Apply for Bulgaria Visa

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Regular Visa

Yes, a visa is required for your trip to Bulgaria.

Citizens of United States of America must obtain a visa in advance. You have to apply for visa through a Bulgaria diplomatic mission or one of its authorized visa agents outside Bulgaria. You will need to visit the Embassy in your country to process this visa. Need help in getting prepare the required documentation contact us.

Bulgaria

The Bulgarian government is launching an electronic visa (eVisa) system that will allow travelers to apply for a visa online instead of having to physically visit an embassy or consulate. This will make the visa application process more convenient and efficient for travelers. With the Bulgaria eVisa, applicants will be able to complete the entire process from their own home, reducing the time and effort required to obtain a visa. This is expected to facilitate travel to Bulgaria and promote tourism to the country.


Bulgaria is a country located in Southeast Europe, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history. If you're planning to visit Bulgaria, you may need to obtain a visa depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. 


The most common types of visas for Bulgaria include tourist visas, business visas, and transit visas. You can apply for a visa at a Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your home country.

Overview of the Types of Visas Available for Bulgaria

  • Bulgaria Transit (A Type) Visa
  • Bulgaria Short-term (C Type) Visa
    • Bulgaria Tourist Visa
    • Bulgaria Business Visit Visa
    • Bulgaria Private Visit Visa
    • Bulgaria Medical Treatment Visa
    • Bulgaria Sports Visa
    • Bulgaria Cultural Exchange Visa
  • Bulgaria Long-term (D Type) Visa
    • Bulgaria Study (Long-term) Visa
    • Bulgaria Work (Long-term) Visa
    • Bulgaria Family Reunion Visa
       

Bulgaria Visa Requirements: What You Need to Know

Required Documents for Bulgaria Visa Application:

 

  • Completed and signed Bulgaria visa application form
  • Valid passport/travel document with at least 2 blank pages
  • Photocopies of passport personal information page and previous visas
  • Photocopies of other permission to stay in a foreign country (if applicable)
  • Recent passport-size photo meeting Bulgaria visa picture requirements
  • Travel itinerary/flight ticket
  • Travel insurance of at least €30,000 for the duration of stay
  • Hotel reservation or proof of accommodation
  • Proof of purpose of travel
  • Proof of sufficient financial means to support oneself during stay
  • Legalized documents (Apostille stamp or otherwise)

 

Additional Requirements for Bulgaria Tourist Visa:

 

  • Letter of invitation from host in Bulgaria (legalized)
  • Proof of return/onward flight ticket reservation or proof of funds to purchase such ticket
  • Tourist voucher from travel agent (if traveling as part of organized group)

 

Additional Requirements for Other Types of Bulgaria Visas:

 

  • Bulgaria Medical Treatment Visa: discharge declaration from hospital in home country, certificate and treatment plan from Bulgarian medical institution
  • Cultural Exchange: letter of invitation from Ministry of Culture or mayor of receiving municipality
  • Bulgaria Sports Visa: letter of invitation from Ministry of Youth and Sport or relevant athletic club

Bulgaria Visa Validity: How Long You Can Stay

The validity of a Bulgaria visa does not determine the length of stay allowed. The length of stay is determined by the immigration officer upon arrival in Bulgaria.

  • A short-stay visa allows travelers to stay in Bulgaria for a maximum of 90 days within a six-month period.
  • A transit visa is valid for a maximum of two days per entry.
  • A long-stay visa may be valid for up to six months or one year, depending on the purpose of the trip.

It is important to adhere to the length of stay permitted by the immigration officer to avoid any penalties or legal issues.
 

A Step-by-Step Guide to the Bulgaria Online Visa Application Form

To apply for a Bulgaria visa, applicants can complete the online application form available on the official website by providing personal and travel information and paying the visa fee. The authorities will review the application and if approved, the visa will be sent via email.

