Visa Types
Bulgaria Visa Application Tips
Find out what documents you need to travel, visit family And friends, do business, or transit through Bulgaria.
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What Is Schengen Visa?
The Schengen Visa is a type of visa that allows travelers to visit and travel within the Schengen Area, which is a group of 29 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. This means that a person with a Schengen Visa can move freely between these countries without having to go through immigration checks at the border.
To obtain a Schengen Visa, applicants need to apply at the embassy or consulate of the country they intend to visit or spend most of their time in. The visa allows for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period and can be used for tourism, business, or other purposes. However, the visa does not grant the holder the right to work or study in the Schengen Area.
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Here Are The Schengen Area Countries As Of March 2024:
Schengen Area signifies a zone where 29 European countries abolished their internal borders(countries of Schengen agreement). Here is the list of the countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia , Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. These countries apply common policies in terms of short-term visas.
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Visa Exemption for Bulgaria
You can visit Bulgaria for up to 90 days within a 6-month period without a Bulgarian visa if you have:
- A multiple-entry Schengen visa (C) valid for all Schengen Area countries.
- A long-stay visa (D) for stays longer than three months from a Schengen Area country.
- A residence permit from a Schengen Area country.
- National visas for multiple entries or residence permits from Romania, Cyprus, and Croatia.
If you’re from Moldova, Georgia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, or Ukraine and have a biometric passport, you can also visit Bulgaria for up to 90 days within a 6-month period without a visa. If you don’t have a biometric passport, you need to follow the regular procedure to apply for a Bulgarian visa.
Key Points for Bulgaria Visitor Visa >>>
Do you need a visa to travel to Bulgaria?
To visit Bulgaria, Indians will need a Schengen visa.
Bulgaria visa application is made online or offline?
The visa application process must be completed offline. You can download, fill out, and print the visa application form, and then submit your application in person at the VFS centre.
Do I need to give biometrics?
Yes, Biometrics are required to obtain a visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain a visa?
No, an interview is not usually required to obtain an Bulgarian visa, but it may vary. The embassy may interview you by phone or in person.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a visit visa?
On a visitor visa, you can stay for up to 90 days in 6 months period.
What kind of visa will we acquire from Bulgaria?
It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page in your passport.
Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)
For a short-stay visa: 60 Euro
For children between 6 and 12 years of age: 35 Euro
For a long-stay visa (visa type D): 100 Euro
For more information, please click here
Step-by-step guide
Let us walk you through the process
- First, figure out the type of visa you need and check if you qualify. Also, find out what documents to submit, how long it takes, and the fees.
- Make sure your application follows the rules for your visa category. If your documents aren't in English, consider getting translations before applying.
- When you're prepared to apply, download the visa application form, fill it out, print it, and take it to the Visa Application Centre.
- Don't forget to bring the necessary documents for your chosen visa category when you submit it.
- Once you've filled out your visa form, you'll have to set up an appointment at a Visa Application Centre for your fingerprints and photo. This is known as 'biometric information.'
- Once your appointment is scheduled, you'll receive a confirmation email and an appointment letter.
- If you're traveling with family or a group, make sure each member schedules their own appointment.
- After sending in your application, it's time to pay the visa application fee. If you've printed the form and brought it to the Visa Application Centre, you'll settle the payment when you go for your appointment.
- The visa fee should be paid at the Visa Application Centre.
- You'll get an email when your decision is back at the Visa Application Centre. If you can't check your email easily or want more info, you might get SMS updates on your phone. Just see if this service is offered where you're applying.
- You can also check your visa application status online. Use the Reference Number on your invoice/receipt from the Visa Application Centre, along with your last name, to use this service.
- When your visa decision is ready, you can choose how to get your passport back:
- In-Person Pickup: Go to the Visa Application Centre with your receipt and a government ID. Sometimes, you can send someone on your behalf with your authorization letter, their ID, and your receipt.
- Courier Delivery: You can pay extra to have your passport delivered to your address.
- Be sure to check the Visa Application Centre's opening hours for document collection details.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
Here is a complete list of documents you'll need when applying for a Short Term Visa to visit Bulgaria for various purposes, such as holidays, visiting friends/family, attending a wedding, and more.
- Application Form: Complete in English or Bulgarian, sign in two places. Minors under 18 need parental/guardian signature in fields 37 and the last field.
- Passport: Valid for at least 3 months beyond departure, with two blank pages. No alterations on data page.
- Photograph: Recent full-color photo (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm) with clear face, covering 70-80% of the frame. No dark glasses, hats, or non-pro photos.
- Proof of Residence: If applicable, provide a photocopy of your stay permit in another country.
- Travel Medical Insurance: Maintain valid insurance with EUR 30,000 coverage. Sign a statement acknowledging this requirement using provided form for multiple entry applicants.
- Cover Letter: Explain trip's purpose, itinerary, and accommodation.
- Means of Transportation: Show proof of return travel (ticket or booking) for air, surface, or sea transport.
- Proof of Accommodation: Provide evidence of accommodation (e.g., hotel booking, lease).
- Proof of Social/Professional Status:
- Employees: Letter from employer, salary certificate (last 3 months).
