visit bulgaria with schengen visa

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Topical Information

General information

Bulgaria and the Common Visa Policy of the European Union

Since 1 January 2007, the Republic of Bulgaria has been implementing the Common Visa Policy of the European Union under the conditions laid down in the Act of Accession.

Bulgaria and the Schengen Area

According to Council Decision (EU) 2024/210 of 30 December 2023 on the full application of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania, as of 31 March 2024, the Republic of Bulgaria is part of the Schengen area by initially abolishing checks on persons at internal air and sea borders.

The Council will endeavour to take a decision on the abolition of checks on persons at internal land borders. This decision will be taken by the Council, acting unanimously in accordance with Article 4(2) of the 2005 Act of Accession of the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania.

Uniform (Schengen) visas

From 31 March 2024, the Republic of Bulgaria issues uniform (Schengen) visas valid throughout the Schengen area. A Schengen visa issued by the Republic of Bulgaria after 31 March 2024 will allow its holder to travel throughout the Schengen area in accordance with the Schengen rules (no more than 90 days in any 180-day period), regardless of internal land border checks.

The short-term stay (90 days in any 180 days) within the Schengen area begins to be counted from the moment of entry into the territory of Schengen, including for the Republic of Bulgaria.

Short-stay visas issued by the Republic of Bulgaria before 31 March 2024

In accordance with Art. 2 of Council Decision (EU) 2024/210, further explained in recital 8 of its preamble, national short-stay visas issued by the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania before 31 March 2024 shall remain valid for their period of validity. However, holders of these national short-stay visas will only be able to travel to the Republic of Bulgaria, Romania and also to Cyprus, but not to other Schengen Member States.

Holders of a national short-stay visa issued by the Republic of Bulgaria or Romania who wish to travel to other Schengen member states will need to apply for a Schengen visa.

Long-stay visas and residence permits issued by the Republic of Bulgaria

Residence permits and long-stay visas issued by the Republic of Bulgaria will continue to be valid after March 31, 2024 and during their period of validity, as specified in Art. 2 of Council Decision (EU) 2024/210.

Holders of long-stay visas issued by the Republic of Bulgaria, still valid after 31 March 2024, will be able to travel freely within the Schengen area in accordance with the Schengen rules (no more than 90 days in any 180-day period) after 31 March 2024, regardless of checks at internal land borders.

Holders of residence permits issued by the Republic of Bulgaria in a uniform format in accordance with Council Regulation (EC) No 1030/2002, as amended by Council Regulation (EC) No 380/2008, or any other residence permits notified to the Commission by the Republic of Bulgaria in accordance with Article 10. 39 of the Schengen Borders Code and published in Annex 22 to the Practical Guide for border guards that they are still valid after 31 March 2024, will be entitled to visa-free short-stay in the other Schengen countries in accordance with the Schengen rules (no more than 90 days in any 180-day period) after 31 March 2024 and within the period of validity of those authorisations,  checks at internal land borders.

Visa-free regime for holders of valid visas and residence permits issued by Romania

National short-stay visas, national long-stay visas and residence permits issued by the Romanian authorities before 31 March 2024 shall be recognised, until their expiry date, as equivalent to Bulgarian national visas for transit and intended stay.

Regulation (EU) 2018/1806

From the date of accession to the EU in 2007, Bulgaria started to apply Council Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 of 15.03.2001, which was codified by Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 of the European Parliament and of the Council as of 14.11.2018. It defines the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders and those whose nationals are exempt from that requirement.

As of 31 March 2024, if nationals of the countries listed in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 hold a valid uniform (Schengen) visa, the time spent by them in the Republic of Bulgaria will be considered part of the 90 days allowed to stay in the Schengen area for any 180-day period, regardless of border (air, land or sea),  which these citizens have passed in order to enter the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria and regardless of whether it concerns short-term stay or transit.

The list set out in Annex II to Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 lists the countries whose nationals are exempt from the visa requirement when crossing the EU's external borders. Pursuant to Art. 4 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 they shall be subject to visa-free regime for a period of no more than 90 days in any 180-day period.

Information about the Visa Regime for foreigners with ordinary passports for a short stay (until 90 days) Information about the Visa Regime for foreigners with diplomatic and service passports

Types of visas

• Visa A (for airport transit) -  more information
• Visa C (for a short stay for the purpose of transit or a planned stay) -  more information
• Visa D (for a long stay) - more information

Requirements when entering the country

A foreigner may enter the Republic of Bulgaria if he/ she is a holder of a regular foreign travel document or another equivalent document as well as a visa if required.

Visa issuing

A foreign citizen wishing to apply for a Bulgarian visa shall hold a regular travel document that meets the following requirements:

• its validity expires at least 3 months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria or in case of multiple visits - after the last scheduled date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria;
• contains at least 2 blank pages for visa purposes;
• has been issued within the last 10 years.

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

Visa applications

Visa applications forms are submitted not earlier than 3 months before the date of the intended travel, personally or through an authorized agent, with the exception of humanitarian cases.

Visa applications for minors or judicially disabled persons shall be submitted by their legal representatives or by persons expressly authorized to do so.

Visa applications for underage persons or persons with limited judicial disability shall be submitted by their legal representatives, trustees or by persons expressly authorized to do so.

Download Visa Application Form

Requirements when filling in visa applications

All fields in the application shall be filled in legibly in typed letters. The names shall be filled in with Latin letters (the way they are spelt in the foreign travel passport). The rest of the information shall be filled in in English or Bulgarian. The application shall be signed by the applicant personally. The members of the family of European Union citizens shall fill in only those fields of the visa application form which indicate their family relationship.

Obligatory personal interview when applying for a type “D” visa

No exception shall be made from the requirement for a personal interview when applying for a long-stay visa.

Documents to be submitted with the visa application:

• A photocopy of the first page of the foreign travel document;
• A photocopy of the last Bulgarian and Schengen visas or visas for the UK and the US, if any
• A full color photograph 3,5 cm х 4,5 cm against light-colored background (the same holds for a child entered in the passport) – a full-face photo with clear, large enough face which takes up 70-80% of the photo; eyes must be red; the following is ineligible: photos with dark glasses; non-professional photos or cut out of amateur photos
• A medical insurance valid for the EU member states for the whole period of the trip, covering all costs for repatriation and for urgent medical care and emergency hospital treatment for the period of the stay indicated in the visa. The insurance amount cannot be less than 30 thousand euro
• Tickets (original and copy) or ticket booking conformation or financial means
• Copy of the technical passport of the car of the trip
• For under-aged children travelling without their parents  or trustees the following documents shall be submitted:
• a copy of the birth certificate
• original and photocopy of a power of attorney notary certified by both parents/ trustees or by one parent trustee that they agree their child to travel unaccompanied by them.

The following persons are exempt from presenting proof for subsistence, accommodation and transportation:

• Members of the families or the households of European Union, European Economic Area and the Swiss Confederation citizens;
• Persons applying for a visa for a long stay in view of gathering their families, in relation to a refugee status acquired or asylum in the Republic of Bulgaria – pursuant to a written decision of the State Agency for Refugees with the Council of Ministers
• Holders of service and diplomatic passports

The following persons are exempt from presenting an insurance policy:

• Members of the families or the households of European Union, European Economic Area and the Swiss Confederation citizens
• Seamen who meet the criteria of Convention №108 of the International Labour Organization when submitting applications for short-stay visas with the purpose of transit
• Persons who can be deemed to be insured or can cover expenses in unforeseen circumstances due to their social or service status.

The following persons are exempt from fees for visa application processing

• Foreign citizens who as of the date of the visa application are under 6 years
• Members of Bulgarian and EU citizens’ families

Refusal to issue a visa

The refusal to issue a visa may be appealed before the higher administrative authority - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria, 1113, Sofia, 2 "Alexander Zhendov" str. (e-mail: [email protected] ), or Administrative Court Sofia-city, 1301, Sofia, 17 George Washington str. (e-mail: [email protected] );

Visa Application Centers (Outsourcing Centers) 

In order to facilitate visa applicants, and to provide a better and quicker service, Bulgarian Consular Services started, on stages, accepting visa application forms through the so called Visa Application Centers (Outsourcing Centers), operated by the VFC Global Company , specialized in providing visa services. For now, visa application forms could be submitted in this way at the Visa Application Centers situated in the following countries and cities:

Moscow, St. Petersburg, Arkhangelsk, Irkutsk, Kaliningrad, Kazan, Khabarovsk, Krasnodar, Krasnoyarsk, Nizhny Novgorod, Novorossiysk, Novosibirsk, Omsk, Perm, Rostov-on-Don, Samara, Saratov, Ufa, Vladivostok, Voronezh India

New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Calcutta, Mumbai, Pune

Jakarta, Bali

Kuala Lumpur

U nited Kingdom

London, Edinburgh, Manchester

Ankara, Istanbul, Antalya, Bursa, Diyarbakir, Edirne, Gaziantep, Izmir

Nur-Sultan, Almaty

Beijing, Shanghai, Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Jinan, Kunming, Nanjing, Shenyang, Shenzhen, Wuhan, Xi'an

More detailed information about the Visa Application Centers’ locations, as well as regarding the terms and regulations of submitting the visa application forms you could find on the phones of the respective Bulgarian diplomatic Missions abroad and their websites.

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Visa for Bulgaria

General information, starting may 8 th , 2024 vfs global will open seven visa application centers in the usa  for accepting visa applications for bulgarian short term visas type c that refer to stays up to 90 days in a 180 – day period. the visa application centers will be open in the cities of washington d.c., new york, chicago, los angeles, houston, miami, and san francisco operating monday to friday (except federal holidays) between 9: 00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. a link to a site navigating through the visa application process will be provided soon..

Bulgaria and the European Union’s Common Visa Policy

US citizens (holders of ordinary US passports) travel visa free to Bulgaria for a stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

As of March 31 st , 2024 Bulgaria will start issuing short-term Schengen visas (C visas) under the EU Visa Code Regulation. The Schengen visas are an entry permit for a short, temporary visit of up to 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen area (including the territory of Bulgaria and Romania).

Bulgarian national short-term visas issued before March 31 st , 2024 will be valid on the territory of Bulgaria, Romania and Cyprus until their expiry date. Holders of long-term Bulgarian visas (D visas) issued before March 31 st , 2024 will be able to travel in the Schengen area on these visas until they expire.

If you are a third country national residing on the territory of the US and need a visa, please check the links below:

Download Visa Application Form

Information about the Visa Regime for foreigners with ordinary passports for a short stay (until 90 days) Information about the Visa Regime for foreigners with diplomatic and service passports

Visa applications have to be submitted in person after making an appointment at the Bulgarian consulate in charge of the US state of your official residence (registered address). To see our consular regions, please look up this link:

https://www.bulgaria-embassy.org/en/consular-services/

Important note regarding the European Travel Authorization and Information System (ETIAS): Starting in mid-2025, visa-exempt travelers will be required to have a travel authorization to enter most European countries, including Bulgaria. ETIAS is not yet in place. For more information you could visit the official ETIAS site at: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en

Types of visas

• Visa A (for airport transit) –  more information
• Visa C (for a short stay for the purpose of transit or a planned stay) – more information
• Visa D (for a long stay) –   more information
• Visa A – 95 USD
• Visa C – 95 USD /may vary in cases of reciprocity or international agreements/
• Visa D – 118 USD /six-month validity/ or 236 USD /1-year validity, issued in strictly limited cases/

Requirements when entering the country

A foreigner may enter the Republic of Bulgaria if he/ she is a holder of a regular foreign travel document or another equivalent document as well as a visa if required. The visa sticker could be affixed in an expired travel document as well.

Visa issuing

A foreign citizen wishing to apply for a Bulgarian visa shall hold a regular travel document that meets the following requirements:

• its validity expires at least 3 months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria or in case of multiple visits – after the last scheduled date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria;
• contains at least 2 blank pages for visa purposes;
• has been issued within the last 10 years.

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

Visa applications

Visa applications forms are submitted not earlier than 3 months before the date of the intended travel, personally.

Visa applications for minors or judicially disabled persons shall be submitted by their legal representatives or by persons expressly authorized to do so.

Visa applications for underage persons or persons with limited judicial disability shall be submitted by their legal representatives, trustees or by persons expressly authorized to do so.

Requirements when filling in visa applications

All fields in the application shall be filled in legibly in typed letters. The names shall be filled in with Latin letters /the way they are spelt in the foreign travel passport/. The rest of the information shall be filled in English or Bulgarian. The application shall be signed by the applicant personally. The members of the family of European Union citizens shall fill in only those fields of the visa application form which indicate their family relationship.

Obligatory personal interview when applying for a type “D” visa

No exception shall be made from the requirement for a personal interview when applying for a long-stay visa.

Documents to be submitted with the visa application:

• A photocopy of the first page of the foreign travel document
• A photocopy of the Bulgarian, Schengen or US visas/Green Card, if any
• A full color photograph 3,5 cm х 4,5 cm against light-colored background /the same holds for a child entered in the passport/ – a full-face photo with clear, large enough face which takes up 70-80% of the photo; the following is ineligible: photos with dark glasses; non-professional photos or cut out of amateur photo.
• Proof of the purpose of your travel (e.g. invitation from a friend or business partner; travel voucher; retirement letter; work permit; letter from the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science or university, Bulgarian marriage certificate etc.)
• A medical insurance valid for the EU member states for the whole period of the trip, covering all costs for repatriation and for urgent medical care and emergency hospital treatment for the period of the stay indicated in the visa. The insurance amount cannot be less than 30 thousand euro
• Proof of financial means/bank statement
• Proof of housing/accommodation; when applying for D visa, a notarized lease agreement and notarized consent/declaration from the owner, stating that he/she agrees that the applicant will be registered on this address are both requested
• FBI check, legalized with an “apostille” /required for D visas only/
• a copy of the birth certificate
• original and photocopy of a power of attorney notary certified by both parents/ trustees or by one parent trustee that they agree their child to travel unaccompanied by them.

The following persons are exempt from presenting proof for subsistence, accommodation and transportation:

• Members of the families or the households of European Union, European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and the Swiss Confederation citizens
• Persons applying for a visa for a long stay in view of gathering their families, in relation to a refugee status acquired or asylum in the Republic of Bulgaria – pursuant to a written decision of the Bulgarian State Agency for Refugees
• Holders of service, official, special or diplomatic passports

The following persons are exempt from presenting an insurance policy:

• Members of the families or the households of European Union, European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and the Swiss Confederation citizens
• Seamen who meet the criteria of Convention №108 of the International Labour Organization when submitting applications for short-stay visas with the purpose of transit
• Persons who can be deemed to be insured or can cover expenses in unforeseen circumstances due to their social or service status.

The following persons are exempt from fees for visa application processing

• Children under 6 years
• Members of the families of Bulgarian or EU citizens

Processing Times

A and C visas – 15 calendar days

D visas – 35 business days (usually) and up to six months (in specific cases)

Please, make your travel arrangements accordingly.

