Bulgaria Visa Fees – Who can apply and exemption
There’s a lot to learn and see in Bulgaria, ranging from wasting time on any of its amazing beaches to visiting its abundant historical sites; there’s no doubt that Bulgaria is an amazing destination. Being a country rich in culture and natural mineral springs, it is an outstanding destination that suits any visit type. However, getting to Bulgaria may require that you obtain a visa. Therefore, you should be aware of the Bulgaria Visa Fees attached to the different types of visas you can opt for.
So, this article is set to shed more light on Bulgaria, the types of Bulgarian visas, requirements, and countries exempted from paying the Bulgarian visa fees- let’s dive!
About Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a small, landlocked country in southeastern Europe. It has a population of about 7 million and a GDP of about $110 billion. The government is home to many cultures and religions, and its economy is mainly based on agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. Both the European Union and NATO include Bulgaria as a member.
Types of Bulgarian visa
Like the Schengen visa, the Bulgarian visa has three different sectors, each with its distinct requirements, duration, and Bulgaria visa fees. They are as follows:
#1. Bulgaria Airport Transit Visa (Visa A)
Without a doubt, visa A also known as the Bulgaria airport transit visa is a visa you should obtain if you pass through any of the Bulgarian airports to your destination. The Bulgaria airport visa can be issued on a double or single entry. Sometimes, you can get it for multiple entries, which could be valid for about ninety days.
But, you won’t be able to leave the airport or go into Bulgarian cities with this visa.
Visa fee for Bulgaria airport transit visa
The Bulgarian visa fee for airport transit is $95. You can decide to pay it in the currency of your home country, but its exchange rate must be equivalent to $95.
#2. Bulgaria Short-Stay Visa (Visa C)
The visa C Bulgaria short-stay visa is the visa you can get for business trips, personal visits, or tourism in Bulgaria for not more than three months. This Visa type is often offered at a single entry. However, you may receive a multiple entry visa to Bulgaria (valid for 12 months) if you fulfill the following requirements.
- You are visiting Bulgaria for strict business matters.
- You have a family member who is the leader, a citizen of Bulgaria, or a citizen of the European Union or EEA.
- Likewise, if any of your family members is a permanent resident of Bulgaria.
Also, you can pay the Bulgaria visa fees and get a short-stay transit visa if you are moving through the territory of the country on your way to another country. In addition, you can be able to stay in the cities of Bulgaria for about two days with this visa.
And yes, you may receive a multiple transit short-stay visa on some occasions -at the prudence of the embassy or consulate of Bulgaria in your home country.
Visa fee for Bulgaria short-stay visa
The visa fee for the type C or short-stay visa for Bulgaria is about $95. However, it could vary with different conditions in different countries.
#3. Bulgaria Long-Stay Visa (Visa D)
The Visa D or Bulgaria long-stay visa is specific for foreigners who want to obtain permanent residence or stay in Bulgaria for a long time. So, if you will be staying in Bulgaria for study or work, you may need to obtain the visa type and pay the necessary fees.
Often, this visa is valid for 12 months, after which you can proceed to obtain a permit to reside in Bulgaria.
Visa fee for Bulgaria long-stay visa
Without a doubt, the visa fee for an extended stay visa in Bulgaria is about $118 for six months. However, for twelve months, you will have to pay about $236.
Who can apply for a Bulgaria visa
Bulgaria is a country that welcomes foreigners and citizens of other nations from far and near. Therefore, several countries can visit Bulgaria short-term without a visa.
Although Bulgaria is not a Schengen country, it permits nationals of the Schengen member states into the country without a visa. Including Australian citizens Canada and USA. Here are some countries that require you to apply for the Bulgaria visa and pay the necessary visa fees:
Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belize, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, The People’s Republic of (PRC) China, Comoros, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Congo-Brazzaville, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Korea, Mali, Mauritania, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Republic of Nauru, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan
Palestinian Authority, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Surinam, Swaziland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Children under six years do not need to pay the Bulgaria visa fees.
