Bulgaria is a beautiful country located in Southeast Europe, known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and unique culture. If you are planning to visit Bulgaria, it's essential to know the different visa types and categories available for entry.
Visas are essential documents that grant entry and stay in a foreign country for a specific duration. For Bulgaria, the visa requirements differ depending on the traveler's nationality, purpose of visit, and duration of stay.
The Bulgarian visa system is part of the Schengen Area, which means that travelers who enter Bulgaria can also visit other countries in the Schengen zone without the need for additional visas. However, it's essential to note that Bulgaria is not yet a part of the Schengen Area, and therefore, travelers should check the visa requirements for other Schengen countries separately.
The most common visa types for Bulgaria include short-term visas (type C) and long-term visas (type D)-
A Bulgaria Transit Visa, also known as a Type A visa, is a temporary visa that allows travelers to pass through Bulgaria on their way to another destination. This type of visa is intended for individuals who are not staying in Bulgaria but are only passing through the country for a limited period.
The Bulgaria Transit Visa is issued to individuals who are traveling to another country, but their journey requires them to pass through Bulgaria. This may include travelers who are changing planes or trains in Bulgaria, or those who are driving through the country to reach their final destination.
The Bulgaria Transit Visa is valid for a maximum of 24 hours, and it cannot be extended. It is essential to note that holders of a Bulgaria Transit Visa are not permitted to leave the transit area of the airport, train station or port during their stay in Bulgaria.
To apply for a Bulgaria Transit Visa, individuals must submit their application at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in their country of origin.
A Bulgaria Short-term Visa, also known as a Type C visa, is a temporary visa that allows travelers to stay in Bulgaria for a short period. This type of visa is intended for individuals who are traveling to Bulgaria for tourism, business, or other short-term purposes.
The Bulgaria Short-term Visa is issued to individuals who plan to stay in Bulgaria for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. This visa can be used for various purposes, including tourism, business, medical treatment, or attending cultural or sporting events.
To apply for a Bulgaria Short-term Visa, individuals must submit their application at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in their country of origin. The application process typically requires the submission of a completed visa application form, a valid passport, and evidence of sufficient funds to support their stay in Bulgaria.
Additionally, applicants may be required to provide other documents depending on the purpose of their visit, such as a letter of invitation from a Bulgarian host, travel itinerary, medical insurance, or proof of accommodation. The visa processing time usually takes between 5-15 working days, depending on the embassy or consulate.
It's essential to note that holders of a Bulgaria Short-term Visa are not allowed to work in Bulgaria. If an individual wishes to work in Bulgaria, they must apply for a work permit and a long-term residency permit.
Bulgaria Tourist visa is a type of visa that allows travelers to visit Bulgaria for leisure purposes such as sightseeing, visiting friends or family, or engaging in tourism activities. This visa allows a limited period of stay in the country, typically up to 90 days within a 6-month period, depending on the visa's validity.
It is important to note that the Bulgaria Tourist visa does not permit any business activities in the country. This means that travelers cannot engage in any professional or commercial activities, such as attending business meetings or conferences, seeking employment or work, or conducting business transactions.
To apply for a Bulgaria Tourist visa, applicants typically need to provide proof of their travel itinerary, accommodation arrangements, and sufficient funds to cover their stay in the country.
Bulgaria Business visa is a type of visa that allows travelers to visit Bulgaria for short-term business-related reasons. This visa is suitable for those who need to attend meetings, conferences, seminars, or other business events in Bulgaria that do not involve actual labor work or payment from Bulgarian sources.
The Bulgaria Business visa permits a stay of up to 90 days within a 6-month period, depending on the visa's validity. It is important to note that this visa does not allow travelers to work in Bulgaria or receive payment from Bulgarian sources.
To apply for a Bulgaria Business visa, applicants typically need to provide documents such as an invitation letter from a Bulgarian company, proof of business activities in Bulgaria.
Bulgaria Private visa is a type of visa that allows applicants to visit and stay with family or friends who are legally residing in Bulgaria. This visa is suitable for those who want to travel to Bulgaria for personal reasons, such as visiting family or attending a family event, and not for business or tourism purposes.
The Bulgaria Private visa permits a stay of up to 90 days within a 6-month period, depending on the visa's validity. It is important to note that this visa does not allow travelers to engage in any employment or business activities in Bulgaria.
To apply for a Bulgaria Private visa, applicants typically need to provide documents such as an invitation letter from their Bulgarian host, proof of family or friend relationship, and evidence of sufficient funds to cover their stay in the country.
Bulgaria Medical visa is a type of visa that allows people to travel to Bulgaria for medical treatment. This visa is suitable for those who need to visit Bulgaria to receive medical care or undergo medical procedures that are not available or accessible in their home country.
The Bulgaria Medical visa permits a stay of up to 90 days within a 6-month period, depending on the visa's validity. It is important to note that this visa does not allow travelers to engage in any employment or business activities in Bulgaria.
To apply for a Bulgaria Medical visa, applicants typically need to provide documents such as a medical certificate from a recognized medical institution in Bulgaria.
Bulgaria Sports visa is a type of visa that allows athletes and their accompanying persons to travel to Bulgaria to participate in international sports events. This visa is suitable for those who need to travel to Bulgaria for professional sports-related activities, such as competing in sports tournaments, coaching, or attending sports-related events.
The Bulgaria Sports visa permits a stay of up to 90 days within a 6-month period, depending on the visa's validity. It is important to note that this visa does not allow travelers to engage in any employment or business activities in Bulgaria outside of their sports-related profession.
To apply for a Bulgaria Sports visa, applicants typically need to provide documents such as an invitation letter from the organizing sports federation or event.
