Bulgaria visas
Bulgaria is a member of both the European Union and the Schengen Area. Bulgaria joined the Schengen Area fully on 1 January 2025 (air and sea borders from 31 March 2024). For short stays — up to 90 days in any 180-day period — most travellers use the shared Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) or, if they are visa-exempt, ETIAS. For stays of more than 90 days, Bulgaria issues its own national long-stay visa (Type D) under its own rules. This hub explains both and links to the official European Commission sources; the shared short-stay rules are covered in full on our Schengen Area guide. Start your application online today — our visa experts will check everything before it is submitted.
Important information
Bulgarian visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
Bulgarian visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Who needs a visa to visit Bulgaria?
All non-visa exempt foreign nationals must apply for a Bulgarian visa in order to enter the country. All children under the age of six, even those from countries requiring a visa, are free from visa requirements when entering Bulgaria.
Entry into Bulgaria
Bulgaria has eliminated all entry restrictions connected to COVID-19. Passengers are not needed to present any COVID-19-related documents (i.e. COVID-19 Vaccination Certificates, Recovery Certificates, or PCR/Antigen test results) upon arrival, regardless of where their voyage began.
The government has developed a plan to reintroduce COVID-19-related restrictions should the number of COVID-19 cases in Bulgaria begin to rise again. It will be deployed region-by-region in accordance with COVID-19 statistics. Here is further information on the whole list of restrictions and affected regions.
At Sofia, masks are currently needed in hospitals, medical facilities, and senior care facilities. Anyone considering a trip to Bulgaria should verify the most recent information with the local government.
Eligibility to apply for a Bulgarian visa
In order to qualify for a Bulgarian visa, you must meet their strict criteria. Anyone wanting to travel it is advised if a visa is needed to ensure all regards to that are taken care of before travel. This criteria is listed below.
- Form for the application of a Bulgarian visa, typed and signed.
- Your passport or other travel document must have at least two blank pages in order for the visa to be affixed.
- Photocopies of the passport's information page and any previously issued visas.
Processing time for Bulgarian visas
Applicants must wait up to 35 business days for the visa to be issued, stamped, and returned along with their passport. In the majority of instances, the average waiting period is between 20 and 30 working days.
Appointment waiting times
Applications cannot be submitted more than 3 months prior to departure. Appointment waiting times can take up to 15 calendar days after receiving the application.
Who can visit Bulgaria without a visa?
Bulgaria grants visa-free entry to holders of multiple valid Schengen visas. They will be permitted to enter and reside in the Republic of Bulgaria for up to three months in any six-month period from the date of their initial admission without a Bulgarian visa for short stays.
What to do if your Bulgarian visa is refused?
A refusal of a residence permit may be appealed within fourteen calendar days of receiving the letter of refusal. We urge you to contact us as soon as possible to guarantee a successful appeal of the denial. You have the right to contest this verdict. The embassy of the Member State that opted to deny the visa distributes a standard form to notify the applicant of the decision to deny a Schengen visa and the reasons for the denial.
Bulgaria — key facts
- Short-stay visa
- Schengen visa (Type C)
- Uniform across the whole Schengen Area
- Short-stay limit
- 90 days in any 180
- The shared Schengen short-stay rule
- Long stays
- National visa (Type D)
- Issued by this country, for stays over 90 days
- ETIAS
- Travel authorisation
- For visa-exempt travellers — expected to start in late 2026
- EES
- Biometric borders
- Automated entry/exit, fully operational since 10 April 2026
Bulgarian visas — people also ask
Bulgaria is in the Schengen Area, so short visits (up to 90 days in any 180) follow the shared Schengen rules. Whether you need a short-stay visa depends on your nationality — some travellers are visa-exempt (and, once it starts, will need an ETIAS travel authorisation instead). Check the official European Commission guidance for your situation.