Does Bulgaria have visa-free entry to the Schengen Area?
On 03 July 2014 the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria adopted a decision according to which by the date of Bulgaria’s accession to the Schengen area, our country will unilaterally apply a visa-free system for holders of valid visas and residence permits issued by Romania, Cyprus and Croation for a stay of up to 90 days.
Do I need a visa to travel to Bulgaria?
Currently Bulgaria issues national visas only. Those visas do not give their holders the right to enter the Schengen area, but they can use them to enter Romania, Croatia or Cyprus (for the terms and conditions, please ask the nearest respective embassy). Bulgaria applies a visa-free regime for holders of valid multiple Schengen visas.
Do I need a visa to enter the Schengen Area?
Citizens of countries who do not require a visa for a short stay will have their travel documents, as well as other entry conditions, checked at the external borders of the Schengen area. Once in the Schengen area, their rights will be the same as those of a Schengen visa holder.
What is the visa-free regime for holders of Schengen visas?
Visa-free regime for holders of Schengen visas for a stay of up to 90 days On 25 January 2012 the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria adopted a decision according to which by the date of Bulgaria’s accession to the Schengen area, our country will unilaterally apply a visa-free system for holders of valid Schengen visas.
What visa do I need for Bulgaria?
You can travel to Bulgaria for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit for family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training.
Which country I can visit with Schengen visa?
These countries are: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
Can I travel anywhere in Europe with Schengen visa?
Yes. According to the Schengen rules, the Schengen visa is generally valid for all the countries in the Schengen area.
Can I enter Croatia with Schengen visa?
Third-country nationals who have a valid residence permits issued by a Schengen member state do not need a visa for stay in Croatia not exceeding 90 days in each 180-day period or for transit through Croatia.
What are the 4 types of Schengen visas?
What type of Schengen visa do I need?Type A Schengen visa or Airport Transit Visa. ... Type B Schengen visa. ... Type C Schengen visa. ... Type D Schengen visa or national long-stay visa.
Is Bulgaria in Schengen?
Is Bulgaria a Schengen country? Bulgaria is not currently a Schengen country. The Schengen Area is made up of 22 European Union states, as well as the 4 non-EU states of Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Iceland, between which passport-free travel is permitted.
Can I go to Turkey with Schengen visa?
A Schengen visa allows visitors to travel, study, and work and reside in all 26-member states passport-free. In addition to these benefits, Schengen Visa holders can also apply online for other countries, which are non-EU countries such as Turkey.
Can I enter Germany with Spain Schengen visa?
Can I travel to Germany with it? Yes, holders of a Schengen visa can stay for up to 90 days per period of 180 days in the entire Schengen area (see question 2) and thus also in Germany, provided this is covered by the permitted period of use of the visa.
Can I enter Switzerland with Schengen visa?
Switzerland belongs to the Schengen Area*. If you have a visa issued by a Schengen member state, you generally do not require an additional tourist visa to enter Switzerland or any other Schengen country. Your stay must not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period.
Can I enter Romania with Schengen visa?
Can You Enter Romania if You Have a Schengen Visa? Yes, the Romanian government allows the holder of a valid Schengen visa to enter Romania, provided that the Schengen visa is still valid and has at least two more entries.
Can I enter Cyprus with Schengen visa?
Since June 2014 Cyprus accepts a valid Schengen Visa (category C, double or multiple entry) equivalent to its national visa for transit through or intended stay on its territory not exceeding 90 days in any 180-day period.
Can I go to Ireland with Schengen visa?
Note: A Schengen visa or UK visa is not valid for travel to Ireland. For exceptions to this, please see Schedules 2 and 3 below. If you're a citizen of a non-EEA country, whether you need a visa or not, you will be subject to immigration control when you enter Ireland.
How many countries can I visit with Schengen visa?
5 year multiple-entry Schengen visa This visa permits you to enter 26 countries in Europe as many times as you wish, within five years, as soon as you do not violate the 90/180 days rule.