Bulgaria Cultural exchange visa is a type of visa that allows individuals to travel to Bulgaria to participate in scientific, cultural, or artistic activities. This visa is suitable for those who need to visit Bulgaria for educational, research, or cultural exchange purposes, such as attending conferences, seminars, workshops, or exhibitions.
The Bulgaria Cultural exchange visa permits a stay of up to 90 days within a 6-month period, depending on the visa's validity. It is important to note that this visa does not allow travelers to engage in any employment or business activities in Bulgaria outside of their scientific, cultural, or artistic profession.
To apply for a Bulgaria Cultural exchange visa, applicants typically need to provide documents such as an invitation letter from the Bulgarian organization hosting the event or activity.
Bulgaria long-stay visas are designed for individuals who wish to obtain long-term residency or permanent residency in Bulgaria. This visa is valid for six months and allows a maximum stay of 180 days in the country. However, long-stay visas with one-year validity are also available for researchers, students studying for less than a year, graduate students, interns, and individuals sent on business trips to coordinate tourist services contracts on behalf of a foreign employer.
In addition, individuals sent for investment purposes by a foreign employer under the Investment Promotion Act may also be eligible for this visa. The Bulgaria long-term visa permits multiple entries into the country during its validity period. However, the visa is canceled once the individual enters Bulgaria and receives a residence permit from the administrative office of foreigners.
Bulgaria Study (Long-term) Visa is a type of visa that allows foreign students to stay in Bulgaria for an extended period to pursue their studies at recognized educational institutions in the country. This visa is suitable for those who wish to enroll in undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate programs, as well as research or language courses.
The Bulgaria Study Visa allows a stay of up to 90 days within a six-month period. However, for students pursuing longer-term courses, a long-term Study Visa with a validity of up to one year may be issued, allowing a stay of up to 365 days in Bulgaria.
To apply for a Bulgaria Study Visa, applicants typically need to provide documents such as an acceptance letter from a recognized educational institution in Bulgaria, proof of financial means to cover their living expenses and tuition fees, and evidence of their accommodation arrangements in Bulgaria. They may also need to undergo a visa interview and meet other eligibility requirements.
Once in Bulgaria, foreign students with a Study Visa need to apply for a residence permit within the first seven days of their arrival. The residence permit allows them to stay in Bulgaria for the duration of their studies and engage in part-time employment within the limits of the Bulgarian law.
Bulgaria Work (Long-term) Visa is a type of visa that allows foreign nationals to work and live in Bulgaria for an extended period. This visa is suitable for those who wish to obtain employment or engage in business activities in Bulgaria for a duration exceeding 90 days.
To apply for a Bulgaria Work Visa, applicants typically need to provide documents such as a valid passport, proof of employment or business activity in Bulgaria, and a work permit issued by the Bulgarian Ministry of Labor and Social Policy. The applicant may also need to undergo a visa interview and meet other eligibility requirements.
The Bulgaria Work Visa allows a stay of up to 90 days within a six-month period. However, for those who need to stay in Bulgaria for longer durations, a Long-term Work Visa with a validity of up to one year may be issued, allowing a stay of up to 365 days in Bulgaria.
Once in Bulgaria, foreign nationals with a Work Visa must register with the Bulgarian Ministry of Interior within three days of their arrival and apply for a residence permit within the first seven days. The residence permit allows them to stay in Bulgaria for the duration of their work and engage in part-time employment within the limits of the Bulgarian law.
Bulgaria Family Reunion Visa is a type of visa that allows family members of Bulgarian citizens or legal residents to reunite with their loved ones in Bulgaria. This visa is suitable for spouses, children, parents, and other family members who wish to join their relatives in Bulgaria for a long-term stay.
To apply for a Bulgaria Family Reunion Visa, applicants typically need to provide documents such as a completed visa application form, a valid passport, a marriage or birth certificate, and proof of their relationship with the Bulgarian citizen or resident. They may also need to undergo a visa interview and meet other eligibility requirements.
The Bulgaria Family Reunion Visa allows a stay of up to 90 days within a six-month period. However, for those who need to stay in Bulgaria for a longer duration, a Long-term Family Reunion Visa with a validity of up to one year may be issued, allowing a stay of up to 365 days in Bulgaria.
Once in Bulgaria, foreign nationals with a Family Reunion Visa must register with the Bulgarian Ministry of Interior within three days of their arrival and apply for a residence permit within the first seven days. The residence permit allows them to stay in Bulgaria for the duration of their family reunion and engage in part-time employment within the limits of the Bulgarian law.
There are several types of visas available for travel to Bulgaria, including Tourist Visa, Business Visa, Private Visa, Medical Visa, Sports Visa, Cultural Exchange Visa, Study Visa, Work Visa, and Family Reunion Visa.
A Tourist Visa allows a limited period of leisure travel within Bulgaria, but no business activity.
A Business Visa is for those who would like to travel to Bulgaria for a short duration for business-related reasons that do not require actual labor work or payment from a Bulgaria source.
A Private Visa is for applicants who intend to travel to visit and stay with family or friends legally residing in Bulgaria.
A Medical Visa is issued for people seeking medical treatment in Bulgaria.
A Sports Visa is issued for those who travel to Bulgaria to participate in international sports events and their accompanying persons in their professional capacity.
A Cultural Exchange Visa is designated for entering Bulgaria to participate in scientific, cultural, and artistic activities.
A Long-term Visa is issued to persons wishing to obtain a long-term residence or permanent residence permit in Bulgaria.
A Study Visa is for students who wish to study in Bulgaria for a period exceeding 90 days.
A Work Visa is for foreign nationals who wish to work in Bulgaria for a duration exceeding 90 days.
A Family Reunion Visa is for family members of Bulgarian citizens or legal residents who wish to reunite with their loved ones in Bulgaria for a long-term stay.
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