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Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

Bulgaria Visa for Tourists in 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

Updated: January 3, 2024

When it comes to Bulgaria visa policy, the most important fact is that Bulgaria is part of the European Union but not part of Schengen.

This unique characteristic is shared by just a few other countries (Romania, Cyprus, and Ireland) and is the primary reason for Bulgaria’s visa requirements.

Bulgaria is currently in the process of fulfilling all conditions necessary to join the Schengen area. As part of the EU, accession to Schengen is just a matter of time and is mandated by the accords. The information presented in this article will change drastically when Bulgaria joins the Schengen area.

For now, keep in mind that you can enter Bulgaria with a Schengen visa but you cannot enter the Schengen area with just a Bulgarian Visa. 

This article will explore Bulgaria’s visa policy for tourists in detail along with all conditions and requirements.

Table of Contents

Visa policy.

Bulgaria has freedom to travel agreements with 34 countries and territories. These are all the countries of the EU and Schengen as well as some of their overseas territories. People from these countries can travel to Bulgaria even only using their national ID card.

Additionally, 86 nationalities and territories are visa-exempted to travel to Bulgaria without the need for prior authorization.

Moreover, if you hold a valid Schengen visa or a residence permit from any Schengen or EU member state (including Romania and Cyprus), you can also travel to Bulgaria without a visa.

Bulgaria does not issue e-visas, or visas on arrival . Everyone who requires a tourist visa must obtain it in a Bulgarian embassy or a Visa Application Center abroad.

Visa Requirements

The tourist visa for Bulgaria is coded as “Visa C” and requires that certain conditions be met by applicants.

Passport requirements

If you wish to obtain a tourist visa for Bulgaria, your passport must:

• Be valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended date of departure. If the visa allows multiple visits: 3 months beyond the last scheduled date of departure;
• Contains at least 2 blank pages;
• Was issued in the past 10 years. 

Return or onward ticket out of Bulgaria

It is one of the official requirements when applying for a Bulgarian tourist visa that you provide “ tickets or ticket booking confirmation or financial means ”. This is to prove that you intend to leave the country before the visa expires. 

Immigration officials rarely ask for such proof at the border. 

Freedom to Travel

Passport holders of 34 countries and territories have the freedom to travel to Bulgaria under EU treaties.

Bulgaria is not part of the Schengen area, so anyone arriving in Bulgaria must pass immigration and customs. It is usually seamless for those traveling under their right to free movement. 

Moreover, these nationals can use their ID card to travel, be employed, and can reside in Bulgaria indefinitely. 

This is the full list of countries with freedom to travel:

• Aruba (part of the Kingdom of Netherlands)
• Czech Republic
• Faroe Islands (part of the Kingdom of Denmark)
• Greenland (part of the Kingdom of Denmark)
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Saint Martin (part of the Kingdom of Netherlands)
• Switzerland

Visa Exemption

By Nationality

The following 86 countries and territories are visa-exempt. Unless otherwise specified, they are allowed to stay in Bulgaria for 90 days within any 180-day period. This is a rolling period, identical to how the Schengen visa exemption allowance works.

• American Samoa (part of the United States)
• Anguilla (British Territory)
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bermuda (British Territory)
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• British Indian Ocean Territory (British Territory)
• British Virgin Islands (British Territory)
• Cayman Islands (British Territory)
• Christmas Island (Australian Territory)
• Cook Islands (New Zealand Associated State)
• El Salvador
• Falkland Islands (British Territory)
• Gibraltar (British Territory)
• Guam (US Territory)
• Guernsey (British Crown Dependency)
• Heard and McDonald Islands
• Isle of Mann (Brtish Crown Dependency)
• Marshall Islands
• New Zealand
• Niue (New Zealand Associated State)
• North Macedonia
• Northern Mariana Islands (US Territory)
• Pitcairn Islands (British Territory)
• Puerto Rico (US Territory)
• Réunion (French Department)
• Saint Barthélemy (French Collectivity)
• Saint Helena (British Territory)
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and Grenadines
• Solomon Islands
• South Korea
• Timor-Leste
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• US Virgin Islands (US Territory)
• United States of America

By having a visa or a residence permit

If you hold a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa for any of the Schengen countries, you can travel to Bulgaria visa-free .

This is subject to a very important condition: The visa must first be used to enter the country that issued it. 

Additionally, holders of residence permits to any Schengen country enjoy the same visa exemption under the same conditions.

A residence permit or a multiple-entry visa for Romania and Cyprus is also enough to enter Bulgaria without a visa. Once again, it is imperative that the visa was first used to enter the country that issued it.

Visas and residence permits from eligible countries are NOT valid if placed on passports from countries which Bulgaria has no diplomatic relations with. These are Bhutan, Gambia, Haiti, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, South Sudan, and Tonga.

Check the exact conditions on Bulgaria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website .

Tourist Visa from the Embassy

All other countries and territories not on the lists above are required to obtain a tourist visa type C prior to traveling to Bulgaria.

The required documents to apply for it are:

• A copy of your passport ID page
• If you’ve had any prior Bulgarian, Schengen, UK, or USA visas, then a copy of the last one
• Color photo measuring 3.5 cm х 4.5 cm
• Medical insurance valid for Bulgaria for the whole period of the trip with coverage of at least €30,000 Euro
• Flight booking confirmation
• Proof of financial means

There are special exemptions for the family members of EU citizens, namely no need to present proof of insurance, finances, accommodation, or a return ticket.

You can apply for a visa at any of Bulgaria’s embassies abroad or at a Visa Application Center (VAC). These VACs are only in the following selected countries ( see the full list of cities here ):

• Saudi Arabia

The centers are managed by VFC Global and you can start your application online on their website. 

The application for a Bulgarian Type C visa costs €60 euros (€35 for children aged 6-12). You can check out the latest fees and exception details on the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. 

Using an agent incurs fees. For example, VFC Global charges €80 instead.

Entry and Exit Procedures at the Airport

Bulgaria has 4 international airports in use but chances are you will be landing at Sofia International.

It’s a relatively small airport and you will reach border security quickly. No matter where you’re coming from, even another EU country, you will pass customs and immigration. 

If your documents are in order, getting an entry stamp should be quick and easy. Take note of it and make sure it shows the correct number of days. 

If you require a visa to travel to Bulgaria, even though you have a visa, you may be pulled over for further questioning. Expect questions and delays if this is your first time traveling to Bulgaria on a visa.

It’s a good idea to have your proof of onward ticket and hotel reservation just in case. 

Entry and Exit Procedures at the Land Border

The experience you will get entering Bulgaria through a land border depends on which neighboring country you’re coming from.

You will find that it’s a lot easier and faster when crossing the borders with Romania and Greece (also part of the EU) than with Turkey, Serbia, or North Macedonia.

No matter where you’re coming from though, you will pass customs, your documents will be checked and you may be asked a few simple questions.

Note that if you’re traveling by your own car, you must bring along the car’s documents, including the technical passport of the vehicle and its registration. You can buy the required insurance and vignette at the border.

If you have all the documents and haven’t overstayed your visa, crossing the border either way should be as easy as anywhere else.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can i travel to bulgaria with a schengen visa.

Yes, a visa from any of the Schengen countries allows travel to Bulgaria. Two conditions must be met:

• The Schengen visa is multiple-entry
• It has already been used to enter the Schengen Area

Can I travel to the Schengen Area with a Bulgarian visa?

No, Bulgaria only issues national visas and is not part of Schengen yet. Thus, you cannot enter the Schengen area with a Bulgarian visa alone.

Is staying in Bulgaria with a Schengen visa counted towards the 90-day quota?

No, it is not because Bulgaria is not part of Schengen.

Does Bulgaria have a visa on arrival or online visas?

No, there is no VOA nor eVisa for Bulgaria. There are only standard embassy-issued tourist visas.

Can I travel to Bulgaria with a US visa or a Green Card?

No, you cannot. A US visa does not by itself allow access to Bulgaria.

There you have it – a comprehensive guide to Bulgaria’s visa policy. A country uniquely in the EU but still outside Schengen. You may travel to Bulgaria with a Schengen visa, but you may not travel to Schengen with a Bulgarian visa.

For those of you not exempt, Bulgaria offers a standard tourist visa obtainable at any of its embassies abroad or at several visa application centers. 

Check out some of the related visa guides:

• Schengen visa for tourists and visitors
• Turkey visa for tourists and visitors
• Georgia visa for tourists and visitors
• Armenia visa for tourists and visitors
• Azerbaijan visa for tourists and visitors

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

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Traveling To Bulgaria With A Schengen Visa: What You Need To Know

• Last updated Mar 19, 2024
• Difficulty Beginner

• Category Travel

Looking to explore the charming landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Eastern Europe? Look no further than Bulgaria! With its stunning mountain ranges, historic cities, and affordable prices, this hidden gem has become a popular destination for travelers. And the best part? With a Schengen visa, you can easily access Bulgaria and discover all that it has to offer. In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about traveling to Bulgaria with a Schengen visa, from visa requirements and transportation options to must-see attractions and local delicacies. So, grab your passport and get ready for an unforgettable journey to the heart of the Balkans!

What You'll Learn

Can i travel to bulgaria with a schengen visa, is a schengen visa sufficient to enter bulgaria, do i need a separate visa to visit bulgaria if i already have a schengen visa, will a schengen visa allow me to stay in bulgaria for the duration specified on the visa, are there any additional requirements or restrictions for traveling to bulgaria with a schengen visa.

If you are a holder of a Schengen visa, you may be wondering if you can travel to Bulgaria with it. The answer is both simple and complicated. Let's break it down step by step.

Firstly, it is important to note that Bulgaria is not currently a member of the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area is a group of 26 European countries that have abolished passport and immigration controls at their borders. These countries have a common visa policy, allowing travelers to move freely between them with a single Schengen visa.

Although Bulgaria is not a member of the Schengen Area, it has implemented certain provisions to facilitate travel for individuals holding a valid Schengen visa. This means that, under certain conditions, you may be able to enter Bulgaria using your Schengen visa.

The conditions for traveling to Bulgaria with a Schengen visa vary depending on the purpose and duration of your visit. Here are a few examples:

Tourism or Business Trip:

• If you hold a valid double or multiple-entry Schengen visa, you can enter Bulgaria for tourism or business purposes for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period.
• The Schengen visa must be valid for at least three months from the date of entry into Bulgaria.

If you are transiting through Bulgaria to reach another non-Schengen country, you can enter Bulgaria with a valid Schengen visa. The visa must allow multiple entries and have a remaining validity of at least three months.

Family Visit or Medical Treatment:

If you are planning to visit a family member or seek medical treatment in Bulgaria, you can enter the country with a valid Schengen visa. The visa should remain valid for at least six months from the date of entry.

It is important to note that these provisions are subject to change, and it is always recommended to check the latest information with the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your home country before making any travel plans.

In conclusion, while Bulgaria is not a member of the Schengen Area, it does accept certain Schengen visas under specific conditions. If you meet the requirements and have a valid purpose for your visit, you can indeed travel to Bulgaria with a Schengen visa. Just make sure to check the latest information and comply with any entry requirements set by the Bulgarian authorities.

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If you're planning a trip to Bulgaria and you already have a Schengen visa, you might be wondering if it's enough to enter the country. The short answer is no – a Schengen visa is not sufficient on its own to enter Bulgaria. Let's take a closer look at the requirements for entering Bulgaria and what you need to do to ensure a smooth entry into the country.

Schengen Area and Bulgaria:

Firstly, it's important to understand the relationship between the Schengen Area and Bulgaria. Bulgaria is a member of the European Union (EU), but it is not yet a part of the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area is a group of 26 European countries that have abolished passport control at their mutual borders, allowing for free movement of people within the area. Bulgaria is in the process of joining the Schengen Area, but until that happens, it maintains its own separate immigration rules.

Visa Requirements for Bulgaria:

To visit Bulgaria, you will need a separate visa, regardless of whether you already have a valid Schengen visa. The specific visa requirements depend on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the length of your stay. The types of visas available for Bulgaria include tourist visas, business visas, and transit visas, among others. It's essential to check the requirements specific to your situation before traveling to Bulgaria.

Applying for a Bulgarian Visa:

To apply for a Bulgarian visa, you will typically need to visit the nearest Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your home country. The application process usually involves completing an application form, providing supporting documents (such as a valid passport, proof of accommodation, and travel insurance), and paying the necessary fees. It's advisable to apply for your Bulgarian visa well in advance of your planned trip, as processing times can vary.

Schengen Visa and Bulgarian Visa Combination:

While a Schengen visa is not sufficient on its own to enter Bulgaria, having both a valid Schengen visa and a Bulgarian visa can make your travel within Europe more convenient. With a Bulgarian visa, you will be able to enter Bulgaria and travel freely within the country. Additionally, if you have a valid Schengen visa, you can usually enter the Schengen Area before or after your visit to Bulgaria, depending on the validity of your visa.

Exceptions:

It's worth noting that there are some exceptions to the requirement of a Bulgarian visa. Citizens of certain countries, such as EU member states and the United States, may be exempt from the visa requirement for short visits. However, even if you are exempt from the visa requirement, you will still need to have a valid Schengen visa to enter Bulgaria if you don't hold citizenship from an exempt country.

In conclusion, a Schengen visa alone is not sufficient to enter Bulgaria. To visit Bulgaria, you will need a separate Bulgarian visa, even if you already have a valid Schengen visa. It's important to check the specific visa requirements for your nationality and purpose of visit and to apply for the necessary visas well in advance of your trip. By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free entry into Bulgaria.

How to Travel from the US to Canada with a Visa

If you already have a Schengen visa, you may be wondering if you need a separate visa to visit Bulgaria. The answer depends on your nationality and the rules and regulations of the country you hold your Schengen visa from.

Bulgaria is not part of the Schengen Area, but it is a member of the European Union. This means that visa policies for Bulgaria are slightly different from those of the Schengen countries. Let's take a closer look at whether you need a separate visa to visit Bulgaria with a Schengen visa.

• Schengen visa holders from EU member states: If you hold a Schengen visa from an EU member state, you do not need a separate visa to visit Bulgaria. This is because EU citizens have the right to travel freely within the EU, including Bulgaria.
• Schengen visa holders from non-EU member states: If you hold a Schengen visa from a non-EU member state, you may still need a separate visa to visit Bulgaria. However, there are some exceptions. For example, if you hold a multiple-entry Schengen visa issued by a Schengen member state, you can enter Bulgaria without a separate visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This applies to countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan. It is important to check the specific requirements and restrictions for your nationality before traveling to Bulgaria.
• Schengen visa holders from visa-exempt countries: If you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country and hold a Schengen visa, you do not need a separate visa to visit Bulgaria. Visa-exempt countries include the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and many others. However, the usual visa-exemption rules and restrictions still apply, such as the maximum length of stay allowed without a visa.

It is important to note that the information provided here is a general guideline. Visa policies can change, and it is always a good idea to check with the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your country for the most up-to-date information regarding visa requirements.

