Applying for a C visa to Bulgaria
All applicants must apply in person at the nearest Bulgarian embassy or consulate at their place of residence no later than 3 months before the visit.
Stay in Bulgaria for more than 90 days for foreigners from third countries
Foreign nationals from non-EU countries who wish to stay in Bulgaria for more than three months must apply for a residence permit.
Required documents for obtaining a residence permit in Bulgaria:
- Valid passport
- Proof of local address
- Documents confirming the reason for moving
- Proof of financial capacity for self-sufficiency
Before applying for a residence permit, foreigners from non-EU countries must obtain a long-term visa D. This permit is valid for up to one year.
Documents for obtaining a D visa in Bulgaria:
- A copy of the first page of the foreign passport
- Copy of the most recent Bulgarian and Schengen visas
- Color photo of yourself
- Health insurance valid for EU member states for the entire period of stay, covering all costs of repatriation, emergency medical care and hospital treatment, with a minimum coverage of 30 thousand euros
- Tickets (original and copy) or confirmation of ticket booking
- Copy of the technical passport of the car (if traveling by car)
Where to apply for a D visa to Bulgaria?
An application for a long-term visa can be submitted at diplomatic and consular posts at the applicant's place of permanent residence or at institutions accredited in the country of his/her permanent residence.
Health insurance in Bulgaria
To travel to Bulgaria, you may need a health insurance policy. You can apply for insurance on the Visit World website here. Remember that a reliable insurance policy is the key to your confidence while traveling. Do not risk your finances and health, choose the right insurance package and let your trip leave only pleasant memories.
