Bulgaria Visa Policy Overview#
Bulgaria, located in Southeast Europe, has a visa policy that varies depending on the nationality of the traveler. With a total of 198 nationalities considered, the visa requirements can be categorized into three main groups: those who can enter visa-free, those who can stay for a limited period without a visa, and those who require a visa to enter the country. Understanding these categories is essential for travelers planning to visit Bulgaria.
Visa-Free and Visa-on-Arrival Access#
Travelers from certain countries can enter Bulgaria without a visa. This access is divided into two categories based on the duration of stay.
Visa-Free Access (30 Days)#
Citizens from the following 30 countries can enter Bulgaria without a visa for a duration of up to 30 days:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Visa-Free Access (90 Days)#
In addition, travelers from the following 63 countries can stay in Bulgaria for up to 90 days without a visa:
- Albania
- Andorra
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Dominica
- El Salvador
- Georgia
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Hong Kong
- Israel
- Japan
- Kiribati
- Kosovo
- Macao
- Malaysia
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Micronesia
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- North Macedonia
- Palau
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Timor-Leste
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tuvalu
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
- Vatican
- Venezuela
e-Visa and ETA Options#
Currently, Bulgaria does not offer an e-Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for travelers. All individuals from countries that require a visa must apply for a traditional visa through Bulgarian embassies or consulates prior to their arrival.
Countries That Require a Visa#
Travelers from the following 105 countries are required to obtain a visa before entering Bulgaria:
- Afghanistan
- Algeria
- Angola
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Belarus
- Belize
- Benin
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Botswana
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- China
- Comoros
- Congo
- Cuba
- DR Congo
- Djibouti
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Guyana
- Haiti
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Ivory Coast
- Jamaica
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kenya
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Lebanon
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Maldives
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Mongolia
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Myanmar
- Namibia
- Nauru
- Nepal
- Niger
- Nigeria
- North Korea
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Palestine
- Papua New Guinea
- Philippines
- Qatar
- Russia
- Rwanda
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Africa
- South Sudan
- Sri Lanka
- Sudan
- Suriname
- Swaziland
- Syria
- Tajikistan
- Tanzania
- Thailand
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Turkmenistan
- Uganda
- Uzbekistan
- Vanuatu
- Vietnam
- Yemen
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Entry Requirements and Practical Tips#
Travelers planning to enter Bulgaria should ensure they meet the entry requirements based on their nationality. For those who do not require a visa, it is advisable to have a valid passport and any necessary travel documents. Those who need a visa must apply well in advance, as processing times can vary.
It is also important to check the validity of your passport, as many countries require that it be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry. Additionally, travelers should be aware of any health regulations, such as vaccination requirements, that may be in place.
In summary, understanding Bulgaria’s visa policy is crucial for a smooth entry into the country. By knowing whether you need a visa and the specific requirements for your nationality, you can better prepare for your trip to Bulgaria.