Skip to content
🇧🇬

Bulgaria visas

Bulgaria is a member of both the European Union and the Schengen Area. Bulgaria joined the Schengen Area fully on 1 January 2025 (air and sea borders from 31 March 2024). For short stays — up to 90 days in any 180-day period — most travellers use the shared Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) or, if they are visa-exempt, ETIAS. For stays of more than 90 days, Bulgaria issues its own national long-stay visa (Type D) under its own rules. This hub explains both and links to the official European Commission sources; the shared short-stay rules are covered in full on our Schengen Area guide.

Check which visa you need

Important information

Short-stay rules for Bulgaria are shared across the Schengen Area — whether you need a visa, and what applies to you, depends on your nationality and the purpose and length of your stay. Always confirm the current position on the official European Commission and Bulgaria government sources before you travel or apply.

Bulgarian visa categories

Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.

Bulgarian visa application at a glance

From start to finish in five simple steps.

  1. 01Choose the right visa
  2. 02Check eligibility & documents
  3. 03Apply online
  4. 04Provide biometrics
  5. 05Wait for a decision
See the full application process

Bulgaria — key facts

Short-stay visa
Schengen visa (Type C)
Uniform across the whole Schengen Area
Short-stay limit
90 days in any 180
The shared Schengen short-stay rule
Long stays
National visa (Type D)
Issued by this country, for stays over 90 days
ETIAS
Travel authorisation
For visa-exempt travellers — expected to start in late 2026
EES
Biometric borders
Automated entry/exit, fully operational since 10 April 2026

Bulgarian visas — people also ask

  • Bulgaria is in the Schengen Area, so short visits (up to 90 days in any 180) follow the shared Schengen rules. Whether you need a short-stay visa depends on your nationality — some travellers are visa-exempt (and, once it starts, will need an ETIAS travel authorisation instead). Check the official European Commission guidance for your situation.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.