In conclusion, whether you need a separate visa to visit Bulgaria with a Schengen visa depends on your nationality and the rules and regulations of the country you hold your Schengen visa from. EU citizens do not need a separate visa, while non-EU citizens may need one depending on their nationality and the type of Schengen visa they hold. Always check with the relevant authorities to ensure you have the correct documentation before traveling to Bulgaria.

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A Schengen visa is a travel document that allows visitors to enter, exit, and travel freely within the Schengen area, which includes 26 European countries. While a Schengen visa grants you permission to travel within the Schengen area, it does not automatically allow you to stay in Bulgaria, as it is not a member of the Schengen zone. Therefore, if you plan to visit Bulgaria during your stay in the Schengen area, you will need to obtain a separate visa for Bulgaria.

Bulgaria is not yet a part of the Schengen area, but it is working towards joining in the future. Until then, it maintains its own visa policies, which require travelers to obtain a Bulgarian visa if they wish to visit the country. This means that even if you have a valid Schengen visa, it will not grant you the right to stay in Bulgaria for the duration specified on the visa.

To visit Bulgaria, you will need to apply for a Bulgarian visa at the nearest Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. The requirements and procedure for obtaining a Bulgarian visa may vary depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. You will typically need to provide documents such as a valid passport, proof of travel medical insurance, proof of accommodation in Bulgaria, and a completed visa application form.

Once you have obtained a Bulgarian visa, you will be allowed to enter and stay in Bulgaria for the duration specified on the visa. The duration of stay allowed may vary depending on the type of visa you have applied for, such as a tourist visa or a business visa. It is important to note that overstaying your visa in Bulgaria or any other country is a violation of immigration laws and can result in penalties, deportation, or future travel restrictions.

To avoid any confusion or issues with your travel plans, it is recommended to carefully check the visa requirements for both the Schengen area and Bulgaria before your trip. If you plan to visit both the Schengen area and Bulgaria, make sure to apply for separate visas as required. It is also advisable to apply for your visas well in advance to allow for any processing delays.

In conclusion, a Schengen visa does not grant you the right to stay in Bulgaria for the duration specified on the visa. If you wish to visit Bulgaria, you will need to apply for a separate Bulgarian visa. It is important to comply with the immigration laws of the countries you wish to visit to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Planning an Early Adventure: Can I Travel Before My Schengen Visa Activation Date?

If you hold a Schengen visa and plan to travel to Bulgaria, there are some additional requirements and restrictions you need to be aware of. While Bulgaria is not part of the Schengen Area, it does allow holders of valid Schengen visas to enter the country for a short stay.

Here are the additional requirements and restrictions for traveling to Bulgaria with a Schengen visa:

• Short-stay limit: With a Schengen visa, you can only stay in Bulgaria for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. This means that if you have already spent 90 days in other Schengen countries within the past 180 days, you may not be allowed entry into Bulgaria.
• Valid Schengen visa: Your Schengen visa must be valid and have at least 3 months of remaining validity from the date of your intended departure from Bulgaria. If your Schengen visa has expired or will expire before your planned departure from Bulgaria, you may need to apply for a new visa.
• Purpose of visit: You must have a valid reason for traveling to Bulgaria, such as tourism, business, or visiting family and friends. You may be required to provide proof of your intended activities in Bulgaria, such as hotel reservations, invitation letters, or business contracts.
• Travel insurance: It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, illness, accidents, and repatriation for the duration of your stay in Bulgaria. Some insurance providers offer specific coverage for Schengen visa holders, so make sure to check with your insurance company.
• Entry and exit points: When entering Bulgaria with a Schengen visa, you must use the designated entry and exit points. These are the airports and border checkpoints that have the necessary infrastructure and equipment to process Schengen visa holders. Make sure to check the list of designated entry and exit points before planning your trip.
• Visa category: Depending on your purpose of visit, you may need to apply for a specific category of Schengen visa. For example, if you are traveling for business purposes, you may need to apply for a Schengen business visa. Make sure to check the visa requirements and category before applying.
• Overstaying: It is important to abide by the 90-day limit within a 180-day period. If you overstay your Schengen visa in Bulgaria, you may face penalties, fines, or even a ban from entering the Schengen Area in the future. It is crucial to keep track of your days and plan your travel accordingly.

Overall, while there are additional requirements and restrictions for traveling to Bulgaria with a Schengen visa, it is still a relatively straightforward process. By ensuring that you meet the visa requirements, have a valid reason for travel, and abide by the time limits, you can enjoy your trip to Bulgaria hassle-free. Remember to always check the latest visa regulations and advice from the Bulgarian authorities before planning your visit.

Exploring the Rules and Regulations of Traveling Abroad with an H1B Visa Amendment

Frequently asked questions.

Yes, you can travel to Bulgaria with a valid Schengen visa. Bulgaria is a member of the European Union (EU) but not a part of the Schengen area. However, Bulgaria allows travelers with a valid Schengen visa to enter the country for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period.

Yes, if you have a valid Schengen visa, it is the only visa you need to enter Bulgaria for tourism, business, or other non-immigrant purposes. However, please note that if you plan to stay in Bulgaria for more than 90 days within a 180-day period, you will need to apply for a long-stay visa or a residence permit.

With a Schengen visa, you can stay in Bulgaria for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. This means that if you have already spent 90 days in any of the other Schengen countries, your total stay in Bulgaria cannot exceed 90 days within the past 180 days.

Yes, you can use your Schengen visa to enter Bulgaria multiple times as long as it is still valid and you have not exceeded the maximum allowed stay of 90 days within a 180-day period. However, if your Schengen visa expires or you have already used up your allowed stay, you will need to apply for a new visa or residence permit.

No, you cannot apply for a Schengen visa specifically for Bulgaria. The Schengen visa is issued by the country where you will first enter or spend the majority of your time in the Schengen area. However, once you have a valid Schengen visa, you can use it to enter Bulgaria as well.

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Considering Bulgria is joining Schengen Area on March 31st 2024, Bulgarian visa will be Schengen visa unless stated otherwise on the visa sticker itself.

Bulgarian visas issued before   31/03/2024 which are still valid will continue to be valid until their expiry but only for the territory of Bulgaria and cannot be used to travel to Schengen Area. If a holder of valid Bulgarian visa issued before 31/03/2024 planning to travel to Schengen Area, he/she will have to apply for a visa with the representative of the country that he/she is planning to travel to.

Bulgarian  Embassy may issue a Schengen visa only if the main part of your travel is to Bulgaria. Otherwise, one needs to contact representative (Embassy) of the main destination in Schengen Area.

Four VFS GLOBAL CENTRES in the UK accept applications for short term VISAS FOR BULGARIA .

They are located in LONDON, MANCHESTER and  EDINBURGH.

To apply at  a VFS CLOGAL CENTRE visit the company’s website:  https://visa.vfsglobal.com/gbr/en/bgr

Visa Section Admission Hours at the Embassy: Monday to Friday between 0900-1300h. by appointment 

To send an inquiry, please write at  [email protected]

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Bulgarian visas are issued by the Bulgarian embassies and consulates abroad, not at the airports or the land and sea passport control points in Bulgaria.

By applying for a Bulgarian visa, the applicant agrees that his/her personal data appearing on the application form would be electronically stored and processed, and if necessary, passed over to the appropriate authorities of other countries in execution of Bulgaria’s international commitments.

A visa is issued only to holders of passports or travel documents that are valid for Bulgaria for at least 3 months after the end of the intended stay and that contain 2 blank pages .

As from 1 January 2006, all children entering Bulgaria will need to have their own passport. Children included in their parents’ passports will only be allowed in if the passport also contains their photograph.

Upon entry into Bulgaria, foreign nationals should declare in writing the purpose of their stay and the address at which they will reside. To this end they should fill in a registration form. Citizens of the European Union member-states and of the countries in the Economic European Area are exempt from this requirement.

Persons with refugee status in an EU member country, and in possession of regular travel document issued of this EU member country, do not need a visa to enter Bulgaria.

Since 31st of January 2012 The Republic of Bulgaria applies a visa-free system for holders of valid double or multiple entry Schengen visas.

As from 21 April 2023  the holders of double or multiple entry Schengen visas have the right to enter in the Republic of Bulgaria only i f the double or multiple entry Schengen visa has been used at least once to enter a Schengen country.   The holders of Schengen visas have right to stay in the Republic of Bulgaria for a period of validity of their Schengen visas and permitted duration of stay, but no more than three months in any sixth-month period from the date of first entry.

Citizens of the Republic of North Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro, holding non-biometric passports with valid Schengen visas do not need transit visas for Bulgaria,  If the Schengen visa has been used at least once to enter a Schengen country.

As from 21 April 2023  the holders of valid double or multiple entry visas issued by Cyprus and Romania have the right to enter in the Republic of Bulgaria only i f the said  visa has been used at least once to enter in  the issuing country. 

Gratis visas are issued to all children under the age of six.

Visa applications are processed for a period of up to 15 working days, since each application needs to receive clearance by the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry in Sofia.

Foreign nationals entering Bulgarian territory on a motor vehicle need to present a document of ownership for that vehicle, in cases such is not explicitly mentioned in the registration documents of the vehicle.

All foreign visitors should bear in mind that under Bulgarian Law they are required to contact the local police station within 48 hours of their arrival in Bulgaria and present in writing the address at which they will be staying. If they are staying in a hotel or private lodgings, the hotel management/host are obliged to register them at the local police station.

WHAT CHANGES AFTER BREXIT

From 01.01.2021 British citizens may visit Bulgaria visa free for short term stay /up to 90 days in any 180-day period starting from the date of first entry/. The required passport validity is 3 months after the planned departure from Bulgaria.

From 01.01.2021 holders of British travel documents  issued to refugees, persons granted humanitarian protection and stateless persons  will need short term visa to enter Bulgaria for short stay /up to 90 days in any 180-day period starting from the date of first entry/. For detailed information on short term visas, please contact the Consular office by email, specifying the purpose of stay /private visit, holiday, etc/. The required passport validity is 3 months after the planned departure from Bulgaria.

From 01.01.2021 British residence permits issued to EU/EEA Family Members can no longer be used for visa free travel to EU.

From 01.01.2021 British citizens who plan to stay more than 90 days in Bulgaria will have to apply for long-term visa . This includes British citizens who are family members of Bulgarian citizens. For detailed information on long-term visas, please contact the Consular office by email, specifying the purpose of stay /education, work, business, etc/. The required passport validity is 18 months from the date of applying for the visa.

The Law on EU citizens and their family members in Bulgaria shall continue to apply for British citizens and their family members who have become residents in Bulgaria before 31.12.2020 and hold valid residence cards issued under the Withdrawal Agreement. This includes persons who become family members after 31.12.2020 and who will be registered directly by the Migration authorities. Depending on the nationality short term visa may be required, whereas proof or relation /apostilled marriage, birth certificate, etc./ is attached to the visa application form as well as a copy of the valid residence card issued under the Withdrawal Agreement of the British family member.

You can download Visa Application form here:

Application form EN

For all other enquiries, please, visit the website of the Bulgarian Ministry of foreign affairs, following the next link : https://www.mfa.bg/en/services-travel/consular-services/travel-bulgaria/visa-bulgaria

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Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Bulgaria - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Bulgaria.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Bulgaria.  

If you decide to travel to Bulgaria:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Bulgaria.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

3 Months beyond the departure date from Bulgaria.

One blank page for entry/exit stamps.

Not for stays under 90 days if using a regular passport; visa required if using a diplomatic or official passport.

For information on COVID-19 vaccination requirements, please see the Embassy’s COVID-19 information page for the latest guidance.

10,000 Euros or equivalent.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy sofia.

16, Kozyak Street Sofia 1408, Bulgaria Telephone: +(359) (2) 937-5100 Emergency After-HoursTelephone: +(359) (2) 937-5101 Fax : +(359) (2) 937-5209 Email:   [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

A valid U.S. passport is required for U.S. citizens. Your U.S. passport must be valid for at least three (3) months from the expected date of departure  from Bulgaria. U.S. citizens traveling on regular tourist passports cannot stay more than a total of 90 days in Bulgaria within a 6 month-period without a Bulgarian visa. This law is strictly enforced.  Travelers who depart the country after a 90 day stay will not be able to re-enter Bulgaria without a visa before the six-month period expires.

U.S. official, service, and diplomatic passport holders must obtain a Bulgarian visa prior to arrival.  If you are traveling on a U.S. official, service, or diplomatic passport, you will not be allowed to enter Bulgaria without a visa. Please plan ahead and apply for your visa early.

• Visit the  Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs  or  Bulgarian Embassy website  for the most current visa information.
• While in Bulgaria, always carry your U.S. passport or a Bulgarian residence permit, known in Bulgaria as lichna karta. U.S. passport cards are recognized as proof of citizenship and identity but are not sufficient for international air travel to and from Bulgaria.

Visitors are required to maintain medical insurance for the duration of stay in Bulgaria. You may be required to present proof of medical insurance at the port of entry.

 Visit the CDC’s  website  for immunization information.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors or foreign residents of Bulgaria.

Find information on  dual nationality  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Traveling Through Europe:  If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement. 

• Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay if you plan on transiting a Schengen country review our  U.S. Travelers in Europe page .    
• You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket.  
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the  Schengen Visa page.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.    

Safety and Security

Terrorism:  Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as: 

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) 
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists 
• Places of worship 
• Schools 
• Parks 
• Shopping malls and markets 
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)  

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Sofia as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

For more information, see our Terrorism page.  

Crime: U.S. government personnel are not prohibited from traveling to any specific areas of Bulgaria due to crime. Most criminal acts in Bulgaria take place in Sofia. Other districts with a slightly lower level of crime than Sofia are Varna, Plovdiv, Burgas, and Stara Zagora. The lowest crime levels are in the districts of Smolyan, Kardzhali, Vidin, Silistra, and Razgrad. Most of Bulgaria experienced a decrease in crime in 2021 compared to 2020.

ATM skimming, credit card fraud, and traffic incidents remain the most common threats to U.S. citizens in Bulgaria. Majority of incidents involving U.S. citizens are monetary in nature, though incidents of racism, ethnic slurs, and harassment of African Americans and religious minorities have occurred. Report crimes to the police by dialing  112.

• Pick pocketing and purse snatching  are frequent occurrences, especially in crowded markets, on shopping streets, near airport ATMs and aboard the busy tram and bus lines. Con artists often operate on public transportation and in bus and train stations.
• Use caution at ATMs . Be wary of people who approach you at an ATM and offer assistance. Do not give your PIN to anyone under any circumstances.
• Police stations should provide translators for anyone who needs to report a crime but will often require the victim to return at a later time or bring his/her own translator.
• Use taxis with meters and clearly marked rates displayed on a sticker on the passenger side of the windshield.  Taxi drivers are known to overcharge unwary travelers  particularly at Sofia Airport, the Central Train Station, and at Black Sea resort areas. The airport has a clearly marked exit within the arrival terminal that leads travelers to metered taxis at a fair rate and a booth to assist with obtaining taxi services. Inquire about the fare before entering a taxi and always account for all luggage, packages, and hand-carried items before paying and releasing a taxi. Popular mobile application based taxi services like Uber or Lyft do not operate in Bulgaria, but there are local taxi services that use similar mobile applications such as Yellow Taxi and Taxime.
• Automobile theft  and break-ins are common in residential areas and in parks. Four-wheel-drive vehicles and late-model European sedans are the most popular targets.
• Burglary  is a common crime. If you plan to reside in Bulgaria on a long-term basis, take measures to protect your home and consider installing window grilles, steel doors with well-functioning locks, and an alarm system.

