Bulgaria Visa Requirements: Eligibility and documentation
If you want to visit Bulgaria, make sure you go through Bulgaria Visa Requirements on time. Bulgarian visa requirements depend on your nationality and purpose of travel. Meanwhile, Some common reasons for needing a Bulgarian visa are tourism, business, or family visits.
Nevertheless, Bulgaria belongs to the European Union and has visa-free access to many EU countries. Therefore, as part of the Schengen Agreement, Bulgaria has liberal visa regulations for most visitors. Furthermore, citizens of most countries can stay in Bulgaria for up to ninety days without a visa.
Generally, this article guides the application process, requirements, and frequently asked questions about Bulgarian visas.
Who needs a Bulgaria visa?
Nationals of several countries can enter Bulgaria without a visa for short-term stays. This includes Schengen countries, the USA, Australia, and Canada.
Meanwhile, foreign nationals who are not visa-exempt must apply for a Bulgaria visa to enter the country. However, all children under six (even from countries requiring a visa) are exempt from the visa requirement when entering Bulgaria.
You need a visa for Bulgaria if you are from one of the following countries:
Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Burkina Faso,
Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and others.
Which countries are excluded from visas for Bulgaria?
Generally, some countries are visa-exempt if you are traveling to Bulgaria for less than ninety days.
They are Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, etc.
Means to travel to Bulgaria if you don’t need a visa
You can only travel with your passport if you do not need a visa for Bulgaria.
Nevertheless, the passport must be relevant for at least six months and have at least two blank pages.
Meanwhile, immigration officers at border control will then stamp the blank pages with the necessary stamps to allow you entry.
What types of Bulgarian visas are there?
Similar to Schengen visas, Bulgaria visas are divided into three main categories:
#1. Airport transit visa for Bulgaria (Visa A)
As the name suggests, the Bulgarian transit visa allows the holder to transit through a Bulgarian airport to another destination. However, the visa does not allow the holder to exit the airport and enter the country of Bulgaria.
Also, an airport transit visa for Bulgaria is issued for single or double entry. It can be issued for multiple entries with a validity of three months on special occasions.
#2. Bulgaria short-stay visa (Visa C)
This Bulgaria Visa is issued for tourists and businesses. Also, for personal visit purposes for stays of up to ninety days within six months. Meanwhile, this type of visa is usually issued for a single entry.
You can get multiple short-stay visas for Bulgaria with a validity of up to one year if:
- You are traveling on business.
- You are a family member of a Bulgarian, EU, or EEA national
- You are a family member of a Bulgarian permanent resident
In addition, you can also obtain a short-stay visa for Bulgaria for transit purposes. Again, though, this occurs when passing through the territory of Bulgaria on the way to another country.
#3. Bulgaria Long Stay Visa (Visa D)
The Bulgaria visa for long-term stay (Visa D) is available for foreigners who wish to stay in Bulgaria for longer. For example, for work or study purposes.
Usually, it is valid for up to one year. After that, you must apply for a residence permit upon arrival in Bulgaria. Also, It allows the holder multiple entries into the country.
Bulgaria Visa Requirements
When applying for a visa to Bulgaria, you must have several documents you will keep, such as:
- Visa application form for Bulgaria, typed and signed.
- Your passport or travel document should have around two blank pages to attach to the visa.
- Photocopies of the personal information page of your passport and any previous visas
- Photocopies of all other residence permits
- A recent passport photo of you that meets the requirements for a Bulgarian visa:
- Proof of travel insurance (must be up to €30,000) for the duration of your stay, covering any repatriation or emergency medical expenses.
- Proof of another form of accommodation or Hotel.
- Proof of the purpose of travel.
- Additional documents are necessary for a transit C visa for Bulgaria
However, additional documents that you need to submit when applying for a Type C transit visa for Bulgaria are:
- Photocopies of any other permit to stay in a country, even if not affixed to the passport (if necessary ).
- If you are driving a car, you will need an additional €200 equivalent in your local currency.
Bulgaria visa conditions for airport transit visas
When applying for this type of transit visa, you will need the following additional documents:
- Photocopies of another residence permit in a country, even if not affixed to the passport (if necessary)
- Flight booking for onward travel with the original and a photocopy of the flight ticket.