Can I travel to Canada with a Schengen visa?
Because of reciprocal agreements between Canada and the European Union and Schengen Area countries, European citizens do not need a visa to travel to Canada for short stays under 180 days.
Can I enter Switzerland with Schengen visa?
Switzerland belongs to the Schengen Area*. If you have a visa issued by a Schengen member state, you generally do not require an additional tourist visa to enter Switzerland or any other Schengen country. Your stay must not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period.
Can you enter Turkey with Schengen visa?
A Schengen visa allows visitors to travel, study, and work and reside in all 26-member states passport-free. In addition to these benefits, Schengen Visa holders can also apply online for other countries, which are non-EU countries such as Turkey.
What is required to get a D visa?
Proof of housing/accommodation; when applying for D visa, a notarized lease agreement and notarized consent/declaration from the owner, stating that he/she agrees that the applicant will be registered on this address are both requested
How long before travel date do you have to apply for a visa?
Visa applications forms are submitted not earlier than 3 months before the date of the intended travel, personally.
What is the size of a full color photo?
A full color photograph 3,5 cm х 4,5 cm against light-colored background /the same holds for a child entered in the passport/ – a full-face photo with clear, large enough face which takes up 70-80% of the photo; the following is ineligible: photos with dark glasses; non-professional photos or cut out of amateur photo.
Does Bulgaria issue visas?
General information. Currently Bulgaria issues national visas only. Those visas do not give their holders the right to enter the Schengen area, but they can use them to enter Romania, Croatia or Cyprus (for the terms and conditions, please ask the nearest respective embassy).
Is Bulgaria a member of Schengen?
In 2014 the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria adopted a decision according to which by the date of Bulgaria’s accession to the Schengen area, our country will unilaterally apply a visa-free system for holders of valid visas and residence permits issued by Romania, Cyprus and Croatia for a stay of up to 90 days. They will have the right to enter and stay in the Republic of Bulgaria for a period of no more than 90 days in any 180-day period period , without needing to have a Bulgarian short-stay visa.
Who is exempt from presenting an insurance policy?
Holders of service, official, special or diplomatic passports. The following persons are exempt from presenting an insurance policy: Members of the families or the households of European Union, European Economic Area ( Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway ) and the Swiss Confederation citizens. Holders of service, official, special or diplomatic ...
Can a foreigner apply for a Bulgarian visa?
A foreign citizen wishing to apply for a Bulgarian visa shall hold a regular travel document that meets the following requirements:
Learn More: Bulgaria Schengen Visa
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW The Schengen visa is a short stay visa required for nationalities who are not eligible for visa-free travel in the 26 member countries of the Schengen area. Holders of the Schengen visa are allowed to travel throughout the Schengen zone for up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you planning a trip to Bulgaria? Have you prepared your travel itinerary? Preparing your travel itinerary before your trip is always beneficial as you have an idea of how to cover most of the popular destinations during your trip. It will save your time and energy so that you can make most of it to ensure your journey a memorable one.
When did Bulgaria join the Schengen Area?
According to Article 4 of the Act concerning the conditions of accession of the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania, the provisions of the Schengen acquis specified in Annex ІІ to that Act shall be binding on and applicable in the Republic of Bulgaria from the date of accession (1 January 2007 ), while the rest shall be applicable from the date of the Council’s decision on Bulgaria’s accession to the Schengen area.
How long can a Bulgarian citizen stay in Bulgaria?
They will have the right to enter and reside in the Republic of Bulgaria for a period of no more than three months in any six-month period from the date of the first entry, without needing to have a Bulgarian short-stay visa. The decision entered into force on 31.01.2012.
How long before a visa application is submitted?
Visa applications forms are submitted not earlier than 3 months before the date of the intended travel, personally or through an authorized agent, with the exception of humanitarian cases.
What is Bulgaria's role in Schengen?
