Bulgaria Visa - all the details!

Bulgaria , with its natural luxury and rich history, is one of the exciting tourist destinations in Europe. Tourism in Bulgaria is increasingly popular among travelers who head to this beautiful country to explore its unique attractions and enjoy exceptional travel experiences.

In order to enjoy these wonderful opportunities for travel and discovery, obtaining a Bulgaria visa is an essential step.

In this article, we will review in depth the requirements and steps for applying for a Bulgaria visa, helping readers better prepare for this unique tourism experience in Bulgaria.   Land of beauty and diversity.

What to visit in Bulgaria? The most beautiful tourist places in Bulgaria

---Find the best Bulgaria hotel deals---

Visa-free entry system to Bulgaria for holders of Schengen residence visas:

On January 25, 2012, the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria took an important decision opening its doors to holders of Schengen visas for residence. According to this decision, visitors are allowed to enter and stay in Bulgaria for up to 90 days during any period of six months from the date of first entry. What is noteworthy is that these visitors do not need to obtain a Bulgarian short-stay visa, which makes travel easier and more convenient.

Visa-free entry regime for holders of visas and residence permits from Romania, Cyprus and Croatia:

On 03 July 2014, the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria approved another resolution referring to travel facilities to Bulgaria. As part of the country's preparations for its accession to the Schengen Area, a visa-free regime has been activated for holders of valid visas and residence permits issued by Romania, Cyprus and Croatia. Under this system, holders of these visas and permits are allowed to enter and stay in Bulgaria for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, without the need to obtain a Bulgarian short-stay visa.

Types of Bulgaria visa

To meet the needs and purposes of visitors, Bulgaria offers several types of visas, including:

A visa (airport transit): allows the visitor to transit through Bulgarian airports.

C visa (short stay): This is intended for visitors wishing to stay for a short period for the purposes of transit or a planned visit.

D visa (long stay): allows visitors to stay in Bulgaria for a long period, and its validity period varies depending on the purpose of stay.

Entry requirements to Bulgaria:

Foreigners are allowed to enter the Republic of Bulgaria if they hold an ordinary foreign travel document or other equivalent document, as well as a visa if necessary.

Issuance of visas:

A foreign citizen who wishes to obtain a Bulgarian visa must have the following conditions in his travel document:

• It must expire at least 3 months after the date of scheduled departure from Bulgaria.
  
  
• It must contain at least two blank pages for visa purposes.
  
  
• It must have been issued within the past ten years.

Visas are issued by the diplomatic and consular representations of the Republic of Bulgaria.

Visa applications:

• Visa application forms are submitted no later than 3 months before the planned travel date, in person or via an authorized agent, except in humanitarian cases.
  
  
• Visa applications for minors or persons with judicial disabilities must be submitted by their legal or authorized representatives.

Requirements when filling out a visa application:

• All fields on the application must be filled out legibly in printed letters.
  
  
• Names must be filled in Latin letters.
  
  
• The rest of the information must be filled out in English or Bulgarian, with the applicant's signature.
  
  
• Only family members of EU citizens must fill in the fields on the visa application form.

Mandatory personal interview when applying for a “D” visa:

No one is excluded from an interview when applying for a long-stay visa.

Documents required with the visa application:

1. A copy of the first page of the foreign travel document.

2. A copy of the latest Bulgarian and Schengen visas or visas for the United Kingdom and the United States.

3. Full color photograph 3.5cm x 4.5cm on light colored background.

4. A full-face photo with a clear, large face.

5. Medical insurance valid for EU Member States for the duration of the trip, covering all costs of repatriation, urgent medical care and emergency hospitalization for the period of stay indicated in the visa, and the insurance amount cannot be less than 30 thousand euros.

6. Tickets (original and copy), ticket reservation information or financial means.

7. A copy of the technical passport of the trip vehicle.

For underage children:

1. A copy of the birth certificate.

2. An original and a copy of a notarized power of attorney attested by both parents/trustees or by an authorized guardian, approving the child’s unaccompanied travel.

The following categories are exempt from submitting an insurance policy:

1. Family members or households of European Union, European Economic Area and Swiss Confederation citizens.

2. Holders of diplomatic service and passports.

The following categories are exempt from visa application processing fees:

1. Foreign citizens who are under 6 years of age as of the date of their visa application.

2. Family members of Bulgarian and EU citizens.

Visa Application Centres:

To facilitate the process and improve services for visa applicants, the Bulgarian Consular Services has introduced its services through Visa Application Centres, which are managed by VFS Global, a company specialized in providing visa services.

Bulgaria visa fees:

Airport transit visa or short stay visa:

Fee: 60 euros.

For children (6-12 years): 35 euros.

Long-stay visa (type D visa):

Fee: 100 euros.

Long stay visa:

Fee: 200 euros.

It must be taken into account that the fees paid cannot be refunded in the event that the applicant is refused a visa.

What to visit in Bulgaria? The most beautiful tourist places in Bulgaria

---Find the best Bulgaria hotel deals---