Student visa requirements
Additionally, when applying for a student visa to Bulgaria, you must also have the following documents:
- Admission certificate from the Bulgarian Ministry of Education (original copy)
- Original copies of your academic certificates
- Travel insurance from your country of residence
- Proof of private health insurance in Bulgaria
- Proof of payment of the tuition fee of the educational institution
- Police clearance certificate or clearance certificate from your country of residence
- Proof of financial means for students (You must prove at least €4000 or the equivalent in your bank account or that of your parents)
Requirements for a work visa in Bulgaria
Suppose you wish to apply for a work visa for Bulgaria. In that case, your Bulgarian employer must obtain a work permit for you. First, however, your employer must apply for a work permit at the Bulgarian Employment Agency by submitting the following documents:
- A work permit application form
- Proof of private health insurance in Bulgaria
- Travel insurance from your country of residence
- Police clearance certificate or clearance certificate from your home country
- A letter describing the reason for the request
- The employment contract
- Copy of your passport or travel document, which is still valid for at least seven months
- Three passport photos of you
- An approved copy of your employer’s registration document or identity code
- Documents about your education, skills and qualifications, previous professional experience, etc.
- A report on the number of employees your employer has had under employment contracts in the last twelve months
- Any additional documents related to your position
Requirements for a family reunification visa in Bulgaria
You can apply to bring your non-EU family members to Bulgaria only if:
- You are a Bulgarian citizen
- EU citizens
- Holders of a long-term residence permit for Bulgaria
- You can bring your spouse or partner and any children under eighteen.
Additionally, under long-stay visas, Bulgaria visa requirements for a family reunification visa include:
- Marriage certificate.
- Proof that you have lived together for at least one year (if not married).
- Travel insurance from your country of residence.
- Birth certificates or adoption papers, if applicable.
- Proof of private health insurance in Bulgaria.
- Police clearance certificate or clearance certificate from your country of residence.
- Any other documents proving the family relationship or custody of children.
Bulgaria visa requirements for minors
If minors travel to Bulgaria alone or accompanied by someone other than their parent or legal guardian, they must present the following:
- A copy of her birth certificate
- A notarized Power of Attorney authenticated by both parents or legal guardians, stating that they consent to the child traveling unaccompanied, including both the original and a photocopy
However, Bulgarian Embassy or Consulate may request additional documents at its discretion. Therefore, always report to the Bulgarian Embassy or Consulate before applying.
You should submit these documents to the Bulgarian representation in your country—for instance, an embassy or consulate. It would be best if you did this personally.
However, Bulgaria also lets foreigners submit visa applications through an authorized Visa Application Center.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I apply for a Bulgarian visa?
To get a visa, you need to apply for it in person at a Bulgarian consulate or embassy. However, you will do that no earlier than three months in advance. However, the visa application process for Bulgaria is as follows:
Firstly, Contact a Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your country or near you to inquire about application times, requirements, and deadlines. Also, they may have information on their website, so be sure to check it out.
Secondly, download, fill out, and sign the Bulgaria visa application form.
Note, you must complete the application form in letters.
Also, your name should be in Latin as it appears on the passport.
You must complete the remaining application form in English or Bulgarian.
Thirdly, gather the required documents.
Submit the application form and other necessary documents at a Bulgarian consulate or embassy.
A legal representative must make the application for children or individuals who are not eligible to apply alone.
Do I need to attend a Bulgaria visa interview?
The Bulgarian Embassy or Consulate may, at its discretion, request a visa interview.
Meanwhile, when applying for a long-stay visa, you must invariably attend a Bulgarian visa interview.
In addition, Bulgarian consulates and embassies also accept applications brought from an authorized Visa Application Center.
 Does it take how long to process a Bulgaria visa?
A Bulgarian visa can be processed in approximately ten to fifteen business days. However, times may change depending on the specific circumstances and the Bulgarian embassy or consulate.
How long is a Bulgaria visa valid?
A Bulgaria visa’s validity depends on the visa type you are applying for.
However, a short stay visa for Bulgaria is valid between six months and ninety days. If you are transiting through Bulgarian territory, your short-stay transit visa is valid for two days at each entry.
A long-stay visa in Bulgaria can be valid for up to six months or a year, depending on the purpose of travel.
What are the visa fees for Bulgaria?
For a short stay or airport transit visa for Bulgaria:
-  Adults: €80
-  Children between six and twelve years: 40 €
A long-term visa for Bulgaria:
- For stays up to six months: €100
- For visits up to one year: €200
Conclusion
In conclusion, foreign nationals who are not visa-exempt must apply for a Bulgaria visa to enter the country.
However, this article has covered all you may need to ask about Bulgaria Visa requirements and application.
