Bulgaria Sports Visa

The Bulgaria Sports Visa is a specialized visa category issued to individuals who plan to visit Bulgaria for the purpose of participating in international sports events. This visa is also extended to the accompanying persons of the participants, provided they are traveling in a professional capacity.

To obtain a Bulgaria Sports Visa, applicants must demonstrate that they are bona fide athletes, coaches, referees, or other sports professionals. They must provide evidence of their participation in a recognized international sports event that will take place in Bulgaria. The documentation required may vary depending on the applicant's specific circumstances, but it typically includes a letter of invitation from the event organizers, proof of registration or accreditation, and other supporting documents.

Accompanying persons who are eligible for the Bulgaria Sports Visa include coaches, trainers, medical staff, and other support personnel who are essential for the smooth running of the event. They must also demonstrate that they are traveling in a professional capacity and provide supporting documentation to prove their role.

It is important to note that the Bulgaria Sports Visa is different from a regular tourist visa, as it is designed specifically for individuals who are traveling to Bulgaria to participate in a sporting event. Therefore, applicants must meet the requirements of this specialized visa category to be eligible for approval.

The validity of the Bulgaria Sports Visa will depend on the length of the sporting event and the duration of the participant's stay in Bulgaria. In general, the visa is issued for the duration of the event and a short period before and after the event to allow for travel and preparation time.

In conclusion, the Bulgaria Sports Visa is a specialized visa category that allows athletes, coaches, referees, and other sports professionals to travel to Bulgaria for the purpose of participating in international sporting events.

Who needs a Bulgaria Sports Visa?

Non-European Union (EU) citizens who want to participate in a sports event or competition in Bulgaria are required to obtain a Bulgaria Sports Visa before entering the country. This visa allows the visa holder to engage in sports-related activities in Bulgaria for a limited period of time.

Even if you do not plan to compete in Bulgaria, but you are a professional athlete, coach, or sports official, you may still need a Bulgaria Sports Visa if you are visiting Bulgaria for training, seminars, or other sports-related events.

It's important to note that citizens of EU countries, the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland do not need a Bulgaria Sports Visa to participate in sports events or competitions in Bulgaria. They are allowed to enter and stay in Bulgaria for up to 90 days within a six-month period without a visa. However, they may still need to fulfill certain requirements, such as registering with the Bulgarian Ministry of Youth and Sports or providing a medical certificate.

How to apply for a Bulgaria Sports Visa?

Here are the general steps to apply for a Bulgaria Sports Visa:

Check if you need a visa: As a non-EU citizen, you may need a Bulgaria Sports Visa to participate in sports events or competitions in Bulgaria. Check the Bulgarian embassy or consulate website in your country of residence to confirm whether you need a visa.

Collect the required documents: Once you have confirmed that you need a Bulgaria Sports Visa, gather all the required documents for your visa application. These may include a valid passport, visa application form, letter of invitation from the sports event organizer, travel medical insurance, and proof of accommodation.

Submit your application: You can submit your Bulgaria Sports Visa application in person at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your country of residence or the country where you legally reside. You may need to schedule an appointment beforehand. Some embassies or consulates also allow for online visa applications.

Pay the visa fee: There is a non-refundable visa fee for a Bulgaria Sports Visa that you need to pay at the time of submitting your application. The fee may vary depending on the embassy or consulate where you apply.

Wait for processing: The processing time for a Bulgaria Sports Visa may vary depending on the embassy or consulate where you apply. On average, it takes up to 10-15 calendar days to process a Bulgaria Sports Visa.

Collect your visa: Once your visa application has been approved, you will receive your visa stamp in your passport. Make sure to check the visa's validity and duration before traveling to Bulgaria.

It's important to note that the specific requirements and procedures for a Bulgaria Sports Visa may vary depending on the embassy or consulate where you apply. 

Required documents for a Bulgaria Sports Visa

The following are the necessary documents for obtaining a Bulgaria Sports Visa:

Application Form:

The application form should be completed in English and filled out clearly.

Two Photos:

The photos should be taken in passport format, with a recent whole-face capture against a light background. They should be 3.5x4.5 in size, colored, and the head should occupy 70-80% of the photo. It is important to look straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression, and avoid wearing uniforms or clothes matching the background.

