Bulgaria Visa Guide

From its dramatic landscapes to ancient historical sites, book flights to Bulgaria and experience this south-eastern part of Europe. Bulgaria boasts a rich culture, diverse landscapes, ancient ruins, warm hospitality, and a stunning array of attractions that cater to a wide range of interests. Along with that, there are picturesque cities surrounded by mountains and tranquil beaches, offering a multifaceted experience. By obtaining Bulgaria visa, you can explore cities like Sofia, the capital, which has a vibrant mix of history and contemporary life.

If history is what interests you, then take a trip to Plovdiv, one of the oldest inhabited cities in Europe. No wonder many travellers love to come here for its many wonders. With an easy process to get Bulgaria visa for Indians, it has become even more accessible to get here. Based on the purpose of your visit, you can check for Bulgaria visa requirements from the official website. Let us scroll below to know more about the visa to Bulgaria from India.

Note: You need to apply for a Bulgaria visa since it is not yet a part of the Schengen Area. However, since it is a member of the European Union, you can visit the country if you have a valid Schengen visa and have visited any of the Schengen countries with that visa prior to your arrival in Bulgaria.

The following are the steps you need to keep in mind while applying for Bulgaria visa:

• Identify the visa type
• Check whether you’re eligible to apply for the visa
• Get started with your visa application
• Choose a Visa Application Centre close to you and make an appointment
• Pay your Bulgaria visa fees
• Visit a Visa Application Centre to attend your appointment
• Track your application
• Receive your passport from the Visa Application Centre once the process is completed and you are informed of the same

Once your visa process is completed, you will receive an email update. You can also track your visa application status online by using the Reference Number that is stated on the invoice/receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre.

Want to visit the beautiful country of Bulgaria and explore its breathtaking sights? Scroll below to know more about Bulgaria visa for Indians:

1. Tourist visa
2. Business visa
3. Transit visa
4. Medical treatment visa
5. Student visa

To enter the Republic of Bulgaria for tourism purposes, Indian passport holders need a tourist visa. However, Diplomatic and Official passport holders are exempt from visa requirement to enter Bulgaria for short-term visits of 90 days.

Documents for tourist visa

• Completed application form in English or Bulgarian
• A passport with a validity of at least three months after the intended date of departure
• At least two coloured passport-size photographs
• A copy of the first and last page of the passport
• Round-trip flight reservation or a detailed itinerary
• Travel medical insurance
• Proof of accommodation in Bulgaria
• Bank statements for proof of funds

Tourist visa validity

The validity depends on the duration of your stay. For more details, you can check out the official government website.

Processing time for tourist visa

The processing time for Bulgaria visas for Indians may take up to 15 working days. However, the process may take longer if there are mistakes in the application.

With Bulgaria business visa for Indian citizens an individual can visit for business-related activities such as attending conferences, meetings, negotiations, exploring business opportunities, and conducting transactions.

Documents for business visa

• Completed application form in English or Bulgarian
• A passport with at least three months of validity after the intended date of departure
• At least two coloured passport-size photographs
• A copy of the first and last page of the passport
• Round-trip flight reservation or a detailed itinerary
• Travel medical insurance
• Proof of accommodation in Bulgaria
• Bank statements for proof of funds
• Business invitation letter
• Company registration document

Business visa validity

The validity depends on the duration of your stay. For more details, visit the official government website.

Processing time for business visa

The processing time for Bulgaria visas for Indians may take up to 15 working days. However, the process may take longer if there are mistakes in the application.

With this visa, an individual is allowed to transit through the country. This transit visa is issued to the individual in a form of a sticker. Transit visa is different from tourist visa, where in an individual can explore the city for a limited period of time. Most transit visas are for 24 hours.

Documents for transit visa

• Completed application form in English or Bulgarian
• A passport valid for at least three months after the intended date of departure
• At least two coloured passport-size photographs
• A copy of the first and last page of the passport
• Valid flight ticket and visa for the next destination

Transit visa validity

The validity of a transit visa for Bulgaria will depend on the purpose of your transit and the specific details of your travel itinerary. Transit visas are often granted for the period of time necessary to complete your transit through Bulgaria.

Processing time for transit visa

The processing time for Bulgaria visas for Indians may take up to 15 working days. However, the process may take longer if there are mistakes in the application.

The Bulgaria Medical Treatment Visa is for Indian citizens who are travelling to Bulgaria for the purpose of receiving medical treatment or undergoing medical procedures. This visa allows individuals to seek medical care, consultation, surgery, and other medical treatment/s from recognised medical institutions in Bulgaria.

Documents for medical treatment visa

• Completed application form in English or Bulgarian
• A passport valid for at least three months after the intended date of departure
• At least two coloured passport-size photographs
• A copy of the first and last page of the passport
• Round-trip flight reservation or a detailed itinerary
• Medical appointment letter from the hospital in Bulgaria
• Necessary documents for the treatment
• Proof of accommodation in Bulgaria
• Bank statements for proof of funds and medical purposes

Medical treatment visa validity

The validity depends on the duration of your medical treatment. For more details, you can check out the official government website.

Processing time for medical treatment visa

The processing time for Bulgaria visas for Indians may take up to 15 working days. However, the process may take longer if there are mistakes in the application.

The student visa allows an individual to pursue higher education, such as undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral studies from recognised educational institutions in Bulgaria. This visa allows Indian students to reside in Bulgaria for the duration of their academic programme and pursue their studies.

Documents for student visa

• Completed application form in English or Bulgarian
• A passport valid for at least three months after the intended date of departure
• At least two coloured passport-size photographs
• A copy of the first and last page of the passport
• Round-trip flight reservation or a detailed itinerary
• Acceptance/appointment letter from the university in Bulgaria
• Necessary educational documents and transcripts
• Proof of accommodation in Bulgaria
• Bank statements as proof of funds

Student visa validity

The validity depends on the duration of your course. For more details, you can check out the official government website.

Processing time for student visa

The processing time for Bulgaria visas for Indians may take up to 15 working days. However, the process may take longer if there are mistakes in the application.