Planning a trip to Bulgaria? This guide covers exactly who needs a visa, what it costs, how long it takes and where to apply — using figures from Bulgaria's official immigration authorities, including which nationalities can enter visa-free.
Quick answer
Most visitors to Bulgaria need schengen short-stay visa (type c), with an official government fee of EUR 90.
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) |
Who needs a visa for Bulgaria?
Visa-free: Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, USA, Canada, UK, Australia, NZ, UAE, Israel, most of Latin America and ~60 others — 90 days in any 180.
Schengen short-stay visa (Type C): Indian passport holders
Bulgaria visa options, fees and processing times
| Option | Official fee | Max stay | Processing | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa exemption (ETIAS pending) | Free (ETIAS €20 once launched) | 90 days in any 180-day period (all Schengen combined) | On arrival — EES biometric registration (live since 10 Apr 2026) | No application yet |
| Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) | EUR 90 | 90 days | typically up to 15 calendar days (can extend to 45) | e-Consular portal + embassy/VFS appointment |
Documents required
For the Schengen short-stay visa (Type C):
- Passport valid 3+ months beyond intended departure, issued within last 10 years, 2 blank pages
- Completed online application via e-Consular portal
- Recent 35x45mm photo
- Travel medical insurance min EUR 30,000 coverage
- Return/onward ticket and itinerary
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of sufficient funds
How to apply
- Check your requirement by nationality (table below) or use our checker.
- Schengen short-stay visa (Type C): e-Consular portal + embassy/VFS appointment — allow typically up to 15 calendar days (can extend to 45).
- Arrival formalities: None — EES fingerprints & photo at first entry
- Keep your approval/receipt with your passport; carry proof of accommodation, onward travel and funds.
Bulgaria visa for children and families
Children usually need their own visa or entry authorisation, even infants. For family applications, prepare each traveller's passport and photo, and add birth certificates for minors and, where a child travels with one parent or a guardian, a consent letter. Applying for the whole family together keeps travel dates and reference numbers consistent.
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.
Practical timeline: application → approval → travel
- 6–8 weeks before travel: check your passport validity, confirm your requirement, and start gathering documents.
- 3–4 weeks before: book refundable flights and accommodation (immigration may ask for these), then submit your Bulgaria application.
- Processing: allow typically up to 15 calendar days (can extend to 45). Do not make non-refundable bookings until approved.
- On approval: print/save the approval, keep it with your passport, and complete any arrival card before you fly.
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.
Good to know
- 90/180 rule counts all Schengen countries together.
- Bulgaria is a full Schengen member since 1 Jan 2025 — a Schengen visa is valid for Bulgaria.
Bulgaria visa requirements by nationality
| Passport | Requirement | Max stay |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Bulgaria visa?
Schengen short-stay visa (Type C): EUR 90. HolidaySG's assistance fee is a separate flat S$65.
How long does it take?
Schengen short-stay visa (Type C): typically up to 15 calendar days (can extend to 45).
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.