Foreign Passport and Copy of the Main Page:

Your passport must have at least two blank pages and be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from Bulgaria.

Copy of Previous Visas:

You should provide a copy of all previous visas you have obtained.

National Identity Card and Resident Permit/Visa Copy:

If you are a non-citizen in the country you are applying from, you must submit a valid residence permit card, which must be valid for three months after leaving Bulgaria.

Insurance:

You must have medical insurance that is valid for the entire trip and covers all costs for repatriation and urgent medical care and emergency hospital treatment for the entire stay indicated on your visa. The insurance amount cannot be less than 30,000 EUR.

Proof of Professional Status:

You should provide proof of your professional status, such as an employment contract, certificate of employment, extract from the trade and companies’ register, or school attendance certificate.

Means of Subsistence:

You must provide proof of sufficient financial means to cover the period of your stay, such as bank statements.

Proof of Accommodation:

You should provide a document from the establishment providing accommodation or any other appropriate document indicating the accommodation. If not available, an adequate written description of the planned journey is acceptable.

Proof of Itinerary:

Your flight ticket reservation should indicate the date of entry and the date of departure from Bulgaria exactly.

Proof of Civil Status:

Proof of civil status includes marriage certificates, birth certificates of children, and death certificates of spouses.

For Minors:

If you are a minor traveling without your parents or guardian, you must provide a birth certificate or copy of the family book and a travel authorization signed by the holder(s) of parental authority, along with a copy of his/her/their identity document. A letter of consent from your parent/s or legal guardian/s is also required.

An Invitation Letter from the Ministry of Youth and Sport or from a Respective Sports Club:

An invitation letter from the Ministry of Youth and Sport or a respective sports club may also be required.

*Please note that additional documents may be required by the embassy.

Processing time for a Bulgaria Sports Visa

The processing time for a Bulgaria Sports Visa may vary depending on the country where the visa application is submitted. The average processing time is between 5-20 calendar days, but it can take longer in some cases. Therefore, it's recommended that applicants plan ahead and submit their visa application well in advance of their travel dates to avoid any potential delays.

It's important to note that the processing time for a Bulgaria Sports Visa is not guaranteed and may vary based on a variety of factors, such as the volume of applications being processed by the embassy or consulate, the completeness of the application, and the applicant's individual circumstances. Therefore, applicants are advised to check the processing time for their specific embassy or consulate and plan their travel accordingly. Additionally, applicants may be able to pay an additional fee for expedited processing in certain situations, although this option may not be available at all embassies or consulates.

Bulgaria Sports Visa Fee

When applying for a Bulgaria Sports Visa, applicants are required to pay a fee to cover the expenses associated with processing the application. The fee for a Bulgaria Sports Visa is 60 EUR for most applicants, although this may vary depending on the country of submission or nationality. For children between the ages of 6 and 12, the fee is 35 EUR.

It's important to note that the visa fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the visa application. Payment is typically made at the time of submission of the application and can be made in cash, by bank transfer or by credit/debit card, depending on the specific requirements of the embassy or consulate where the application is submitted. Applicants are advised to confirm the fee amount and payment methods with the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in their country of residence before submitting their visa application.

Validity and duration of a Bulgaria Sports Visa

The validity and duration of a Bulgaria Sports Visa depend on the specific type of visa issued to the applicant.

A short-term Bulgaria Sports Visa, also known as a Type C visa, is usually issued for a maximum duration of 90 days within a six-month period. The duration of stay allowed in Bulgaria is also usually 90 days. However, the validity and duration of the visa can be less than the maximum allowed depending on the specific purpose of the trip and the decision of the issuing authority.

If the applicant intends to stay longer than 90 days, they may apply for a long-term Bulgaria Sports Visa, also known as a Type D visa. This type of visa allows the applicant to stay in Bulgaria for a longer period, usually for the duration of the sports event or competition. The validity and duration of a Type D visa also depend on the specific circumstances of the trip and the decision of the issuing authority.

It's important to note that the validity and duration of a Bulgaria Sports Visa do not guarantee entry into the country. The final decision on whether to allow entry into Bulgaria lies with the border authorities.

