Bulgaria Visa Guide in 2024

On March 31, 2024, Bulgaria began issuing Schengen short-stay visas instead of national visas, making it easier for people who need a visa to travel within the Schengen Area.

This article will guide you through the Bulgaria visa process in 2024, including how to apply, what documents are required, and how to get the perfect visa photo.

Table of contents

• Bulgaria as a Part of the Schengen Zone: Visa Policy Updates – 2024
• Bulgaria Visa Types
• Bulgaria Tourist Visa Application Process
• Documents Required for Bulgaria Tourist Visa Application
• Bulgaria visa photo requirements
• Get a Bulgaria Visa Photo Online!
• Mobile Visa Photo App
• Bulgaria Visa Fees
• Bulgaria Visa Processing Time

Bulgaria as a Part of the Schengen Zone: Visa Policy Updates – 2024

Can I enter Bulgaria with Schengen visa in 2024? – Yes, you can, because on March 31, 2024, Bulgaria and Romania joined the Schengen Area for air and sea travel. This means passengers can travel by plane or boat between these countries and other Schengen countries without having their passports checked. However, travelers entering Bulgaria or Romania by land will still face border checks, as the EU Council hasn't set a date to remove these land border controls yet.

Days spent in Bulgaria will count against the 90-day visa-free limit for those exempt from needing a visa. It’s important to monitor how many days you spend in the Schengen Area to stay within this limit.

Note: Bulgarian short-term visas issued before March 31, 2024, will remain valid until the expiration date, Those with long-term Bulgarian visas issued before this date can use these visas to travel within the Schengen Area until they also expire.

Bulgaria Visa Types

Bulgaria offers different visas depending on why and how long you plan to stay. Here are the main types:

Schengen Visa (Type C). This visa is for short visits, up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It is suitable for tourism, business trips, visiting family and friends, short courses, and similar activities.

Airport Transit Visa (Type A). This visa type allows travelers to change planes at a Bulgarian airport on their way to another country.

Long-Stay Visa (Type D). This visa is for stays longer than 90 days, covering activities such as long-term work in Bulgaria, enrolling in long-term study programs at Bulgarian schools or universities, joining family members who are Bulgarian citizens or residents, and other extended stays, like retiring or volunteering.

Bulgaria Tourist Visa Application Process

According to Bulgaria's tourist visa requirements, you can apply for your visa as early as six months before your trip and no later than 15 days before. Ideally, you should apply 1 to 3 months before your travel date. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the application process:

1. Complete and sign the Application Form in English or Bulgarian and attach a recent passport-sized photo (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm).
2. Submit your application form along with all required Bulgaria visa documents at a Bulgarian embassy, consulate, or representative office.
3. Pay the non-refundable visa application fee.
4. Attend an in-person interview if required by the Bulgarian embassy or representative office.
5. Wait for your visa to be processed, which usually takes between 20 and 30 working days.
6. Pick up your visa from the Bulgarian embassy, consulate, or representative office where you submitted your application.

Documents Required for Bulgaria Tourist Visa Application

Here’s a Bulgaria visa checklist of documents you’ll need to submit with your visa application:

• Your passport, which is valid for at least three months after your planned departure from Bulgaria. It should have at least two blank pages (back to back) and have been issued within the last 10 years. Plus, a copy of the first page of your passport (the one with your photo and details).
• Copies of your last Bulgarian and Schengen visas, if you have them.
• A clear, full-color photo 3.5×4.5 cm.
• Travel medical insurance, valid in EU member states, for the entire trip. It should cover at least EUR 30,000 for repatriation, urgent medical care, and emergency hospital treatment.
• Original and a copy of your travel tickets or a confirmed reservation.
• Proof of financial means, showing that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay, like bank statements or salary slips.
• Accommodation details, such as a hotel booking, a private accommodation confirmation, a real estate title deed, or a lease agreement.
• Proof of your current social and professional status, such as a letter from your employer or educational institution.
• If traveling by car, a copy of the car’s technical passport.

For minors traveling without parents/guardians:

• Copy of the child’s birth certificate.
• Original and a copy of a notarized power of attorney, signed by both parents/guardians (or one if applicable), giving permission for the child to travel alone.

Bulgaria visa photo requirements

When applying for a Bulgaria visa, your photo needs to meet the following criteria:

• Your Bulgaria visa picture should be in color and printed on high-quality photo paper.
• The dimensions must be 35×45 mm.
• Use a plain, light background, ideally white.
• Ensure your head is approximately 30 mm from the bottom of the photo, with your face covering 70-80% of the image.
• Your face should be clearly visible, facing the camera directly.
• The photo must be free of defects, pixels, glare, or shadows.
• Hats or head coverings are not allowed unless worn for religious reasons.

Here is an example:

Get a Bulgaria Visa Photo Online!

Studies show that visa applications with professional photos contribute to a higher Bulgaria visa acceptance rate. To maximize your chances of approval, get a high-quality photo for your Bulgaria visa online with the help of Visafoto, a trusted photo editing service that boasts a 99.7% success rate for visa photographs.

Simply take a picture against a plain white background using your smartphone or camera, then upload it to Visafoto.com. The service will adjust the image size, format, background color, and face positioning to ensure your photo meets all official requirements.

You'll also receive both a digital file for online submissions and a print-ready version. Plus, if you're not happy with the final result, there's a full refund guarantee.

Take an image with a smartphone or camera against any background, upload it here, and instantly get a professional photo for your visa, passport, or ID.

Visafoto can help you whether you’re applying online or in person, as you will get a digital file of your photo and a template of your image that’s ready to print.

Mobile Visa Photo App

For added convenience, try the 7ID App by Visafoto.com. This user-friendly app simplifies creating ID, passport, and visa photos directly from your smartphone. Available for both iPhone and Android devices, it's accessible to everyone.

Using 7ID is straightforward: upload your photo, select the type of document and country, and the app will automatically adjust your picture to meet official standards. This includes ensuring the correct size, format, background color, and proper face and eye alignment. You'll get a digital copy and a print template that fits standard paper sizes like 4×6, A4, A5, or B5.

For top-notch results, use 7ID's Expert Tool, which employs advanced algorithms to enhance your photos, regardless of background. It’s perfect for essential documents like passports and DV lottery applications. If you need help, our technical support team is available 24/7.

Bulgaria Visa Fees

The costs for obtaining a Bulgaria visa are as follows:

Airport Transit Visa (Visa A) and Short-Term Visa (Visa C)

• For adults – approximately EUR 80
• For children aged 6 to 12 – approx. EUR 35
• For citizens of Azerbaijan, Albania, Armenia, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, North Macedonia, Moldova, Serbia, Ukraine, and Montenegro the fee is about EUR 35 due to visa facilitation agreements with the EU.

Long-Term Visa (Visa D)

• Six-month valid D-visa is about EUR 100
• One-year valid D-visa is approx. EUR 200 (available in very limited cases)

Who Is Exempt from Visa Fees:

• Children under 6 years old
• Children aged 6 to 12 from Turkey and Belarus
• Family members of Bulgarian and EU citizens
• Holders of service, official, special, or diplomatic passports.

Bulgaria Visa Processing Time

Bulgaria visa processing time can vary depending on the specific requirements and workload of the embassy or consulate where you submit your application. Thus, airport transit visa (Visa A) and short-term visas (Visa C) are generally processed within 15 calendar days. And the long-term visa (Visa D) usually takes around 35 days.

Make your Bulgaria visa application smoother by using Visafoto.com and the 7ID App for an impeccable visa photo. Good luck with your Bulgaria visa application!