Demonstrations  occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on significant holidays, and during international events. They mainly occur in downtown Sofia in the areas surrounding and between Parliament and the Presidency. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable; even those intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational.
• Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.
• Exercise caution if unexpectedly found in the vicinity of large gatherings or demonstrations.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
• In an emergency, U.S. citizens should call the police (#112), seek a safe location, and wait for assistance.
• Messages regarding demonstrations are posted on the Embassy's website .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.   

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website. 

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit, and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information. 

• Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Bulgaria are severe; convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
• Driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail.
• Bulgarian law enforcement authorities may take you in for questioning if you take pictures of certain government buildings, embassies, or military facilities.

Special Circumstances:  Bulgaria is still largely a cash economy, especially outside of major cities.

• You may exchange money at local banks or exchange bureaus. Be wary of people on streets offering to exchange money, they are usually con artists who intend to swindle unsuspecting travelers.
• Damaged or worn U.S. dollar bank notes are often rejected at banks or exchange bureaus.
• Most shops, hotels, and restaurants do not accept traveler's checks. Credit cards may not be accepted outside the major cities. Local banks such as Unicredit, Bulbank, Bulgarian Postbank, and United Bulgarian Bank (UBB) can cash travelers’ checks. 

Corruption remains an important concern of the Bulgarian government. You may refer complaints of public corruption by e-mail to the Ministry of Justice at  [email protected]  or by phone to +359 2 987 0697. All grievances must be submitted in the Bulgarian language.

If you plan to import an automobile to Bulgaria, be aware that customs duties on personal vehicles can be high. All documents must be originals or certified copies and contain an apostille. See more information on the  Bulgarian Customs Agency  website.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details : :

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers  
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad  

  LGBTQI+ Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Bulgaria. 

However, LGBTQI+ individuals face cultural stigma and widespread discrimination. LGBTQI+ individuals engaging in public displays of affection may attract unwelcome attention or harassment.

According to LGBTQI+ organizations, courts rejected the right of same-sex partners for protection against domestic violence because the law treats “spousal” only as applying to married persons who cannot legally be the same sex. The Commission for Protection against Discrimination reported receiving very few cases regarding sexual orientation.

See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section six of our Human Rights report for further details.  

Travelers with Disabilities:   Bulgarian law prohibits discrimination against persons with physical and mental disabilities in employment, education, and access to health care, but societal discrimination persists. Bulgarian law requires improved access to buildings for persons with disabilities and new public projects take this requirement into account, but authorities rarely enforce this law in older buildings. Commuting in Bulgaria is very difficult for disabled individuals. Buses, trams, and trolleys generally lack accommodation for disabled travelers. The Sofia metro is the most accessible system for disabled individuals, but its transportation network is limited to Sofia. Disabled travelers should consider traveling with a friend or family member who can assist them in navigating the transportation systems in Bulgaria.

Students:   See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .   

Women Travelers:   See our travel tips for Women Travelers . 

For emergency services in Bulgaria, dial 112.

Ambulance services are widely available, but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards.

• Adequate health facilities are available at some hospitals in major cities, but health care in rural areas may be below U.S. standards.
• Hospitals and doctors require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. Credit card payment is not always available.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals. 
• Not every hospital/clinic in equipped for pediatric care. If you need emergency services for an infant/child, please call ahead to ensure those services are available.

The U.S. government does not pay medical bills .  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. 

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Credit card payment is not always available. See  our webpage  for more information on insurance coverage overseas. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas. 

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. 

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the  Bulgaria’s Customs Agency  to ensure the medication is legal in Bulgaria. 

Vaccinations :  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)  

Air Quality:  Visit  AirNow Department of State  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates. 

The air quality varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons. It is typically at its worst in the winter. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include:

• Infants, children, and teens
• People over 65 years of age
• People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema
• People with heart disease or diabetes
• People who work or are active outdoors

Health Facilities: The U.S. Embassy maintains a  list of doctors and hospitals  in Bulgaria.   We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery

• U.S. citizens have suffered serious complications or died during or after having cosmetic or other elective surgery.   
• Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling.
• Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  website for information on Medical Tourism, the risks of medical tourism, and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Bulgaria.
• We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.  
• Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in Bulgaria.   
• Although Bulgaria has many elective/cosmetic surgery facilities that are on par with those found in the United States, the quality of care varies widely. If you plan to undergo surgery in Bulgaria, make sure that emergency medical facilities are available and professionals are accredited and qualified.  

Pharmaceuticals

• Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with few controls. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients.  Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.  
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States.  Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States.  Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for use in the United States. Please visit the  U.S. Customs and Border Protection  and the  Food and Drug Administration  websites for more information.   

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy : If you are considering traveling to Bulgaria to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our  ART and Surrogacy Abroad page . 

Surrogacy is illegal in Bulgaria. For additional information, visit the Government of Bulgaria’s website for information on foreigner surrogacy. 

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:   The Bulgarian road system is largely underdeveloped.

• Roads are in poor repair and full of potholes.
• Rockslides and landslides are common on mountainous roads.
• Livestock and animal-drawn carts are common on roads, especially during agricultural seasons.
• In winter, roads are icy and potholes proliferate.
• Some roads lack pavement markings and lights.
• Motorists often drive with dim or missing headlights

Traffic Laws:  Driving in Bulgaria is dangerous. Aggressive driving habits, lack of safe infrastructure, and a mixture of late model and old model cars on the country’s highways contribute to a high fatality rate in road accidents.

• A U.S. state driver’s license is only valid in Bulgaria when used in conjunction with an International Driving Permit.  Such permits must be obtained in the United States prior to travel. Following recent enhanced police enforcement, most rental car companies now require international driving permits to rent cars to U.S. state driver’s license-holders.
• Avoid confrontations with aggressive drivers.  Drivers are known to speed, swerve into oncoming traffic or go the wrong way on divided highways.
• Traffic lights late at night blink yellow in all directions, leaving the right-of-way unclear and contributing to frequent accidents.
• Heavy truck traffic creates numerous hazards along the two-lane routes from the Greek border at Kulata going to Sofia, and from the Turkish border at Kapitan Andreevo to Plovdiv.  Expect long delays at border crossings.
• If pulled over by a police officer,  be aware that under Bulgarian law the police officer may not collect fines on the spot  but may confiscate your driver’s license depending on the offense.
• Right turns on red lights are not permitted.
• Keep your headlights on at all times  no matter the time of day or weather.
• At unregulated crossings, the driver on the right has the legal right-of-way, but this rule is frequently ignored.
• The  use of seat belts is mandatory  in Bulgaria for all passengers.
• Drivers may be charged with driving under the influence of alcohol with a blood level as low as 0.05 percent. The penalties for drivers involved in an accident resulting in injury or death range from a US $25 fine to life imprisonment.
• Check out Bulgaria’s Ministry of Interior’s  road rules guide .

Public Transportation:  Sofia’s metro system and the extensive bus network are reliable modes of transportation. Taxi cabs are plentiful but are known to overcharge passengers. Do insist on use of the meter when using a taxi or use a mobile application based taxi service.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. For specific information concerning Bulgarian driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, please visit the  Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. V isit the  European Commission site  for latest information on speed limits, traffic fines, and regulations.

Aviation Safety Oversight:   The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Bulgaria s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Bulgaria’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page . 

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Bulgaria should also check for  U.S. maritime advisories  and  alerts.   Information may also be posted to the   U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the  NGA broadcast warnings . 

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Bulgaria .  For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Bulgaria set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Bulgarian Embassy in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Bulgaria.

Passport validity requirements

Bulgaria is now part of the Schengen area, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements to travel there.

To enter Bulgaria (and all Schengen countries) your passport must:

have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive. Passports issued after 1 October 2018 are now valid for only 10 years, but for passports issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added if you renewed a passport early

have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document, or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Checks at border control

Make sure you get your passport stamped.

If you’re a visitor, your passport may be stamped when you enter and leave Bulgaria or another country in the Schengen area. Border guards will use passport stamps to check you have not overstayed the  90-day visa-free limit  for stays in the Schengen area. If your passport was not stamped, border guards will presume you have overstayed the visa-free limit.

If your passport was not stamped, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport.

If your passport was not stamped, show evidence of when and where you entered or left Bulgaria (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport.

Read about passport stamping if you live in Bulgaria .

At Bulgarian border control, you may also need to:

show proof of your accommodation, for example, a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address for a second home

• show proof of your travel insurance
• show a return or onward ticket
• prove that you have enough money for your stay – the amount varies depending on your accommodation

If you have a Withdrawal Agreement residence document for another country, your passport might still be stamped if you are a visitor to Bulgaria.

Visa requirements

Bulgaria is now part of the Schengen area. Visits to Bulgaria now count towards your 90-day visa-free limit in the Schengen area.

You can travel to the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel:

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings cultural or sports events
• for short-term studies or training

On 31 March, Bulgaria joined Schengen for border control-free travel via air and sea. Border controls will continue to remain at all land and river borders, including those within the Schengen zone. You will need to show your passport at land and river borders, although your passport should not be stamped.

Visits to any other Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel to Bulgaria will count towards your 90 day visa-free limit in the Schengen area. If you’re travelling to Bulgaria (and all other Schengen countries) without a visa, make sure your whole visit to the Schengen area is within the 90-day limit.

To stay longer (to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons), you must meet the Bulgarian government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you need with the  Bulgarian Embassy .

If you stay in Bulgaria with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit for travel to the Schengen area.

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Bulgaria guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Bulgaria . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food and drink into the EU

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions for medical reasons, for example certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food. Check the rules about taking food and drink into the EU on the European Commission website.

Taking money into Bulgaria

Only exchange money at licensed exchange points, banks or hotels.

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Schengen Area

The border-free Schengen Area guarantees free movement to more than 425 million EU citizens, along with non-EU nationals living in the EU or visiting the EU as tourists, exchange students or for business purposes (anyone legally present in the EU).  Free movement  of persons enables every EU citizen to travel, work and live in an EU country without special formalities. Schengen underpins this freedom by enabling citizens to move around the Schengen Area without being subject to border checks. 

Today, the Schengen Area encompasses most EU countries, except for Cyprus and Ireland. Bulgaria and Romania became the newest Member States to join the Schengen area as of 31 March 2024, any person crossing the internal air and sea borders will no longer be subject to checks. Nevertheless, a unanimous decision on the lifting of checks on persons at the internal land borders is still expected to be taken by the Council at a later date. Additionally, the non-EU States Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein also have joined the Schengen Area.

Freedom and security for travellers

The Schengen provisions abolish checks at EU's internal borders, while providing a single set of rules for controls at the external borders applicable to those who enter the Schengen area for a short period of time (up to 90 days). 

The Schengen area relies on common rules covering in particular the following areas:

• crossing the EU external borders, including the types of visa needed,
• harmonisation of the conditions of entry and of the rules on short stay visas (up to 90 days),
• cross-border police cooperation (including rights of cross-border surveillance and hot pursuit),
• stronger judicial cooperation through a faster extradition system and the transfer of enforcement of criminal judgments,
• the  Schengen Information System (SIS) and
• documents needed for travelling in Europe.

Police checks and temporary border controls

Any person, irrespective of their nationality, may cross the internal borders without being subjected to border checks. However, the competent national authorities can carry out  police checks  at internal borders and in border areas, provided that such checks are not equivalent to border checks. The non exhaustive list of criteria allowing to assess if police checks is equivalent to border controls is set out in the  Schengen Borders Code . The Code is complemented by relevant case-law of the Court of Justice. It includes the following elements:

• the police checks do not have border control as an objective,
• are based on general police information and experience,
• are carried out in a manner clearly distinct from systematic border checks on persons at the external borders,
• are carried out on the basis of spot-checks.

The police carry out checks under the national law of the Schengen country. Depending on the exact purpose, they can, for example, include identity checks.

For more information on police checks in internal border areas see cases of the European Court of Justice  C-188/10 (Melki) ,  C-278/12 (Adil)  and  C-444/17 (Arib) .

Temporary reintroduction of border controls

If there is a serious threat to public policy or internal security, a Schengen country may exceptionally  temporarily reintroduce border control  at its internal borders.

If such controls are reintroduced, the Member State concerned has to inform the Council (and thus, other Schengen countries), the European Parliament and the European Commission as well as the public. The Commission provides more information on the current reintroductions of internal border controls on the website: Temporary Reintroduction of Border Control .

Proposal to reform the Schengen Borders Code

The proposal to amend the Schengen Borders Code , submitted by the Commission on 14 December 2021, has three main objectives:

• to offer solutions to ensure that internal border checks remain a measure of last resort and to provide flexibility to Member States’ use of alternative and proportionate measures to the challenges they address
• to build on lessons-learned from the COVID-19 pandemic
• to respond to the recent challenges at EU’s external borders

The proposal to amend the Schengen Borders Code is both the result of extensive consultations with Member States, as well as a response to the latest developments at EU’s external borders.

Interinstitutional negotiations between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission started on 7 November 2023. 

On 30 November 2020 and 17 May 2021 , the Commission organised two Schengen Forums. The aim was to gain better insight into the needs of Schengen States, in particular, regarding the situation at internal borders. The Forums allowed for constructive exchanges towards building a stronger and more resilient Schengen area.

The discussions on both events provided the basis for the Strategy towards a fully functioning and resilient Schengen area , which was presented by the Commission in June 2021. The Schengen Strategy took stock of the progress made on the fundamental pillars of the Schengen area and other key measures sustaining the area of freedom, security and justice. It also announced a proposal for amendment of the Schengen Borders Code.

Criteria for countries to join the Schengen Area

Joining the Schengen Area is not merely a political decision of the joining State. Countries must fulfil a list of pre-conditions:

• apply the common set of Schengen rules (the so-called "Schengen acquis"), e.g. regarding controls of land, sea and air borders (airports), issuing of visas, police cooperation and protection of personal data,
• take responsibility for controlling the external borders on behalf of other Schengen countries and for issuing uniform Schengen visas,
• efficiently cooperate with law enforcement agencies in other Schengen countries, to maintain a high level of security, once border controls between Schengen countries are abolished,
• connect to and use the  Schengen Information System (SIS)

Countries wishing to join the Schengen area must undergo a series of Schengen evaluations to confirm whether they fulfil the conditions necessary for the application of the Schengen rules.

Once the Schengen Evaluation confirms the readiness of the Member State to join the area without internal border controls, a unanimous approval from all other Member States applying the Schengen acquis in full is required.

