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About Bulgaria
Its officially the Republic of Bulgaria, Bulgarian Republika Blgariya, a country in southeastern Europe occupying the eastern portion of the Balkan Peninsula. It is founded in the seventh century, is one of Europe’s oldest states. The country is notable for its diversity of scenery; its rugged mountains and relaxing Black Sea resorts draw a large number of visitors. Yogurt originated in Bulgaria. Bulgarians refer to it as “sour milk,” and they believe it is responsible for their long lives. The world’s second-largest exporter of rose oil, which is used in the majority of perfumes. The national instrument of the country is the gaida, also known as bagpipes. In a competition organized by the European Parliament, Bulgarian salad, also known as Bulgarian salad, was named the best dish in Europe. The Balkan Mountains and the Rhodope Mountains are Bulgaria’s two major mountain ranges. The capital of Bulgaria is Sofia. Bulgarian is the official language of the country. The Cyrillic alphabet is used to write it.
How to apply for a visa?
- Bulgaria currently only issues national visas. These visas do not allow holders to enter the Schengen area, but they can enter Romania, Croatia, or Cyprus.
- Holders of multiple Schengen visas are exempt from visa requirements for stays of up to 90 days.
- Bulgaria offers visa-free entry to holders of multiple Schengen visas. They can enter and reside in the Republic of Bulgaria for a maximum of three months in any six-month period from the date of their first entry, it does not need for a Bulgarian short-stay visa.
- Visa-free regime for holders of valid Romanian, Cyprus, and Croatian visas and residence permits for stays of up to 90 days.
- For the holders of valid visas and those who have residence permits issued by Romania, Cyprus, and Croatia, a visa-free system is in effect for stays of up to 90 days. They will be able to enter and stay in the Republic of Bulgaria for no more than 90 days in any 180-day period without the need for a Bulgarian short-stay visa.
- You can download the visa application here.
Types of Visa
This visa is used for airport transit An airport transit visa is granted to a foreign national in possession of a regular foreign travel document or an equivalent document issued by a state in accordance with Annex 1 of the Regulation on the Terms and Procedures for Issuing Visas and Determining the Visa Regime.
This may be single, double, or exception –multiple. It has a validity term of 3 months from the date of issue.
Documents required :
- Foreign Travel Document
- color passport
- Flight Booking
- A photocopy of the pages of the foreign travel document containing personal information and visas, as well as a photocopy of the held permits for a stay in the states along the route as well as the final destination state, if necessary. For further information, you can check here.
This visa is issued for a short stay A transit visa is issued to a foreigner who wishes to transit through the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria en route to another state for which he or she has a visa if one is required. This visa is issued to a foreigner who wants to transit through the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria en route to another state. The visa should not exceed 90 days within every 6 months as of the date of the first entry. For further information check here.
A long-stay visa is granted to a foreigner who wishes to reside in the Republic of Bulgaria for an extended period of time or permanently. A long-stay visa with a stay period of up to 6 months and a stay period of up to 180 days is issued. For further information check here.
What are the Fees?
- Visa A – 95 USD
- Visa C – 95 USD may vary in some cases
- Visa D – 118 USD Must have six-month validity/ or 236 USD /1-year validity, issued in strictly limited cases/
Requirements when entering the country
A foreign may enter into the country if they hold a foreign regular travel document or another document including a visa. The Visa sticker should be attached to the expired travel document as well.
Visa Issuing
If foreign travel required a visa they should hold regular travel documents which meet the below criteria:
- Its validity expires at least three months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, or three months after the last scheduled date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria in the case of multiple visits;
- Must contain 2 blank pages for the purpose of visa
- Must be issued within the last 10 years.
These visas are issued by diplomatic and consular representations of the Republic of Bulgaria.
Visa Application
- Personal visa application forms are submitted no earlier than three months before the intended travel date.
- Visa applications for minors or people with judicial disabilities must be submitted by their legal representatives or by people who have been expressly authorized to do so.
- Visa applications for minors or those with a limited judicial disability must be submitted by their legal representatives, trustees, or other individuals expressly authorized to do so.
- There is a personal interview when you apply for a Visa D.
Documents required
- A photocopy of the first page of the international travel document
- A photocopy of your Bulgarian, Schengen, or US visa/Green Card, if you have one.
- A photograph in full color 3,5 cm x 4,5 cm against a light-colored background (the same as for a child in the passport) – a full-face photo with a clear focus.
- Submit the proof of purpose of travel
- A medical insurance policy valid for all EU member states for the duration of the trip, covering all costs for repatriation as well as urgent medical care and emergency hospital treatment for the duration of the visa’s stay. The insurance amount cannot be less than €30,000.
- Proof of financial and bank statement
- When applying for a D visa need proof of housing /accommodation
- FBI background check, legalized with an “apostille” (required only for D visas)
- Children traveling without parents need a copy of their birth certificate, original, and photocopy of a power of attorney notarized by both parents/trustees or by one parent trustee stating that they consent to their child traveling unaccompanied.
Following is the person who is exempted from fees
- Children under 6 years of age
- Family members of Bulgarian or EU citizens
- A person who are Holders of service, official, special or diplomatic passports
Following person who is exempt from an insurance policy
- Family members of Bulgarian or EU citizens
- A person who are Holders of service, official, special or diplomatic passports
- Seamen who meet the criteria of the International Labour Organization’s Convention No. 108 when applying for transit visas,
- Persons who, due to their social or service status, can be deemed to be insured or who can cover expenses in unforeseen circumstances.
What is the processing time?
A and C visas – 15 calendar days
D visas – 35 business days
1. Sofia
Around it, great brutalist monuments to Soviet rule rise, as do endless streams of cookie-cutting high-rises.
Sofia
2. Zheravna
The town itself is nestled at the foot of the mighty Balkan Mountains, between dense thickets of Bosnian pines and white elms, where its timber-clad, stony appearance appears almost organically formed.
Zheravna
3. Burgas
It also hosts some of Bulgaria’s most vibrant music festivals, such as the raucous Spirit of Burgas, which takes place every summer.
Burgas
4. Bansko
The dual ski fields of Chalin Valog and Shiligarnika that make their home between the fir forests here have become some of the most lauded in all of Eastern Europe, thanks to countless expansions and new lift projects.
Bansko
5. Pirin National Park
The Pirin National Park, designated by UNESCO and rising like a great Balkan bulwark against the borders of Macedonia and Greece, is a European hinterland unlike any other.
Pirin National Park