Countries exempted from obtaining Bulgaria Visas?
Without a doubt, there are quite several countries that do not need a visa to enter Bulgaria. So, if you’re a citizen of the following country, you wouldn’t have to bother about the Bulgaria visa fees (if you will be staying in Bulgaria for just not more than three months).
Albania*, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina*, Brazil, Brunei, Netherland, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Palau, Panamas, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Republic of Korea, Romania, Saint Kitts, and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Serbia*, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, China, Macao, Columbia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia*, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kiribati, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Macedonia*, Malaysia, Malta, Marshall Islands
Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova*, Monaco, Montenegro*, Taiwan, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad, and Tobago, Tuvalu, Ukraine*, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uruguay, The United States of America, Vanuatu, Vatican City State, and Venezuela
In addition, citizens of the European Union countries, including those licensed in Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland, do not need to pay the Bulgaria visa fees as they have visa-free access to the country since Bulgaria is among the European Union.
Requirements for Bulgaria visa
To apply for any Bulgaria visas, you must collate some documents and pay the Bulgaria visa fee to be eligible. It is important to note that your application is incomplete without this document. Hence endeavor to note diligently.
#1. Visa application form
You must visit the official website of Bulgaria to obtain the application form for the visa. However, you must be careful to get the visa type related to your visit.
After which, you can complete the application form and sign the documents towards the end of the sheets.
#2. Passport
No doubt, you need a valid travel passport or international passport with not less than six months validity and two blank pages.
#3. Passport photos
You will need to obtain about two passport-size photographs of yourself, taken professionally, having a dimension of 3,5 cm х 4,5 cm, and taken against a bright background. Also, you must not use decorative headgear or tinted eyeglasses for your photos. Likewise, the picture must capture 70–80% of your face as you look forward, demonstrating a neutral facial expression.
#4. Flight ticket
Your travel itinerary that documents your movement to and fro Bulgaria must be submitted for your application. The dates of your entry and exit out of Bulgaria must be confirmed appropriately as well.
#5. Purpose of your trip
Without a doubt, you cannot just apply for a Bulgaria visa and pay a visit to the country without compelling reasons. Therefore, you need to correctly state your purpose of stay as well as provide a document that proves your claim.
#6. Evidence of travel insurance
Obtaining medical health insurance is sacrosanct for your journey to Bulgaria. Not only will you be asked to pay for the Bulgaria visa fee, but also your health insurance. You can get insurance from a private or public company that is functional in Bulgaria.
#7. Proof of accommodation
You may submit evidence of accommodation or hotel reservation for documentation to ascertain that you have a place to stay when you arrive in Bulgaria. Moreso, it could be a letter from a host (friend or relatives who live in Bulgaria).
#8. Proof of funds
Visiting Bulgaria, you will need enough funds to support yourself. Therefore, you will have to submit the statement of your account, which must be equivalent to about €50 in a day, to obtain the Bulgaria Visa successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work in Bulgaria?
Yes, you can work in Bulgaria. However, you will need to obtain a work permit before starting working. Getting a work permit can be complicated, so it is best to consult an immigration lawyer.
Is Bulgaria in the EU?
Yes, Bulgaria is a member of both the European Union and NATO.
How can I get Bulgaria visa?
There are many ways to get a visa for Bulgaria. You can either apply for a visa at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your country, or you can apply for a visa online. The online application process is relatively simple and takes only a few minutes to complete.
How much is a Bulgaria visa fee?
The visa fee for a Bulgarian visa is about €60.
How long can I stay in Bulgaria?
You can stay in Bulgaria for up to 90 days with/without a visa.
Conclusion
The Bulgarian visa fees are pretty affordable, with different options you can choose from. However, some embassies require that you make payment before you attend the interview at the embassy in your home country.