Bulgaria and Romania have successfully accomplished the Schengen evaluation process set out in their  Treaties of Accession , taking all the necessary measures to ensure application of all relevant parts of the Schengen acquis. On 30 December 2023, the Council unanimously agreed on the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the Schengen area. Thus, as of 31 March 2024, both Member States will start applying Schengen rules. Controls at internal air and sea borders between Bulgaria and Romania and countries of the Schengen area will be lifted as of 31 March 2024. The Council agreed that a further decision should be taken at an appropriate date for the removing checks at internal land borders.

In addition, the Schengen evaluation process to assess the readiness to join the Schengen area is ongoing for Cyprus. The Schengen Information System in Cyprus was put into operation in July 2023 and this process was already verified by a dedicated Schengen evaluation in 2023. 

For more information on the Schengen Evaluation and Monitoring mechanism see  Schengen evaluation and monitoring .

Background: Free movement in Europe

Originally, the concept of free movement was to enable the European working population to freely travel and settle in any EU State, but it fell short of abolishing border controls within the Union. 

A break-through was reached in 1985 in Schengen (a small village in Luxembourg), with the signing of the Agreement on the gradual abolition of checks at common borders, followed by the signing of the Convention implementing that Agreement in 1990. The implementation of the Schengen Agreements started in 1995, initially involving seven EU countries. 

Born as an intergovernmental initiative, the developments brought about by the Schengen Agreements have now been incorporated into the body of rules governing the EU. 

Related documents

• Communication on the full application of the  Schengen acquis in Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia
• Report of the third voluntary fact-finding mission to Bulgaria - latest developments in the application of the Schengen acquis
• Report of the voluntary based fact-finding mission to Romania and Bulgaria  on the application of the Schengen acquis and its development since 2011
• Report of the complementary voluntary fact-finding mission to Romania and Bulgaria on the application of the Schengen acquis and its developments since 2011
• Notifications under Article 19 of Regulation (EC) No 1931/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 laying down rules on local border traffic at the external land borders of the Member States and amending the provisions of the Schengen Convention  List of notifications  of bilateral agreements under Article 19 of Local Border Traffic Regulation
• Notifications under Article 14 (5) of Regulation (EC) No 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 09 March 2016 on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) (codification).  Statistics on the number of persons refused entry at the external borders of EU States
• Notifications  under Article 39 of Regulation (EC) No 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 09 March 2016 on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) (codification)
• List of  notifications  under Article 39 (Schengen Borders Code) (codification)
• List of  border crossing points  (consolidated version)
• List of  residence permits  (consolidated version)
• Reference amounts for crossings of the EU’s external borders ( overview and  consolidated version )
• List of  national services  responsible for border control (consolidated version)
• Model cards issued by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Member States to accredited members of diplomatic missions and consular representations and members of their family (consolidated version  part 1  and  part 2 )
• List of specimen of residence permits (consolidated version  part 1 and 2 )
• Notifications  under Article 42 of Regulation (EC) No 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 09 March 2016 on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) (codification)
• Lists of  notifications  under Article 42 (Schengen Borders Code) (codification)
• Commission Implementing Decision establishing the report of 2019 - 2020 thematic evaluation of Member States` national strategies for integrated border management  and  Annex 1
• Commission report on the functioning of the Schengen evaluation and monitoring mechanism, First multi-annual evaluation programme (2015-2019)
• Commission report (2015) 675 on the functioning of the Schengen area
• Commission report (2013) 326 on the functioning of the Schengen area
• Commission report (2012) 230 on the functioning of the Schengen area
• Commission report COM (2010) 554 on internal borders

Related links

• Schengen Information System  (SIS)
• Documents needed for travelling in Europe (Your Europe portal)

The Schengen evaluation and monitoring mechanism monitors the implementation of the Schengen acquis – common set of Schengen rules that apply to all EU countries.

EU countries can temporarily reintroduce border control in the event of a serious threat to public policy or internal security.

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Visa Information

Select the visa type that is right for you to see important information on visa fees, documents required, forms, photo specifications and processing times.

Short Stay Visa

Bulgarian Short-stay visa (C-visa) allows foreign nationals to transit through, or stay in the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria for a maximum of 90 days in any period 180 day-period. The visa issued is in the form of a sticker affixed to a foreign travel document/ Passport, and is valid solely for the purpose for which the visa has been issued.

Short Stay Visa Types:

Tourist visit, business visit, private (family, friends) visit.

• Other short stay visit (Medical Treatment/ Sports/Cultural/Artistic Purpose)

Airport Transit Visa

• Family member of EU/EEA citizen (spouses and children)
• A foreigner cannot work in Bulgaria on a short-term visa. Visa Applications for continuous stay for over 90 days (D-type Long stay Visa) for purpose of employment, study etc should be lodged directly at the Embassy.
• C Type visas do not give their holders the right to enter the Schengen area.
• Holders of Schengen visas have the right to enter and reside in the Republic of Bulgaria for a period of validity of their Schengen visas and permitted duration of stay, but no more than three months in any sixth-month period from the date of first entry.
• Holders of valid visas and residence permits issued by Romania, Cyprus and Croatia for a stay of up to 90 days, will have the right to enter and stay in the Republic of Bulgaria for a period of no more than 90 days in any 180-day period period, without needing to have a Bulgarian short-stay visa.
• Persons with refugee status in an EU member country, and in possession of regular travel document issued of this EU member country, do not need a visa to enter Bulgaria.
• Citizens of Northern Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro with valid Schengen visas do not need transit visas for Bulgaria.
• Citizens of Moldova, Georgia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Ukraine who have biometric foreign passports can enter and stay in Bulgaria without a visa for 90 days within 180 day period. Citizens of the above mentioned countries who do not have biometric passports should apply for a Bulgarian visa as per the standard procedure.

Visa is valid only with a valid passport. In case a new passport is issued to a person who has already obtained a Bulgarian visa and the passport with the Bulgarian visa has been cancelled, even if the visa has not expired, the person should apply for a fresh visa with the new passport if he/she wishes to proceed with the visit to Bulgaria.

Visa validity period depends on the circumstances of the visitor’s travel to Bulgaria. Visa is granted for one, two, or multiple entries for the below purposes by the diplomatic and consular representations - Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria.

• The applicant maintains long-term business contacts with Bulgarian natural or legal persons operating under the Commerce Act;
• The applicant maintains long-term business contacts with Bulgarian legal entities operating under the Non-Profit Legal Entities Act;
• The applicant maintains long-term business contacts with representations of foreign legal entities, registered under art. 24 of the Investment Promotion Act;
• The applicant has a significant personal contribution to the development of bilateral relations with the Republic of Bulgaria;
• The Applicant is a member of a family of a Bulgarian citizen according to the Law on Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria;
• The Applicant is a family member of a citizen of a Member State of the European Union, of the European Economic Area or of the Swiss Confederation who resides in the Republic of Bulgaria for a long time;
• The Applicant is a member of the family of a foreigner who resides for a long time in the Republic of Bulgaria - while maintaining his / her habitual residence abroad;
• The Applicant is a driver of international road transport or a member of the passenger and freight rail transport.

Documents Required

Photo specifications, processing time, application form.

Every customer, including children/infants (below age 12), has to submit his/her visa application in person and by appointment only on their appointment date, which needs to be booked online (see Schedule an Appointment).

For customers who are not sure whether a visa is required to travel to Bulgaria, please click: http://bulgarianembassy-london.org/consular-services/visas/

Applicants, who intend to travel purely for tourist purposes, i.e. visiting for leisure, recreation or sightseeing, and provide for their own accommodation (hotel, hostel, B&B, camping, …) need to apply as Tourist.

Eligibility

• holding a valid travel document and a valid UK residence permit. In case applicant holds a short stay visa for the UK, a C type visa (see example here ), then applicant needs to apply for a visa from his/her residence country.
• applying for a short term visa to Bulgaria: for Tourism (including minors), Private Visit, Business, Study/Conference/Seminat, EEA/EU and Swiss national family member, or for other short stay purposes.

For frequently asked questions please click following link - https://www.mfa.bg/en/services-travel/consular-services/faq

• Foreign citizens who as of the date of the visa application are under 6 years
• Members of Bulgarian and EU citizens’ families

Applicable visa fee, in Pound Sterling (£), is as per the current exchange rate and may be subject to change without notice.

VFS service fee (inclusive of VAT) is charged per visa application, in addition to the applicable visa fee.

All fees can be paid by Credit/Debit card

Cheque payments and direct bank transfers are not accepted.

All fees are non-refundable.

The list of documents below is not an exhaustive list of documents and the applicant can always be asked to provide additional information/documents, if desired by the Mission.

Both the standard and the supporting documentation have to be recent, i.e. not older than 1 month.

Applicants are required to bring and present their original documents, but they only need to submit photocopies of the same; unless the requirements specify that an original document has to be submitted.

• Application form & Photograph ( Download Visa Application Form ): fully completed in English and signed in two places by the applicant (field no 37 and last field) along with one recent colour passport photograph. (For Minors under age of 18 - by signatures by both parents / guardian-s) & (only family members of the family European Union citizens shall fill in fields of the visa application form which indicate their family relationship)
• Original Passport; Passport must be valid at least three months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria or in case of multiple visits - after the last scheduled date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, containing at least two empty pages, issued within the previous 10 years.
• Photocopies - of the data pages of Passport & current and previous expired visas
• Valid UK Residence Permit - Proof of UK residence, endorsed in the passport or issued as a Biometrics card C type visitor visa is not acceptable.
• Valid UK Residence Permit - Proof of UK residence, endorsed in the passport or issued as a Biometrics card, valid for at least 1 month upon return in UK. C type visitor visa is not acceptable.

Recent, official and signed letter from employer (headed letter with name, position of signatory and date of issue, address, recent telephone number and registration number in the United Kingdom) and pay slips for the last 3 months.

If Self-employed:

• Recent letter from accountant, banker or solicitor (official headed letter with name, date of issue, address, recent telephone number and position of signatory and registration number in the United Kingdom) stating self-employment or business ownership in the United Kingdom.
• letter from the tax authorities.

If Student:

Original Recent, official and signed letter from United Kingdom school, college or university stating date of issue, name of the applicant and type of studies and number of lessons (hours) per week and attendance record.

• Proof of sufficient funds: Three months bank statement and Possession of the required financial resources for subsistence amounting or equivalent to EUR 50 per day of the stay requested with the visa application or their equivalent in another convertible currency but at least EUR 500 or their equivalent in another convertible currency.
• Travel Medical Insurance: valid for Bulgaria and all EU member states for the whole period of the trip, covering all costs for repatriation and for urgent medical care and emergency hospital treatment for the period of the stay indicated in the visa. The minimum coverage shall be EUR 30 000.
• Means of transportation: All Confirmed paid travel tickets of Entry to Bulgaria from UK and departure to the UK (for air/surface/sea transport). If travelling by car: Provide driving licence, car registration, car insurance, confirmed tickets (ferry or Euro tunnel) mentioning the car’s registration number and driver’s driving licence. If applicant is not the driver, then driver’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming joint travel with applicant and travel dates and proof of official ID (passport and driving licence)
• Proof of accommodation: Hotel booking, or other accommodation/AirBnB, Booking.com, etc. (guaranteed and confirmed on applicant’s name), real estate title deed or lease, proof of ownership or lease of a boat etc.
• Declaration of Consent for Minor children signed by both parents.
• Original & Copy of both the parents passports
• OR A power of attotney or court order mentioning the custody in case one of the parents is not present.
• Original & Copy of Birth Certificate for the child (and certified translation

Holders of service and diplomatic passports are exempt from presenting proof for subsistence, accommodation, transportation and insurance policy

Please note: Upon entry into Bulgaria, foreign nationals should declare in writing the purpose of their stay and the address at which they will reside. To this end they should fill in a registration form. Citizens of the European Union member-states and of the countries in the Economic European Area are exempt from this requirement.

In addition, all foreign visitors should bear in mind that under Bulgarian Law they are required to contact the local police station within 48 hours of their arrival in Bulgaria and present in writing the address at which they will be staying. If they are staying in a hotel or private lodgings, the hotel management/host are obliged to register them at the local police station.

• Taken against a plain light (white or off-white) background so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background
• Clear quality and with the face in focus
• Full face: non-smiling, no sunglasses, no hat/cap or any head covering, unless the applicant wears such items because of his/her religious belief or ethnic background
• Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print)

If the photographs presented do not meet these requirements (see examples here ), the applicant will be asked to take new photographs in the photo booth in the visa application centre.

Applications can be submitted within 3 months prior to departure.

The minimum processing time of a visa application is 15 calendar days.

Each application needs to receive clearance by the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry in Sofia. In case an application is lodged less than 15 calendar days before travel date, a timely completion of the visa process cannot be guaranteed.

• to book their appointment as soon as they know they’ll be travelling
• to ensure that their visa application’s documentation meets the Mission’s requirements
• to leave enough processing time for the Mission
• to consider that VFS/Mission’s closures and holidays may extend the visa application processing time.

Visa application submitted in our satellite centres in Manchester, Cardiff or Edinburgh need to calculate 2 extra days to their minimum processing time as their visa application will first be dispatched to the VFS London office, from where it is forwarded to the Mission in London the following day.

The Mission may request for additional information/documents or invite applicants for an interview during the visa application process and this may cause delays in the visa process, which applicants accept responsibility for.

Please Download Visa Application Form . The completed application form has to be signed and submitted along with one recent photo

Every Business visa application has to be confirmed by an invitation letter from a business/company based in Bulgaria, if not, applicant will need to apply for a Tourist visa.

• Applicants-employees going to attend a conference/congress/fair/seminar/workshop organised by their company or another company directly related to their company
• Applicants-employees going to be actively involved in a conference/congress/fair/seminar/workshop

Employer letter needs to confirm clearly the purpose of attending the conference/congress/fair/seminar/workshop, if not, applicant will need to apply as Tourist.

• Means of transportation: All Confirmed paid travel tickets of Entry to Bulgaria from UK and departure to the UK (for air/surface/sea transport). If you plan to visit other Schengen countries after Bulgaria, please present travel schedule and all relevant documents proving your intended travelling. If travelling by car: Provide driving licence, car registration, car insurance, confirmed tickets (ferry or Euro tunnel) mentioning the car’s registration number and driver’s driving licence. If applicant is not the driver, then driver’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming joint travel with applicant and travel dates and proof of official ID (passport and driving licence)
• Proof of accommodation: Hotel booking, or other accommodation (guaranteed and confirmed on applicant’s name), real estate title deed or lease, proof of ownership or lease of a boat etc.
• An invitation-declaration by the host company drawn up on a sample form, legalised by a notary judge and by the authorities for administrative control of foreigners - Migration Directorate of the MoI
• entry tickets or registration for fairs and congresses.

Accompanying family members apply for tourist visas.

Applicants, who intend to travel to visit and stay with family/friends residing in Bulgaria, need to apply for a Visitor Family/Friend visa.

