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4 ways to enter

Bulgaria visas

Bulgaria tourist visa

A short-stay Schengen visa lets you visit Bulgaria for a holiday. Some travellers can enter without a visa.

Ways to get a Bulgaria tourist visa

  1. Visa-free short visit

    No visa needed

    Ordinary passport holders from the listed countries and territories can visit for a holiday. Kosovo is also on the visa-free list.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area.

  3. Travel with an existing visa or residence document

    No visa needed

    Holders of a valid Schengen short-stay visa can visit Bulgaria unless the visa says otherwise. Holders of a long-stay visa or residence permit from another Schengen country, Gibraltar or Monaco can visit without an additional visa.

    Stay
    Visitors using another country's long-stay visa or residence permit: up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Short-stay visa holders must follow their visa's limits.

  4. Short-stay Schengen visa

    Visa needed

    Travellers who need a visa for a short holiday in Bulgaria.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area.
    Valid for
    Up to five years. New applicants normally receive validity covering their intended trip.
    Entries
    One, two or multiple entries.
    Fee
    EUR 90 normally; EUR 45 for children aged 6–12; free for children under 6. An application centre may charge up to EUR 120 extra.
    Processing
    15 calendar days for an admissible application with no issues.
    1. Choose the embassy or consulate for your main Schengen destination, or first entry if there is no main destination.
    2. Apply no earlier than six months before entry.
    3. Attend in person for your first application and interview.
    4. Provide supporting documents, fingerprints and a digital photograph as required.
    5. Pay the applicable fee.

Who needs it

Travellers who do not qualify for visa-free entry or another exemption need a visa.

Who doesn't

Citizens of EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland have free movement rights. Nationals on the visa-free list and some holders of visas or residence documents can also visit without a new visa.

How to apply

  1. Apply to Bulgaria's embassy or consulate if Bulgaria is your only or main destination.
  2. If you have no main destination, apply to the Schengen country you will enter first.
  3. Submit your application no earlier than six months before your planned entry.
  4. Attend in person for your first application and a consular interview.
  5. Give fingerprints and a digital photo if required, and pay the applicable fee.

What to bring

  • A recognised travel document.
  • Supporting documents for your visa application.
  • Fingerprints and a digital photograph, if required.

Good to know

  • Count time in Bulgaria together with time in the rest of the Schengen Area.
  • Check whether your visa excludes any Schengen countries.
  • Bulgaria requires funds of EUR 50 per day, with a minimum of EUR 500 per stay.
  • A visa's validity period is different from the number of days you may stay.
  • Children under 12 do not give fingerprints. Fingerprints already provided within the past 59 months may be reused.
  • Some applicants qualify for fee reductions or waivers. The fee can rise to EUR 180 for certain nationalities, except for children under 12.
  • A visa or residence permit issued by Cyprus does not allow entry to Bulgaria.

Questions

Do I need a tourist visa for Bulgaria?

Travellers who do not qualify for visa-free entry or another exemption need a visa. Citizens of EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland have free movement rights. Nationals on the visa-free list and some holders of visas or residence documents can also visit without a new visa.

What are the ways to get a tourist visa for Bulgaria?

There are 4 options: Visa-free short visit (no visa at all); Entry under free movement rights (no visa at all); Travel with an existing visa or residence document (no visa at all); Short-stay Schengen visa (a visa from an embassy).

Who can go to Bulgaria without a tourist visa?

Ordinary passport holders from the listed countries and territories can visit for a holiday. Kosovo is also on the visa-free list. Citizens of EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland can enter, live and work in Bulgaria without a visa. Holders of a valid Schengen short-stay visa can visit Bulgaria unless the visa says otherwise. Holders of a long-stay visa or residence permit from another Schengen country, Gibraltar or Monaco can visit without an additional visa.

How long can I stay on a Bulgaria tourist visa?

Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area.

How much does a Bulgaria tourist visa cost?

Standard fee: EUR 90. Children aged 6–12: EUR 45. Children under 6: free. An application centre may charge an extra service fee of up to EUR 120.

How long does a Bulgaria tourist visa take?

15 calendar days for an admissible application with no issues. Appointments and processing can take longer.

How long is a Bulgaria tourist visa valid?

Usually covers the intended trip for new applicants. Visas can be valid for up to five years. Entries: One, two or multiple entries..

What documents do I need for a Bulgaria tourist visa?

A recognised travel document.; Supporting documents for your visa application.; Fingerprints and a digital photograph, if required..

How do I apply for a Bulgaria tourist visa?

1. 1. Apply to Bulgaria's embassy or consulate if Bulgaria is your only or main destination. 2. 2. If you have no main destination, apply to the Schengen country you will enter first. 3. 3. Submit your application no earlier than six months before your planned entry. 4. 4. Attend in person for your first application and a consular interview. 5. 5. Give fingerprints and a digital photo if required, and pay the applicable fee.

What rules do I have to follow on a Bulgaria tourist visa?

Count time in Bulgaria together with time in the rest of the Schengen Area. Check whether your visa excludes any Schengen countries. Bulgaria requires funds of EUR 50 per day, with a minimum of EUR 500 per stay.

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