How to Apply for a Bulgaria Visa: Online vs. Embassy Application

Applying for a Bulgaria visa can be done either online or through an embassy. To apply online, applicants must complete the online application form, pay the visa fee, and wait for approval. Applying through an embassy or consulate requires scheduling an appointment, submitting the necessary documents, paying the visa fee, and attending an interview.

 

 While online application may be more convenient and faster, embassy application may be necessary for certain types of visas or for those who prefer a more personal approach. It is important to check the specific requirements for each type of visa before deciding which application method to use.

Applying for a Bulgaria eVisa: A Comprehensive Guide

Sure, here is a comprehensive guide to applying for a Bulgaria eVisa in bullet points:

 

  • Visit the evisa website for visa application
  • Click on the eVisa option and choose the purpose of your travel
  • Fill out the online application form with personal and travel details
  • Upload a scanned copy of your passport
  • Pay the visa fee online using a valid payment method
  • Wait for the application to be reviewed by Bulgarian authorities
  • Once approved, receive your eVisa via email
  • Print out a copy of your eVisa to present to immigration officials upon arrival in Bulgaria
  • Make sure to adhere to the length of stay permitted by the immigration officer
  • Contact the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in case of any issues or questions regarding the eVisa application process.

Applying for a Bulgaria Visa at an Embassy or Consulate: What to Expect

Sure, here is a breakdown of what to expect when applying for a Bulgaria visa at an embassy or consulate:

 

  • Schedule an appointment at the nearest Bulgarian embassy or consulate
  • Gather all necessary documents, which may include a passport, application form, photo, and proof of travel arrangements
  • Attend the appointment and provide biometric data, such as fingerprints and photographs
  • Pay the visa fee at the embassy or consulate
  • Wait for the application to be processed and for a decision to be made
  • If approved, collect the visa from the embassy or consulate or have it delivered, depending on the embassy's policies
  • If rejected, consider appealing the decision or reapplying with additional or corrected information
  • Follow all instructions carefully and arrive on time for the appointment to avoid any delays or complications in the application process.

 

Bulgaria Visa Processing Time: How Long It Takes

The processing time for a Bulgaria visa can vary depending on several factors such as the type of visa, the embassy or consulate where the application is submitted, and the number of applications received at the time of submission. Generally, it takes between 5-15 working days to process a Bulgaria visa application. 

 

However, it is recommended to apply well in advance of the planned travel dates, as processing times may be longer during peak travel seasons. Additionally, applicants can opt for an urgent visa application for an additional fee to expedite the processing time.

Urgent Bulgaria Visa Application: How to Expedite Your Request

If you need your Bulgaria visa application processed urgently, you can opt for an expedited service for an additional fee. To expedite your visa request, you will need to submit all required documents and pay the expedited service fee. This service can shorten the processing time for your application to as little as one working day. 

 

It is important to note that not all embassies or consulates offer this service, so it is recommended to check with the relevant embassy or consulate for specific details on expedited visa processing. Additionally, applicants should apply well in advance of their planned travel dates to avoid any potential delays.

Bulgaria Visa Expiration: What to Do If Your Visa Has Expired

If your Bulgaria visa has expired, you must leave the country immediately. Overstaying a visa can result in fines, deportation, and even a ban on future travel to Bulgaria. If you need to extend your stay in Bulgaria, you must apply for an extension before your visa expires. The extension request must be submitted to the Migration Directorate in Bulgaria and can take up to 15 days to process. 

 

It is important to note that extensions are not guaranteed, and overstaying a visa can have serious consequences. Therefore, it is best to plan your travel and visa accordingly to avoid any issues

Countries Eligible for the Bulgaria eVisa: Who Can Apply Online

The Bulgarian government has yet to release an official list of countries that are eligible for the e-Visa. The list will be made available once the information is released, and it will likely include countries whose citizens currently require a visa to enter Bulgaria for short-term stays. It is advisable to regularly check the eVisa website for the latest updates on visa requirements and eligibility. Applicants should ensure they meet all the requirements before applying for an e-Visa and allow sufficient processing time before their intended travel date.