A. An invitation-declaration by the host drawn up on a sample form, legalised by a notary judge and by the authorities for administrative control of foreigners (Migration Directorate of the MoI

• Proof of relation: marriage/ birth certificate
• Copy of the passport of the Bulgarian citizen
• If the Bulgarian citizen is providing the accommodation which is their own property, a signed and dated invitation letter from the Bulgarian citizen is presented stating full details name, contact details, duration of stay.
• If the accommodation is provided by relatives/friends in Bulgaria – a certified invitation form the host is presented - see p. A
• Original & Copy of Birth Certificate for the child (and certified translation)

Other short stay visit

Applicants, who intend to travel for reasons other than Tourist, Business, Private visit or Airport Transit and for purposes such as Medical Treatment/ Sports/Cultural/Artistic/Student & scientific exchange programs can apply under this category.

- Medical treatment

• an official document of the medical institution confirming necessity for medical care in that institution
• proof of sufficient financial means to pay for the medical treatment
• proof of prepayment of medical treatment

- Cultural exchange

• An invitation letter from the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Bulgaria and/or from the mayor of the respective municipality

- Sport Events

• An invitation letter from the Ministry of Youth and Sport of the Republic of Bulgaria and/or from a respective sports federation and/or sports club

- Student & scientific exchange programs

• An invitation letter from an University, a School or other Bulgarian legal person;
• Exchange agreement, Exchange program or other document for current academic exchange

For customers who are not sure whether a visa is required to travel to Bulgaria, please click: http://bulgarianembassy-london.org/consular-services/visas/ . Airport Transit visa will be required for the below Nationals

Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ghana, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Iraq, Iran, DR Congo, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia and Sri Lanka

The airport transit visa entitles the foreigner to cross or to stay in the international transit zone of the airport in the case of a transit landing or of changing flights for the purpose of continuing travel to another state. A foreigner staying in a transit room of international flights is deemed not admitted to the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria and is not entitled to leave the transit room.

Applicant must at least meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to submit a Bulgaria visa application:

• holding a valid travel document and a valid UK residence permit. In case applicant holds a short stay visa for the UK, a C type visa (see example here), then applicant needs to apply for a visa from his/her residence country.
• applying for a short term visa to Bulgaria: for Tourism (including minors), Private Visit, Business, Study/Conference/Seminar, EEA/EU and Swiss national family member, or for other short stay purposes.
• Visa for the destinations country if needed
• Means of transportation: All Confirmed paid travel tickets of Entry to Bulgaria from UK and departure to the UK (for air/surface/sea transport). If you plan to visit other Schengen countries after Bulgaria, please present travel schedule and all relevant documents proving your intended travelling. And photocopy of the held permits for stay in the next states along the route as well as for the end destination state

Family member of EU/EEA citizen EXCLUDING FAMILY MEMBERS OF BULGARIAN CITIZENS

As of 01 January 2021, residence card issued by UK explicitly to the EEA/EU family member* residing in UK does not entitle its holder to visa free entry. Hence those visitors should apply for an entry visa before travelling to Bulgaria.

• Spouse/Civil partner
• Parent(s) (only parent(s) depending on his/her child(ren) and those of the spouse or partner as defined in point a).
• Child(ren) under the age of 21 year) or who are dependants and those of the spouse or partner as defined in point a)
• Photocopies - of the data pages of Passport & current and previous expired visas, if any
• Proof of family relationship: marriage certificate/ birth certificate (original plus copy);
• Copy of the EU/EEA citizen`s passport

Transit Visa

The transit visa entitles the foreigner to cross or to stay in Bulgaria for the purpose of continuing travel to another state via road, rail or sea. However it does not apply for airport transit visa.

If a foreigner who are in the international transit zone airport transit visa of the airport in the case of a transit landing or of changing flights for the purpose of continuing travel to another state are required to apply for airport transit visa

• Photocopies - of the data pages of Passport & current and previous expired visas - Bulgarian/ Schengen/UK/ US, if any
• Proof of sufficient funds: Three months bank statement and Possession of the required financial resources for subsistence amounting or equivalent to EUR 50 per day of the stay requested with the visa application or their equivalent in another convertible currency but at least EUR 500 or their equivalent in another convertible currency

Bulgarian citizenship by origin

Eu blue card, scam alert, bulgaria in schengen, golden visa bulgaria, bulgaria in schengen – what it means to you, bulgaria and romania are officially part of the schengen area.

from March 31 st , 2024

After the long awaited Schengen membership of Bulgaria, now (from 31.03.2024), Bulgaria becomes officially a Schengen member state . We will explain here what the consequences of the Bulgaria’s accession to Schengen will be. We will mainly focus on what the Bulgarian Schengen membership will mean to the foreigners, who are holding Bulgarian visas or residence permits. But first, let’s start briefly with what will change for the Bulgarian citizens.

Schengen and Bulgarian citizens

Basically, for Bulgarian citizens, Schengen is nothing, but a few minutes (or even seconds) less waiting time at the border. Bulgarian citizens are enjoying ultimate freedom of movement within the EU. So Schengen is nothing that relates to their travel or living rights. At all EU borders, Bulgarians are passing freely and the Bulgarian Schengen membership is irrelevant to the Bulgarians’ rights.

The biggest hurdle to Bulgarians is the Bulgarian-Greek border, where waiting times can be annoying during the holiday season. Now that Bulgaria is in Schengen by air and sea (from 31.03.2024), this will not change immediately. However, it has been already decided that the land-borders checks will be lifted in due course as well.

The Council shall endeavour to take a decision lifting checks on persons at internal land borders. COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2024/210 – 30 December 2023

All in all, Schengen is irrelevant to the unrestricted rights of free movement of the Bulgarians . As citizens of the European Union, Bulgarians enjoy the same rights as all other EU citizens – period.

Schengen and the foreigners with Bulgarian visas and residence permits

The Bulgarian accession to the Schengen area is big news for the foreigners, living in or visiting the country. For them, the Bulgarian visa or residence permit becomes a real freedom tool! It is now a quite different document from what it was in the Bulgarian pre-Schengen era. So let’s see what is changing now that Bulgaria becomes a member of the Schengen area.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Bulgaria and Schengen

Below are the most important questions that we were asked by our clients in the first days after it was decided that Bulgaria is joining Schengen. Our answers are based on the decision of the EU council and the relevant legal acts. It is possible that some of the answers will be adjusted at a later time. This will be based on the exact implementation of Bulgaria and Romania’s Schengen accession.

The Decision of the Council of the European Union

First things first. We will start with the most important part of the official decision of the EU Council. It is important to mention that the decision is already published in the Official Journal of the European Union:

So let’s see what will all that mean for the foreigners who hold Bulgarian visas and Bulgarian residence permits.

Bulgarian Schengen short term visas

Starting from 01.04.2024, Bulgaria will be issuing Schengen visas. The Bulgarian issued Schengen visa will be good for travel to Bulgaria, as well as to all other Schengen member states. This is great news for many foreigners of course. As from April 1st, they will be able to use their Bulgarian short-term visas to access all Schengen countries.

The validity of the Schengen visas

The Schengen visa is valid for a short term stay of up-to 90 days in any 180 day period. The exact length of the validity of the visa is explicitly indicated on the visa sticker.

Schengen visa doesn’t guarantee entry

Prior to Bulgaria’s Schengen membership, Bulgarian national visas were good for travel to Romania, Cyprus and Croatia. Now, anyone with Bulgarian Schengen visa will be able to travel virtually everywhere in Europe. It is essential to comprehend though, that the Schengen visa doesn’t guarantee entry. The visitor may be required to provide additional documentation at the entry point. Such can be for example proof of sufficient means, documents showing the purpose of the visit, etc. This obviously applies to all Schengen visas, irrelevant of the issuing country.

Travelling by land, air and sea within the Schengen area

Even though the land border checks between Bulgaria and the other Schengen countries will still remain for some time, this doesn’t affect the right of the Bulgarian (Schengen) visa holders to visit other Schengen countries. And this right will apply to all type of transportation (border crossing) – by air, sea and land. In other words, Bulgarian Schengen visas will be valid for travel to all Schengen countries. And it is irrelevant of whether the travel will be bi airplane, car, bus, train, boat, etc.

Bulgarian national visas issued prior to 31.03.2024 will automatically become equivalent to Schengen visas on 01.04.2024. This is if these are short-term visas with maximum allowed stay of 90 days during a 180-days period.

Bulgarian residence permits are good for travel in the Schengen zone

Probably the best news for the foreigners, residing in Bulgaria is that their residence permits will be good for visa-free travel to all Schengen member states.

With a Bulgarian residence permit one can now (from 01.04.2024) visit other Schengen countries for a period of 90 days in every 180-days period.

Staying long-term in another Schengen country with Bulgarian long-term residence permit

Visiting other Schengen member states with your Bulgarian residence permit is allowed, for as long as your stay is compliant with a “short-term visit”. This is to say – maximum 90 days in each 180-days period. As there are no border checks between Bulgaria and the other Schengen countries (currently only by air and sea, but soon by land too), it is unclear how the authorities will be able to asses the time spent in another Schengen country. We urge all our readers however to observe the legal rules and not to overstay the 90-days rule.

Some additional thoughts about the impact of the Bulgarian Schengen membership

Bulgarian Golden Visa

Investors from all over the world have been strongly interested to obtain Bulgarian citizenship and passport. Bulgarian residence permit has never been as desired as the residence permits of Portugal or Greece for example. This was due to the fact that with Bulgarian residence card, the foreigner could not travel visa-free to the Schengen countries. At the same time, Portugal and Greece were offering this opportunity. But now everything changes. Bulgarian residence permit becomes a real Golden Visa and the interest from the international community is already skyrocketing.

Getting Bulgarian residence permit will become more difficult

At the same time however, we expect that the authorities will tighten the regime of granting residence permits to foreigners. Bulgaria has now engaged to safeguard the Schengen area even harder than before. And with the sharply increased interest for the (now much more desirable) Bulgarian residence permit, immigration authorities will be more vigilant than ever.

An interesting hypothesis for the illegal foreigners in Bulgaria

We will have a theoretical problem when an illegal foreigner in Bulgaria (no visa, no residence permit) decides to visit another Schengen member state by air. As there are no border checks at the airport, it seems that the foreigner will be able to freely leave Bulgaria and enter the other Schengen country. But the reason for not lifting (yet) the land border checks between Bulgaria and the Schengen countries is exactly, because of the fear of illegal immigrants from Bulgaria. So how will this illegal foreigner be stopped? We believe this will be handled by the airlines, who will receive clear instructions not to allow illegal foreigners on board. Such rules are already in place and the airlines are financially responsible for transporting illegal immigrants. We believe that these rules will be applied even more strictly at the Bulgarian airports during check-in.

Bad news for some British citizens

British citizens are big fans of Bulgaria, often chasing the cheap booze or the rustic life in the countryside. After Brexit however, many Brits found themselves in a difficult situation as to how to legalize their stay in Bulgaria. It was then when many found the “backdoor” of staying 90 days visa-free in Bulgaria, then leaving for Greece for another 90 days and then returning back. This arrangement will be not possible anymore, as both Greece and Bulgaria will be Schengen member states.

We believe we have covered all aspects and have answered the most important questions about the Bulgarian Schengen membership. If you have any remarks or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us .

Legal Immigration Services | Visa and residence permits | Bulgarian Citizenship

Posolstvo.eu - member of VD&A

Bulgaria and Romania Advance in Schengen Integration

• Published: April 29, 2024
• Bulgaria Tourism , Romania Tourism , Schengen Area , Schengen Travel , Schengen Visa

Why is the Schengen Area considered a cornerstone of European mobility and economic vitality? At its core, the Schengen Area represents a monumental achievement in regional cooperation, allowing for passport-free travel across multiple European countries. 

It dramatically simplifies travel and boosts trade by removing border controls between member states, facilitating the free flow of people and goods. Today, we turn our focus to the ongoing journey of Bulgaria and Romania, two nations on the cusp of integrating fully into this zone. 

This integration marks not just a significant milestone for these countries but also a pivotal moment for the Schengen Area itself, reflecting its expanding inclusivity and the evolving dynamics within the European Union.

As these nations edge closer to full membership, their inclusion could usher in a new era of growth and connectivity for the region.

Background Information

Bulgaria and Romania’s path towards Schengen Area membership has been a journey paved with both ambition and meticulous scrutiny. Since joining the European Union in 2007, both countries have aspired to become part of this borderless realm. 

The aspirations of these nations are driven by the potential to enhance economic opportunities, facilitate smoother travel, and bolster political stability within their regions.

Achieving membership in the Schengen Area requires prospective members to meet stringent criteria, including robust control of external borders, proper visa issuance, and effective police cooperation. 

These standards are essential to ensure that once internal borders are removed, security and freedom of movement are maintained without compromise.

Additionally, both countries have had to align their data protection and privacy laws with EU standards, demonstrating their capability to handle sensitive information securely. 

This comprehensive preparation highlights the dedication and progress made by Bulgaria and Romania in their quest to integrate seamlessly into the Schengen Zone, showcasing their commitment to European unity and the free movement of people.

Recent Developments

European parliament’s endorsement.

What recent steps have Bulgaria and Romania taken toward Schengen integration? In the past year, significant progress has been observed. The European Parliament’s endorsement of both Bulgaria and Romania for Schengen inclusion stands as a pivotal achievement.

 This formal recognition underscores their efforts in meeting the rigorous security and governance criteria necessary for integration. It signals a readiness to the other member states and serves as a precursor to the decisive vote by the Council of the European Union. 

The endorsement follows thorough evaluations and debates, reflecting a broad consensus on their readiness. Such a step not only acknowledges their achievements but also marks a significant milestone in their long-standing quest to join the Schengen Zone.

This momentous development is a testament to their sustained commitment to European unity and the free movement principle that defines the Schengen Area.

Strengthening Border Security

Both nations have invested considerably in strengthening their border controls. Enhanced surveillance systems, biometric data checks, and cross-border police cooperation have been implemented to secure their frontiers. 

These measures aim to manage migration effectively and prevent unauthorized entry, addressing one of the Schengen Area’s most critical concerns.

Furthermore, Bulgaria and Romania have also upgraded their technological infrastructure, introducing advanced scanning systems at checkpoints to detect contraband and ensure thorough scrutiny of travel documents. 

This robust framework not only secures their borders but also reassures existing Schengen countries about the minimal security risks associated with their expansion.

Judicial and Law Enforcement Cooperation

Aligning with Schengen’s judicial standards, Bulgaria and Romania have revamped their legal frameworks to ensure swifter cooperation with other member states.

Initiatives include the modernization of law enforcement agencies and the introduction of more efficient legal processes for extradition and data sharing. 

These improvements facilitate a higher degree of collaboration in combating transnational crimes, such as human trafficking and drug smuggling, thus reinforcing the area’s internal security.

Additionally, both countries have enhanced their judicial systems to expedite legal proceedings and improve responsiveness in cross-border criminal matters, ensuring that justice is swift and effective across national lines.

Challenges Faced

Exploring the intricate political, economic, and social hurdles that Bulgaria and Romania face on their path to full Schengen Area integration.

Political and Economic Hurdles

Despite the strides made towards integration, Bulgaria and Romania have encountered significant political and economic challenges.