Restrictions and limitations of a Bulgaria Sports Visa

There are some restrictions and limitations that apply to a Bulgaria Sports Visa:

Limited duration: The Bulgaria Sports Visa is only valid for the duration of the sporting event or competition that the applicant is participating in. Once the event is over, the visa holder must leave Bulgaria.

No employment: Holders of a Bulgaria Sports Visa are not allowed to work in Bulgaria during their stay. The visa is strictly for participating in the sporting event or competition.

No change of purpose: The visa holder is not allowed to change the purpose of their visit once they have entered Bulgaria. For example, if they entered Bulgaria with a Bulgaria Sports Visa, they cannot switch to a different visa category, such as a tourist visa, without leaving the country and applying for a new visa.

Compliance with laws: The visa holder must comply with Bulgarian laws and regulations during their stay in Bulgaria. Failure to do so could result in deportation or other legal consequences.

Limited travel: The Bulgaria Sports Visa only allows travel within Bulgaria. If the visa holder wishes to travel to other Schengen countries, they will need to apply for a separate visa or permit.

It's important to note that these restrictions and limitations are subject to change and may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the visa holder. Therefore, it's advisable to check the embassy or consulate website for the latest information and guidance.

Benefits of a Bulgaria Sports Visa

A Bulgaria Sports Visa can provide a number of benefits to individuals who wish to participate in sports-related activities in Bulgaria. Some of these benefits include:

Legal eligibility: With a Bulgaria Sports Visa, individuals are legally eligible to participate in sports-related activities in Bulgaria. This includes training, competitions, and other events.

Longer stay: A Sports Visa can allow individuals to stay in Bulgaria for a longer period of time than a regular tourist visa, giving them more time to train, compete, or participate in other sports-related activities.

Flexibility: A Sports Visa can provide greater flexibility in terms of travel dates and the ability to travel in and out of Bulgaria multiple times during the visa's validity period.

Access to sports facilities and services: A Sports Visa can provide individuals with access to sports facilities and services in Bulgaria, including gyms, training facilities, and coaching services.

Exposure to a new culture: By participating in sports-related activities in Bulgaria, individuals can immerse themselves in the local culture, learn new customs and traditions, and gain a better understanding of the country and its people.

Networking opportunities: A Sports Visa can provide individuals with networking opportunities with coaches, athletes, and other individuals involved in the sports industry in Bulgaria, potentially leading to new partnerships, collaborations, and opportunities.

Overall, a Bulgaria Sports Visa can offer many benefits for individuals who wish to engage in sports-related activities in Bulgaria.

Frequently asked questions

If you are a citizen of a country that is not a member of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland and you intend to participate in a sports event or competition in Bulgaria, you need to obtain a Bulgaria Sports Visa.

The required documents for a Bulgaria Sports Visa application include a completed application form, two passport-sized photos, a foreign passport and copy of the main page, a copy of previous visas, national identity card and resident permit/visa copy (if applicable), medical insurance, proof of professional status, means of subsistence, proof of accommodation, proof of itinerary, proof of civil status, and for minors, additional documents such as birth certificates or travel authorizations.

The processing time for a Bulgaria Sports Visa varies depending on the country where the application is submitted. It usually takes between five and ten working days, but in some cases, it can take up to a month.

No, currently, Bulgaria does not have an online application system for sports visas. You need to apply in person at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

No, a Bulgaria Sports Visa is only intended for sports-related activities, and you are not allowed to work or study with this type of visa. If you intend to work or study in Bulgaria, you need to obtain a different type of visa.

The duration of stay with a Bulgaria Sports Visa depends on the type of visa issued to you. A short-term Bulgaria Sports Visa is usually issued for a maximum duration of 90 days, while a long-term Bulgaria Sports Visa allows you to stay in Bulgaria for the duration of the sports event or competition.

It's possible to extend your Bulgaria Sports Visa in certain circumstances. However, you need to apply for an extension at least two weeks before your visa expires, and the decision to grant an extension is at the discretion of the issuing authority.

No, Bulgaria is not a member of the Schengen area, and a Bulgaria Sports Visa does not allow you to travel to other Schengen countries. If you plan to visit other Schengen countries, you need to obtain a separate visa for each country.

 

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