Bulgaria Visa Policy Map

 
Bulgaria

 
Eligible Countries/Nationalities for e-visa/visa on arrival

 
Countries/Nationalities Required Regular/Paper Visa for travelling to

 
Visa Exempt Countries/Nationalities for travelling to
Bulgarian visa policy map.

Regular visasAll Countries / Nationalities that required regular visa for Bulgaria

The visa requirements for Bulgaria vary depending on the traveler's country of citizenship. Some countries are eligible for the Bulgaria eVisa, while others require a traditional visa application at an embassy or consulate. Countries that require an embassy or consular visa for–

Bulgaria Visa Cost: Fees for Different Types of Visas

The Bulgarian government has created a fee tool that allows visa applicants to check the visa fees based on several factors, such as the type of visa, processing time, and the applicant's nationality. This tool enables applicants to determine the visa fee by themselves and ensure they have sufficient funds to cover the cost of the visa application. 

 

The visa fee may vary based on the applicant's circumstances, so it is important to use the fee tool to obtain the correct fee amount. Applicants should check the official Bulgarian government website for the latest visa fee information before applying.

Bulgaria e-Visa or Sticker Visa: Which One to Choose

Bulgaria offers both e-Visa and sticker visa options for travelers who require a visa to enter the country.

 

  • An e-Visa is an electronic visa that can be applied for online, and once approved, it will be sent to the applicant's email address. This option is suitable for those who want to avoid the hassle of visiting a consulate or embassy to apply for a visa. 
  • The sticker visa, also known as a traditional visa, is a physical visa that is affixed to the passport. It is obtained through the Bulgarian consulate or embassy in the traveler's home country. 
  • The e-Visa is typically processed faster than the sticker visa, and it allows the traveler to enter Bulgaria via any of the country's ports of entry. The sticker visa, on the other hand, may take longer to process, and the traveler must enter Bulgaria via the port of entry specified on the visa.

  • The e-Visa is generally more convenient and cost-effective than the sticker visa. However, it is essential to check the latest visa requirements and restrictions before travel as they can change at short notice. 
  • The type of visa a traveler should choose depends on their personal preference, travel plans, and the requirements of the Bulgarian authorities.
     

Bulgaria Work Visa: Requirements and Application Process

Foreigners who want to work in Bulgaria need to obtain a work visa, which requires a work permit from the Bulgarian authorities. The applicant's employer must apply for the work permit on their behalf. Once the work permit is granted, the applicant can apply for a Type D visa at the nearest Bulgarian embassy or consulate in their home country. 

 

The application must include a completed application form, a valid passport, a copy of the work permit, proof of health insurance, and evidence of sufficient funds. The processing time for the work visa can take up to 90 days, so applicants should plan accordingly.

Is Bulgaria Part of the Schengen Area?

No, Bulgaria is not currently a member of the Schengen area, although it is working towards obtaining membership. The Schengen area is a zone comprising 26 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. While 

 

Bulgaria is not a member of the Schengen area, it is part of the European Union, and EU citizens can travel to Bulgaria without a visa. Visitors from non-EU countries should check the latest visa requirements before traveling to Bulgaria and ensure they obtain the correct type of visa for their intended stay.

Can You Travel to a Schengen Country With a Bulgaria Visa?

No, you cannot travel to a Schengen country with a Bulgarian visa. Bulgaria is not a part of the Schengen Zone, so a Bulgarian visa is only valid for entry and stay in Bulgaria. If you wish to visit a Schengen country, you will need to apply for a separate Schengen visa. 

 

However, if you have a valid Schengen visa, you can enter Bulgaria without the need for an additional visa. It is important to check the visa requirements for each country you plan to visit before making travel arrangements.

FAQs about Bulgarian eVisa

 For long-stay, employment, or other visa inquiries, please reach out to the following embassies