Politically, concerns about corruption and governance within both countries have occasionally sparked debates among existing Schengen members about the readiness of these nations for full integration.

Economically, the disparity in wealth and development between these countries and other Schengen states has raised questions about potential economic migration and its impact on labor markets within the Schengen Area.

Social and Public Opinion

Socially, the public in Bulgaria and Romania shows strong support for Schengen integration, viewing it as a milestone that validates their European identity and brings tangible benefits. 

However, in some other EU countries, there is apprehension about expanding the Schengen Zone, fueled by worries over increased migration and security challenges.

These mixed opinions have influenced political discourse and decision-making processes, adding layers of complexity to the approval for full integration.

Implications of Integration

Economic benefits.

The inclusion of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen Area promises substantial economic benefits. For one, it would likely boost trade by eliminating border controls, reducing transportation costs, and simplifying logistics. 

Additionally, tourism could see a significant uptick as travel becomes easier and more attractive to visitors from within and outside the EU. Finally, local employment opportunities may expand due to increased demand in services and tourism, along with improved access to broader European job markets. 

Moreover, the integration can foster business expansion and investment as companies take advantage of a larger, more accessible market.

Such economic dynamism could spur further development and modernization within both countries, enhancing their overall economic stability and competitiveness on the European stage.

Social and Political Impact

Socially, the free movement within the Schengen Zone would enhance the quality of life and mobility for the citizens of Bulgaria and Romania, offering them the same freedoms enjoyed by other EU residents.

This ease of travel promotes cultural exchange and deepens mutual understanding among nations. 

Politically, their integration could serve as a symbol of continued EU integration and commitment to the principles of free movement and cooperation, potentially strengthening the political cohesion and stability within the region.

Furthermore, it could enhance diplomatic relationships, fostering a stronger collective identity and shared responsibility among member states.

Comparative Perspective

Examining the integration processes of countries like Croatia, which joined the Schengen Area recently, provides valuable insights.

Croatia’s successful adherence to Schengen protocols through systematic reforms and investments in border security highlights effective strategies that Bulgaria and Romania have emulated. 

These include securing external borders, enhancing administrative capacities, and maintaining robust law enforcement cooperation with EU counterparts.

Moreover, Croatia’s proactive approach in upgrading IT systems for data sharing and improving the infrastructure at border crossing points serves as a model for effective border management. 

This commitment to meeting Schengen criteria not only facilitated Croatia’s integration but also bolstered the security and efficiency of its borders.

By learning from such precedents, Bulgaria and Romania can address existing concerns more effectively and streamline their path to full Schengen membership. 

Additionally, they can take cues from Croatia’s public communication strategies, which played a crucial role in gaining public support by clearly articulating the benefits of Schengen membership and addressing common fears and misconceptions.

This comprehensive approach ensures that the integration process is not only about meeting technical criteria but also about winning the hearts and minds of citizens, enhancing the overall success of the transition.

Future Prospects

Steps for full integration.

For Bulgaria and Romania to achieve full Schengen integration, several key steps remain, including:

• Continuous Upgrade of Data Systems: Implementing advanced technological solutions for real-time information sharing across borders is essential. This includes the integration of biometric security measures and the enhancement of interoperability between national and Schengen-wide databases to streamline border management and security checks.
• Alignment of National Laws with EU Standards: Both countries must further harmonize their national legislation with EU norms, particularly in areas of data protection, human rights, and migration management to ensure compliance with Schengen protocols.
• Strengthening Anti-Corruption Measures: Establishing more robust mechanisms to combat corruption, particularly within sectors directly impacting Schengen criteria like border control and visa processing, is critical. This may involve setting up independent oversight bodies and increasing transparency in governmental operations.
• Enhancing Judicial Transparency: Improving the transparency and efficiency of the judicial system is vital to build confidence among EU member states. This includes reforming court processes and ensuring that judicial decisions are made swiftly and impartially, adhering to European standards.

Each of these steps is crucial in building a trustworthy environment that assures other Schengen members of Bulgaria and Romania’s commitment to upholding the integrity and security of the area.

Timeline and Predictions

Based on current advancements and ongoing reforms, it is plausible that Bulgaria and Romania could join the Schengen Area within the next few years. However, this timeline could shift depending on political dynamics within the EU and the ability of both countries to consistently meet the required benchmarks. 

Political elections, changes in the EU’s internal policies, or shifts in the geopolitical landscape could influence the speed and smoothness of their accession process.

Experts suggest that while the integration is likely, it remains sensitive to the broader political climate that could either accelerate or delay the final approval stages. 

Thus, continuous monitoring and adaptation to these dynamics are crucial for keeping the integration agenda on track.

Expert Opinions

Experts generally view the integration of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen Zone as likely and beneficial in the near future.

Most agree that while challenges persist, the trajectory points towards eventual membership, given the substantial progress already made and the strategic importance of their inclusion in enhancing the cohesion and security of the entire Schengen Area. 

Analysts emphasize that their accession would bolster the geographical continuity of the Schengen Zone, facilitating smoother logistics and transport across Europe.

Furthermore, political scientists argue that this expansion could serve as a powerful signal of EU unity and resilience in times of global and regional uncertainties. 

The consensus among security experts is that with robust ongoing reforms, both countries are aligning with Schengen’s stringent security mandates, thus paving the way for a successful integration.

The anticipated integration of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen Area represents a significant milestone, underscoring the European Union’s commitment to the principles of free movement and collective security.

This move not only symbolizes the expansion of inclusivity within the EU but also promises to enhance economic opportunities, cultural exchanges, and security cooperation across member states. 

Furthermore, their journey towards Schengen membership exemplifies the evolving nature of EU policies, which adapt to manage diversity and complexity, promoting greater unity and integration.

This development is set to fortify the foundations of the Union, demonstrating a resilient commitment to its foundational ideals.

• European Parliament Reports: These documents provide detailed accounts and analyses of the processes and requirements for Schengen integration, offering insights into the legislative and security standards expected of candidate countries.
• European Commission Communications: Official communications from the European Commission that detail the status, progress, and expectations regarding the expansion of the Schengen Area.
• Schengen Visa: For further information on Schengen visas and related topics, visit Schengen Visa , a comprehensive resource providing up-to-date and detailed guides on visa requirements, travel information, and EU policies.

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Related information.

Discover the upcoming changes to Schengen visa fees in 2024 and learn how they might affect your travel budget for visiting the European Union.

Despite Romania’s recent entry into the Schengen Area, Romanian travelers still face unexpected airport checks, highlighting challenges in the enforcement of Schengen rules and integration.

Exploring the EU Commission’s strategic enhancements for the Schengen Area, aimed at securing borders while facilitating free movement.

Exploring 2024’s prospective Schengen entrants amidst complex political landscapes and rigorous EU criteria.

Analyzing the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, this piece examines its strategies, critiques, and future influence on EU migration.

If you’re planning a trip to Europe but have a criminal record, you may be wondering if you can apply for a Schengen visa. After

Explore the journey of Bulgaria and Romania as they make significant strides toward Schengen Area integration, enhancing EU cohesion and security.

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General information

What changes on the 31.03.2024.

• Preparing the application

Appointment for application

Process of the visa application, passport pick-up, enjoy your trip some information for visa holders, weitere informationen.

Generally speaking, all foreigners who are not EU nationals require a visa for stays in Germany. A visa is not required for visits of up to 90 days in an 180‑day period for nationals of those countries for which the European Community has abolished the visa requirement.

You will find an overview on visa requirements here:

Table of countries whose citizens require/do not require visas to enter Germany

The visa has to  be applied for at the mission of the Schengen state in whose territory the sole or main destination is situated.

Note: There is no automatic entitlement to a Schengen Visa

The mission must ensure that the following requirements have been met in each individual case:

• The purpose of the trip to Germany must be plausible and comprehensible
• The applicant must be in a position to finance his/her living and travel costs
• The visa holder must be prepared to leave the Schengen area before the visa expires
• Documentary evidence must be provided of travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of 30.000 Euros, valid for the entire Schengen area and the entire length of stay

Foreign nationals with a permanent residence in Bulgaria and the appropriate residence permit (so-called "third-country nationals") applying for a visa to travel to or through Germany have to present the documents mentioned below, depending on their purpose of travel.

All applicants must provide the originals as well as a clear photocopy of all documents . Please be advised that additional documentation may be required in individual cases.

From 31 March 2024, checks on persons at internal air and sea borders with and between Bulgaria and Romania shall be lifted.

Holders of valid Bulgarian residence permits and national visas for long-term residence can then, in accordance with Article 21 of the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement, travel freely in the territory of the other Schengen countries for up to 90 days per period of 180 days on the basis of these documents and a valid and recognized travel document, provided they meet the entry requirements in accordance with Article 6 of the Schengen Borders Code . It is irrelevant whether you stay in the other states of the Schengen area for 90 days or whether you enter and leave several times.

National short-stay visas issued by Bulgaria and Romania before 31 March 2024 shall remain valid during their period of validity. They allow free travel in Bulgaria, Romania and Cyprus only. For a stay in Germany these visa holders still need a Schengen visa.

From 01. April 2024 on, Bulgaria will also issue Schengen visas.

We ask you to cancel any appointment you have already booked to apply for a Schengen visa valid from April 1, 2024, which will no longer be necessary due to these regulations.

Preparing the application

Please prepare your application as follows::

• Visa application form Please fill in the online visa application form in German or English and in Latin letters, print it out and sign it. Please ensure that the barcode is printed in high quality. Alternatively, you can print out the application form below and fill it out by hand. Any false statements can lead to the application being rejected or to the annulment of a visa already granted. Visa application forms can be obtained from the relevant mission free of charge. They can also be downloaded here .
• Necessary documents Please collect all necessary documents. Uncomplete documentation can be a reason for the application to be rejected. Please find below a checklist for each type of visa.

Business visa

• Passport Your passport must have at least 2 blank pages, have been issued within the previous 10 years and the validity has to extend the duration of the visa you are applying for by at least 3 months
• Residence Permit A valid Bulgarian residence permit (lichna karta or long-term visa)
• Application Form 1 fully completed visa application form for a Schengen Visa (in German or English)
• Passport Photos 2 recent passport sized photographs with biometric criteria: 3,5 cm x 4,5 cm, good contrast, light background (single-colored white or light grey), height of the face must be 32 mm - 36 mm from chin to hairline (photographs can be purchased e.g. at the photo shop in Elemag Street right behind the Embassy)
• travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of 30.000 Euros, valid for the entire Schengen area and the entire length of stay
• a detailed letter of invitation (original) from your German business partner which clearly states your travel purpose for the entire length of your intended stay
• travel authorisation from your employer for the intended business trip; trade register excerpt of Bulgarian company; alternatively if self-employed: bank account statements for the last three months

Visa to visit Family or Friends :

• Your passport must have at least 2 blank pages, have been issued within the previous 10 years and the validity has to extend the duration of the visa you are applying for by at least 3 months
• formal obligation letter (according to §§ 66 - 68 of the German Law for Foreigners), which can be issued for the host by the German Foreigners' Office
• employees: certificate of employment and certificate of salary
• self-employed: trade register excerpt of Bulgarian company
• students: certificate of enrollment
• retirees: pension certificate
• proof of family relations in Bulgaria e.g. marriage certificate and "lichna karta" of spouse
• if applicable: proof of ownership of real estate in Bulgaria

Tourism Visa

• proof of sufficient financial means for your entire stay (e.g. current bank statements from the previous three months)
• hotel and flight reservations
• certificate of employment and certificate of salary
• if applicable: proof of family relations in Bulgaria e.g. marrage certificate and "lichna karta" of spouse
• if applicable: rental contract or proof of ownership of real estate in Bulgaria

Visa according to the Freedom of Movement Act EU : required documents

• "lichna karta" or passport of the family member with EU -citizenship
• corresponding marriage certificate or birth certificate of child

Airport Transit Visa

• airplane ticket
• valid visa or residence permit for country of Destination
• All visa applicants are required to make an appointment ! Visa appointments for the Embassy in Sofia can only be booked online with the German Foreign Office. To make an appointment online please visit their website: BOOK AN APPOINTMENT Please note that the appointments offered on this system are the earliest and the only appointments available. Due to a high demand there can be a waiting period for appointments. Therefore we are unable to offer you a short term appointment. We ask you to make an appointment as early as possible (and not earlier than three months before your travel date). Before booking an appointment, please read carefully all information. Uncomplete applications must be rejected, and a new appointment is required. It is not possible to book an appointment just for information without application.

As a rule, applicants must submit visa applications, together with all necessary documents, in person at the German mission responsible for their place of residence. In order to avoid time‑consuming requests for additional information or documentation, applicants should consult the website of the respective mission well in advance of their departure date to find out about the visa procedure and about the documentation which has to be submitted.

Please be on time to avoid any delays. You will submit your application, answer questions about your travel plans, leave your finger prints and pay the fee. More information about the fees you can find here .

As a rule, missions require between two and ten working days to decide on an application for a short stay visa. Please understand that during this time no questions about the the process can be answered. Once the decision has been made only the applicant himself or a duely entitled Person can get further Information.

Once the decision has been made you can come and pick up your passport during the opening hours for that purpose.

Should a visa application be rejected, the applicant will be informed of the main reasons for the rejection. Every applicant is entitled to take legal recourse against the mission’s decision.

It is also always possible to submit a new application with complete documents.

Please check upon picking up your passport, if all data on your visa sticker are correct. You will find your complete name, your passport number and your photo. The visa also contains the period of validity (this is the time within you can travel to the Schengen Area) and the maximum number of days of stay.

The Schengen Visa does not automatically entitle to enter the Schengen Space. The decision about your entry is made at the border by the Border Police. Possibly you will be asked to present next to your valid visa more documents proving the purpose and length of your stay as well as how you are going to finance it. You should also always have some proof of health insurance with you.

More Information you can find here ( FAQ )

In case of any comment on the Schengen visa application process itself and/or the staff’s behavior, please contact the head of the visa section here . We will process your enquiry a.s.a.p. Important: You cannot appeal against the rejection, annulment or revocation of your Schengen visa application through this contact form.

Please note:

Although the information on this website has been prepared with utmost care, we cannot accept any responsibility for inaccuracies contained herein.

Application form for Schengen Visa

Visa application forms can be obtained from the mission free of charge. Applicants may also download the forms here. The forms submitted must be original versions in German or English language.

• Application form for Schengen Visa PDF / 277 KB / nicht barrierefrei

Please note that all fees must be paid in Bulgarian Leva (BGN) , in cash or by credit card (visa, mastercard). Fees are to be paid when submitting an application . Further fees will not be charged.

Exemptions may be possible. Please refer to our fees page for information

• Visa fees PDF / 726 KB / barrierefrei

Sample photos for passports and visas

Here you can find information about biometric passport photos which can be purchased e.g. at the foto studio behind the Embassy, ul. Elemag, / ul. Konstantin Kisimov

• Sample photos for passports PDF / 550 KB / nicht barrierefrei

Address, Contact and Hours

Book an Appointment

Book an Appointment IMPORTANT !!! All visa applicants are required to make an appointment! Visa appointments for the Embassy in Sofia can only be booked online with the German Foreign Office.…

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Applying for a Schengen visa for the Netherlands in Bulgaria

You don’t need to apply for a Schengen visa for the Netherlands if you live in Bulgaria. If you live outside Bulgaria, or if your current Bulgarian residence permit will expire soon, find out what to do. 