- Self-employed/business: Visa request letter, company documents.
- Students: Leave-granting letter, valid ID.
- Proof of Sufficient Funds: Demonstrate at least EUR 50 per day (or EUR 500 minimum) in another currency or prepaid tourist services. Include three months' bank statements and three years of Income Tax returns.
- Minor Travelers:
- With parent/guardian: Birth certificate or guardian appointment.
- Without parent/guardian:
- With one parent/guardian: Notarized consent from other parent/guardian.
- Traveling alone: Notarized consent from both parents/guardians.
- Copy of Current Passport: Include data pages and previous visa records.
- Original(s) of Previous Passport(s) or Proof of Loss: Provide old passports or proof of loss if applicable.
You can download the document checklist by clicking here.
You must have travel insurance for all Schengen countries. If you haven't bought it, click here.
Note:
- Applicants should know that they need to submit all the required documents as listed above. If they don't, their application might be denied.
- Additionally, the Embassy may ask for more documents or an interview during the application review.
Purpose of Visit Documents:
- Valid passport.
- Visa for the final destination (if required).
- Travel itinerary with confirmed flight details.
- Proof of entry into the final destination country.
- Valid passport.
- Visa for the final destination (if required).
- Travel itinerary with confirmed flight or transport details.
- Proof of entry into the final destination country.
- Purpose of transit (e.g., business meetings, tourism).
- Valid passport.
- Visa application form.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Detailed invitation or confirmation letter from the host organization or event.
- Proof of sufficient funds.
- Travel itinerary.
- Health insurance (if required).
- Valid passport.
- Visa application form.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Invitation letter from the host in the destination country.
- Proof of relationship to the host (if applicable).
- Proof of sufficient funds.
- Travel itinerary.
- Health insurance (if required).
- Valid passport.
- Visa application form.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Invitation letter from the host company or organization.
- Proof of business purpose (e.g., meetings, conferences).
- Proof of sufficient funds.
- Travel itinerary.
- Health insurance (if required).
- Valid passport.
- Visa application form.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Travel itinerary.
- Proof of accommodation (hotel reservations or invitation from a host).
- Proof of sufficient funds.
- Travel insurance (if required).
- Valid passport.
- Visa application form.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Detailed medical treatment invitation from a recognized medical institution.
- Proof of medical diagnosis and treatment details.
- Proof of sufficient funds.
- Travel itinerary.
- Health insurance (covering medical expenses).
Note: Please note that specific visa requirements may vary based on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. It's essential to check with the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your home country for the most up-to-date and country-specific requirements before applying for a Bulgaria visitor visa.
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
Before submitting your visa application, please review the list of required documents. The guidelines provided on this website will assist you in preparing your documents accurately, reducing the risk of your visa application being rejected due to incorrect or insufficient documentation.
Application Form for Bulgarian Visa
Fill in all the fields on the application form clearly using typed letters. Use Latin letters for names as in your passport, and the rest can be in English or Bulgarian. The applicant must personally sign the application. Family members of EU citizens should complete only the parts related to their family relationship.
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
The process for applying for Bulgarian visitor visa from India typically involves the following steps:
- Figure Out Your Visa Type: There are different types of visas for Bulgaria. You need to choose the one that suits your reason for visiting. Check the list on the Bulgarian Embassy in India's website.
- Check Required Documents: To apply for a Bulgarian visitor visa, you'll need: A Valid passport, A filled-out visa application form, Two recent passport-sized photos, Travel insurance with coverage of at least €30,000, Proof of where you'll stay in Bulgaria, Proof that you have enough money to support yourself while in Bulgaria and etc.
- Make Sure Everything's Right: Be sure your application is complete and accurate. If your documents aren't in English, get them translated.
- Start the Application: Download the visa application form from the Bulgarian Embassy in India's website. Fill it out, print it, and take it to the Visa Application Centre. You can find their address on the embassy's website.
- Book an Appointment: Schedule an appointment at the Visa Application Centre for fingerprint and photo collection. You can do this online or by phone.
- Pay the Fees: During your appointment at the Visa Application Centre, you'll need to pay the visa application fee.
- Visit the Centre: On your appointment day, bring your filled-out application form, required documents, and the visa application fee to the Visa Application Centre.
- Track Your Application: You can check the status of your visa application online using the Reference Number from your receipt.
- Get Your Passport: When your visa is ready, you can either pick up your passport in person at the Visa Application Centre or have it delivered to your address by courier.
Important notes:
- If it's your first time applying for a visa to go to Bulgaria or the Schengen area, you have to go in person. But for later trips to Bulgaria, someone else can apply for you.
- If someone else is applying for you, they need a letter from you saying it's okay, and they should attach a copy of their photo ID.
- You're in charge of everything in the application.
- Don't apply more than 3 months before your trip.
- It might take up to 15 days to process your application. After that, you can check your application's status at the VFS office or by emailing bgconsuldelhi@yahoo.com.
- If you apply less than 15 days before your trip, they can't promise to get your visa on time. Sometimes it might even take 30 or 60 days if they need more time to look at your application.