How much does a Bulgaria visa cost in 2026? This page breaks down the official government fees by visa type, plus the extra charges people forget — service fees, biometrics and courier — so there are no surprises.
Bulgaria visa at a glance
| Visa required? | Yes, for many nationalities |
|---|---|
| Main visa type | Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) |
| Government fee | EUR 90 |
| Processing time | typically up to 15 calendar days (can extend to 45) |
| Validity | up to 5 years (multiple entry possible) |
| Permitted stay | 90 days |
| Where to apply | e-Consular portal + embassy/VFS appointment |
| HolidaySG assistance fee | S$65 per applicant (usually S$100) |
Bulgaria visa fees by type
| Visa type | Official fee | Validity | Max stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa exemption (ETIAS pending) | Free (ETIAS €20 once launched) | Per entry | 90 days in any 180-day period (all Schengen combined) |
| Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) | EUR 90 | up to 5 years (multiple entry possible) | 90 days |
Extra charges to budget for
- VFS/service centre fee where applicable
What HolidaySG charges
HolidaySG's assistance fee is a separate flat S$65 per applicant (usually S$100), on top of the official government fee above. We check eligibility, prepare your documents and track the application — the government fee is always paid to the authority, not to us.
Common mistakes, delays and rejection reasons
From handling Bulgaria visa applications, these are the issues that most often cause delays or refusals. Avoiding them is the single biggest thing you can control:
- Passport validity: many countries require at least six months' validity beyond your travel dates — renew early if yours is close.
- Insufficient proof of funds: bank statements that are too thin, too new, or not in your name are a common reason for delays. Show a stable balance over the last 3–6 months.
- Photo specification errors: wrong size, background colour, glasses or a smile can bounce an application. Follow the exact spec for Bulgaria.
- Applying too late: submit well before departure — allow the full processing window plus a buffer, not the minimum.
- Mismatched documents: names, dates and passport numbers must match exactly across your form, flight and hotel bookings.
- Weak ties to your home country: employment letters, leave approval and return bookings help show you intend to return.
- Prior overstays or refusals: declare them honestly; hiding history causes more problems than the history itself.
- Forgetting the arrival card: None — EES fingerprints & photo at first entry — complete it in the correct window or you can be delayed at the border.
Before you travel to Bulgaria
- Arrival card / declaration: None — EES fingerprints & photo at first entry
- Onward or return ticket: carry proof — airlines and immigration can ask for it.
- Funds: have evidence of enough money for your stay (card and some local currency).
- Travel insurance: strongly recommended, and mandatory for some destinations.
- Copies: keep a digital and paper copy of your visa/approval and passport photo page.
Things to do once your Bulgaria visa is sorted
Popular experiences in Bulgaria you can book on HolidaySG:
- Bulgaria - Unlimited 4G/5G Data eSIM — from USD 18
Official sources
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bulgaria (full Schengen since 1 Jan 2025) — verified 16 August 2026
Last updated 20 August 2026. Written and reviewed by the HolidaySG visa team and checked against the official sources above (facts verified 19 August 2026). Visa rules change and depend on your passport, residence and purpose of travel — always confirm with the official source before booking, or use our visa checker. HolidaySG re-confirms current requirements at the time of your application.