Step 1: Check before applying

Choose your situation to find out whether you need a visa.

I live in Bulgaria

You don’t need a Schengen visa for the Netherlands if: 

• you are a Bulgarian national 
• you live in Bulgaria and have a valid Bulgarian residence permit 
• you are in Bulgaria and already have a valid Schengen visa 

You will need other documents to travel to the Netherlands. The checklist for travelling to the Netherlands tells you which documents you need and what goods you can and cannot bring with you.

Check what you need to travel to the Netherlands

I want to travel to the Netherlands after my Bulgarian residence permit expires  

If your Bulgarian residence permit will not be extended, you can remain in the Netherlands other Schengen countries for a maximum of 90 days after your residence permit expires. In some cases you will need a Schengen visa. This depends on your nationality.  

Check whether you need a visa for the Netherlands

If you need a visa, you can apply for a Schengen visa for the Netherlands at the Netherlands embassy in Sofia. Read step 2 to see how to arrange this.   

I live in the Netherlands

What you can do depends on your situation.  

My Dutch residence permit has been lost or stolen 

If you are in Bulgaria and your Dutch resident permit has been lost or stolen, you may need an entry visa to return to the Netherlands.  

Check whether you need an entry visa

If you need an entry visa, find out how to apply for an entry visa in Bulgaria .

My Dutch residence permit has expired 

If your Dutch residence permit has expired and you have applied for an extension from the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND), you may need an entry visa to return to the Netherlands.  

I want to stay in the Netherlands for a maximum of 90 days after my Dutch residence permit expires 

If your Dutch residence permit will expire soon and will not be extended, you can remain in the Netherlands and the other Schengen countries for a maximum of 90 days after your residence permit expires. In some cases you will need a Schengen visa. This depends on your nationality.  

I live in a different country

If you are in Bulgaria and need a Schengen visa for the Netherlands for one of the following situations, you can apply for this visa at the Netherlands embassy in Sofia: 

• You didn’t need a visa for Bulgaria but do need one for the Netherlands. You have to travel to the Netherlands on short notice and didn’t know this when you travelled to Bulgaria. 
• Your Schengen visa has expired or almost expired but you must urgently travel to the Netherlands, for example for medical reasons or following the death of a family member. 

Do you need a Schengen visa? Find out where you can apply for your visa. 

Where can I apply for a visa?

To apply for a Schengen visa in Bulgaria go to the Netherlands embassy in Sofia. You can only submit an application there if you live in Bulgaria.

If you live somewhere else, go to the page Applying for a Schengen visa and select the country where you live to find out where to submit your application. If you still want to submit your application in Bulgaria, first check if that’s possible.

Check whether you can apply for a visa outside your country of residence

I want to visit more than one Schengen country

If you want to visit another Schengen country besides the Netherlands, check whether you should apply for a visa for the Netherlands or the other country.

Find out which Schengen country you should apply for a visa for

Step 2: Gather the documents you need

You need several documents to apply for a Schengen visa. Which ones you need depends on your purpose of travel.

Which documents do I need?

• A completed and signed Schengen visa application form. Fill out the Schengen visa application form
• All the documents on your checklist. To find out which documents you need, select the checklist that corresponds to your purpose of travel. If you have more than one purpose of travel, select the checklist that corresponds to your primary purpose of travel. Checklist - tourism Checklist - visit for business, sports, study or cultural event Checklist - visit to family or friends

Family member of an EU/EEA national or Swiss national?

If you are travelling with a family member who is a national of an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland, or you’re travelling to visit that family member, you may be eligible for free Schengen visa facilitation.

Find out whether you are eligible for visa facilitation

Step 3: Make an appointment

Once you have all the documents you need for your Schengen visa application, make an appointment at the embassy. You can apply for your visa up to 6 months ahead of your trip. Apply no later than 45 days before your trip.

How do I make an appointment?

Make an appointment online at the Netherlands embassy in Sofia

• Making an appointment is free of charge. Do not make an appointment with an intermediary because they will charge you money.
• If you are applying for visas for multiple people, make a separate appointment for each person.

Can someone else submit my application for me?

You must appear in person at your appointment to submit your application, even if you’re under 18.

You don’t need to appear in person to submit your application if:

• you have applied in person for a Schengen visa within the past 5 years (59 months), and:
• you submitted a photo with that application, and:
• your fingerprints were taken for that application (only applies if you are 12 or older).

If you meet all 3 conditions, you can have someone else submit your application for you. The appointment must be under the name of the person submitting your application.

If you are not certain whether the embassy has your fingerprints on record, you should submit your application in person. The embassy cannot check this for you.

How can I change or cancel my appointment?

After making an appointment at the embassy you will receive a confirmation by email. The email contains a link that you can use to change or cancel your appointment.

Step 4: Go to your appointment

Go to your appointment at the embassy, and bring all the documents from step 2 with you, including your checklist.

See the address of the embassy in Sofia

What happens at my appointment?

At your appointment you:

• submit the documents that are on your checklist, together with your passport
• provide your fingerprints (only if you are 12 or older)
• answer questions about your trip
• pay the visa fees
• indicate whether you want to collect your passport (with visa affixed) or have it sent to you
• receive a tracking number to track the status of your application

How much does a visa cost?

See the overview of consular fees in Bulgaria to find out how much a visa costs and what forms of payment are accepted. In some situations you are not required to pay.

Find out in which situations you do not need to pay the visa fee

How long will it take for my application to be processed?

You’ll usually find out within 15 calendar days whether your application was successful. Sometimes it can take longer and may take up to 45 calendar days.

Find out more about processing times for a visa application

How can I track the status of my application?

At your appointment you will receive a tracking number that you can use to track the status of your application online .

Step 5: Collect your passport or have it sent to you

You will receive an email once your application has been processed. The email won’t say whether your application was successful. You can collect your passport or have it sent to you. If your application was approved, the visa will be affixed to a page in your passport.

Having your passport sent to you

If you choose to have your passport sent to you, you’ll discuss at your appointment how to arrange this.

Collecting your passport

You can collect your passport on any of the following days:

• Monday: 10:00 - 12:00
• Tuesday: 10:00 - 12:00
• Thursday: 10:00 - 12:00

You do not need to make an appointment.

Find out the address and closing days of the embassy

Check the information on your visa

Check whether the information on your visa is correct. Your name and the visa’s validity period, for example.

Find out more about the information on your visa

If any of the information is incorrect or you can’t use the visa, for example because the period of validity is later than the dates of the plane tickets in your application, contact the Netherlands embassy in Sofia.

Email the Netherlands embassy

What if my application was refused?

If your application wasn’t approved, you’ll receive a letter stating why. If you disagree with this decision, you can lodge an objection with the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).

Find out more about lodging an objection if your visa application was refused

Step 6: Prepare for your trip

With your Schengen visa you can travel to the Netherlands or another Schengen country. You must show the visa upon departure and arrival.

Border control may also ask you for other documents. Find out what other documents you need in the checklist for travelling to the Netherlands.

Check what you need for travel to the Netherlands

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us .

Planning a Europe trip? Schengen visa process is now made easier for Indian frequent fliers

W hether it was Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol frolicking in Switzerland’s Alps, Kangana Ranaut on her self-exploratory journey in Amsterdam, or the time Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor met and fell in love on a tiny French island of Corsica, and many more such Bollywood films have fueled the Indian dream of the Euro trip. And the coveted Schengen visa is the gateway to fulfil the dreams. However, the probability of getting rejected is also pretty high.

Travel website MakeMyTrip’s recent India Travel Trends Report found that 25% of Indians have taken more than three trips per year since 2019, with some of the emerging international destinations including Tbilisi, Georgia. Other top destinations for long-haul flights include London along with Toronto and New York.

Schengen visa, now made easy

So, recently, in order to foster stronger relations with India, the European Union (EU) introduced a few welcomed changes to their visa process. EU ambassador Herve Delphin took to X on Monday (April 22) to announce that “Travel to Europe made easy!”

The Schengen visa (( ₹ 7,111 for adults, ₹ 3,555 (40€) for kids aged 6 to 12 and while children under six years are free) gives you access to the EU which includes 29 European countries. They are Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

With the new visa ‘cascade’ regime, Indians “with an established travel history, if the passport validity allows” are at an advantage. They can access long-term, multi-entry visas, which will streamline travel plans for those venturing into the Schengen area.

According to the European Commission, a Schengen visa is an entry permit for a short visit. It can allow you temporary entry of up to 90 days in any 180-day period This visa can be obtained in two forms - a single-entry visa, which allows a person to enter the Schengen area once, or a multiple-entry visa, which grants several visits to different areas as long as it’s valid.

So what is cascade visa?

Indians can be issued Schengen visas valid for two to five years. Once a person has applied for and used two visas within the previous three years, they can get a two-year visa, followed by one that’s valid for five years, subject to passport validity. These visas are not purpose-bound and don’t allow you to work in any of the EU countries.

According to a statement by the European Commission (European Delegation to India and Bhutan), these visa holders can enjoy travel rights equivalent to visa-free nationals aka citizens. Travel in the Schengen area and enjoy short stays for a maximum of 90 days in 180 days per year and 900 days over five years, although not consecutively. The system is designed to reward frequent travellers with progressively longer visas. Another benefit is that Indians can also visit over 37 countries outside of the Schengen area, visa-free.

Previously, Schengen visas were tiresome due to their short validity, unlike US visas, which gave visitors a year. It also required multiple applications, which included a lot of paperwork for those who were frequent travellers. Also, earlier, there was no standard policy for the states to issue long-term visas. Some followed a quicker process, while others took anywhere from a month to two.

How long does it take to get the visa?

Previously, the time it took to obtain a visa was depended on the place you wanted to visit in the EU. While some countries completed their process in around 15 days, other embassies can take upto 30 to 60 days to process a visa.

Travellers has to submit their visa application to the Consulate at least 15 days before their journey. However, it cannot be submitted earlier than six months before the date you intended to travel.

Travel agencies on the new rules

Rajeev Kale - President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa - Thomas Cook (India) Limited, says, “While the appeal of exceptional/exclusive locales is undeniable, the fundamental shift is the new-age Indian consumer’s increasing desire to invest in themselves, against traditional options like gold, real estate, and luxury goods. So, travel experiences are moving to the top of the Indian consumer's consideration set. We are also seeing an uptick in the cohort of young India's millennials. Europe continues to be a favourite for Indian travellers and consumers are displaying increased spending appetite as our data reflects an uptick of over 60% for premium/luxe destinations.” According to their data, there is an increase in demand, over 35%, for Scandic countries like Finland with Iceland and inclusions of husky safaris, stays in a glass igloo or traditional log cabins which have spectacular views of the Northern Lights.

“The Indian traveller is discerning, seeking offbeat destinations and keen to explore locales in-depth. Destinations in the EU like Bulgaria and Romania have emerged [as a new favourite for travellers] after their entry into the Schengen visa,” explains Daniel D’souza, President and Country Head – Holidays, SOTC Travel. He goes on to add that searches for these regions have seen an increase of 25-30%.

Bulgaria and Romania now part of visa-free Schengen zone

After a 13-year effort, Bulgaria and Romania are now a part of Europe's Schengen area, as of March 2024. It will facilitate seamless air and sea travel, eliminating the need for border checks within the Schengen zone. With this move, tourists flying into these countries won’t need a separate visa and can use their Schengen visas. Those travelling by road will need additional documentation.

Read more news like this on HindustanTimes.com

New Schengen Visa Rules for Indian Visitors: Key Questions Answered 

Peden Doma Bhutia , Skift

April 23rd, 2024 at 5:39 AM EDT

Destinations value Indian travelers, but lengthy visa processing times lasting months act as significant deterrents. The adoption of these new regulations by European authorities reflects a proactive effort to tackle these concerns, aiming to boost tourism flow.

Peden Doma Bhutia

The European Commission has introduced a new visa “cascade” regime for Indian nationals applying for Schengen visas in India. This regime looks to offer longer-term, multi-entry Schengen visas, based on the applicant’s travel history.

Indian travel agents had been complaining of Schengen visa delays as a major challenge to the summer travel rush from India.

• How does one qualify for the longer duration visas?

The European Commission can issue a two-year multiple-entry visa after a traveler “has obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous three years.” This demonstrates a positive travel history and compliance with previous visa regulations.

Subsequently, after granting the two-year visa, authorities may issue a five-year visa if the passport has has adequate validity remaining.

• What benefits do holders of these extended visas enjoy?

During the validity period of these visas, holders can enjoy travel rights equivalent to visa-free nationals within the Schengen area, allowing for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

• Which countries are part of the Schengen area?

The Schengen area comprises 29 European countries, including 25 European Union member states: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, and Sweden. Additionally, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are also part of the Schengen area.

• Are there any restrictions or conditions to these visas?

Schengen visas do not grant the right to work within the Schengen area and are for short stays only. Additionally, the visas are not purpose-bound, providing flexibility for travel within the specified period.

Industry Take

Skift also spoke to players in the Indian outbound travel industry to understand what has changed in the new Schengen visa rules.

• How is this different from the earlier visas that Schengen countries offered? Don’t they already offer multi-entry visas with longer duration to Indians?

Mahendra Vakharia, managing director of Pathfinders Holidays, said there was no standard policy of Schengen states for issuing these long-term visas earlier. Switzerland, France, Netherlands, Italy and Spain usually issued long-term visa, but it was all subjective. “With this new policy it should be a standard rule now,” Vakharia said.

• Travelers mainly complain of longer processing times, has that changed?

Here too, there is no standard processing time as it varies from country to country, according to Vakharia. “France and Spain have been processing visas within four days, and then there’s Croatia, which takes 60 days,” he said.

Processing time will not change as of now, it will take time for the visa rules to be enforced, said an industry source, while highlighting that the visa would be especially useful for corporate travelers.

What Promoted The Move?

Speaking on the possible motivations, Vakharia acknowledged various reasons, including administrative capacity constraints at embassies to cater to the huge inflow of applications.

“As there is an overwhelming demand from Indian travelers, the process of securing visa appointments has posed significant challenges , especially for travelers residing in cities lacking VFS Global centers,” he said.

The European Commission said in an statement that the decision reflects the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, aimed at fostering comprehensive cooperation on migration policy. Facilitating people-to-people contacts is a key aspect of this agenda, acknowledging India’s importance as an EU partner.

The decision also reflects a realization of the strong economic benefits derived through the spending power of Indian tourists. As Vakharia aptly puts it, “Why let go of the Golden Indian Goodie Bag?”

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Tags: asia monthly , europe , european commission , European summer travel , european union , india , india outbound , schengen , visa , visas

Photo credit: Park Guell in Spain. Unlike many Schengen countries, Spain has been processing visas within four days for Indian travelers. Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz / Pexels