In order to meet the Schengen criteria Bulgaria undertook all necessary actions in view of harmonizing immediately the national to the European law, updating our international base of treaties, providing the relevant state-of-the-art technical equipment and infrastructure and enhancing the administrative capacity whereby our country uses the best practice of the EU member states.
When did Bulgaria join the EU?
Regulation (EU) 2018/1806. Since the date of its accession to the EU in 2007, Bulgaria has been applying Council Regulation (EC) № 539/2001 of 15.03.2001 who was codified by Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 of the European parliament and of the Council of 14 November 2018 listing the third countries whose nationals must be in possession ...
What is the minimum size of a full color photo?
A full color photograph 3,5 cm х 4,5 cm against light-colored background (the same holds for a child entered in the passport) – a full-face photo with clear, large enough face which takes up 70-80% of the photo; eyes must be red; the following is ineligible: photos with dark glasses; non-professional photos or cut out of amateur photos
Does Bulgaria issue national visas?
Currently Bulgaria issues national visas only. Those visas do not give their holders the right to enter the Schengen area.
What is ETIAS visa?
ETIAS is a new visa waiver for visa-exempt third-country nationals. Passport holders who do not need a visa to enter countries in the Schengen Area will need to apply for the new travel permit. It will be quick and simple to apply for ETIAS. The process is 100% online and requires just basic personal and passport information.
What are the advantages of joining the Schengen Area?
Other advantages of Schengen membership include: Cross-border police cooperation.
Why did Bulgaria delay its entry to the Schengen Area?
Concerns about corruption and organised crime had delayed Bulgaria’s entry to the Schengen Area.
When will Bulgaria join the borderless zone?
An ETIAS travel authorisation could be needed to enter Bulgaria if the country joins Europe's borderless zone as of late 2022.
How many members of the European Parliament are there in Bulgaria?
There are currently 17 members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from Bulgaria. Furthermore, representatives from the Bulgarian government constantly attend European Council meetings to discuss EU policy. Bulgaria has yet to adopt the Euro currency.
When did Bulgaria join the Schengen Area?
June 2011 — Bulgaria’s bid to join the Schengen Area had been approved by the European Parliament but blocked by the Council of Ministers. Some countries had ongoing concerns about corruption and organised crime. August 2018 — Bulgaria gains full access to the Schengen Information System.
Is ETIAS required to enter Bulgaria?
ETIAS will be required to enter Bulgaria after the country joins the Schengen Area. The European Travel Information and Authorisation Service will be launched by the EU by the end of 2022. It will apply to all Schengen Member States. ETIAS is a new visa waiver for visa-exempt third-country nationals.
How long can I stay in Kosovo?
Foreigners which possess a valid multi-entry Schengen Visa are exempt to obtain a Kosovo Visa to enter, transit or stay in the Territory of the Republic of Kosovo for up to 15 DAYS within a period of 6-MONTHS (For more and updated information please click here or here! ).
How long is a Schengen visa valid in Colombia?
Schengen visas holders must ensure their visa is valid for at least 180 days from their arrival date in Colombia.
How long is a Turkish visa valid?
They first SHOULD GET a single-entry Turkish e-Visa which has a 1-MONTH validity (with a possibility to apply for such visa electronically in the website www.evisa.gov.tr (For more and updated information please click here !).
Which country allows foreigners to enter the country without a visa?
Croatia. Since the 22 nd of the July 2014, the Republic of Croatia has entered into force the decision to allow all foreigners holding valid Schengen Visa to enter, transit and stay in its territory without needing to provide an additional Croatian visa.
Which countries are not part of the Schengen Area?
Sao Tome and Principe. Serbia. Turkey. The following countries are not part of the Schengen Area, yet they ALLOW foreign citizens of other countries to enter and stay in their territories, ONLY by showing a valid Schengen Visa (double entry or multiple entry). Such foreigners, do NOT need a national visa issued from these countries to enter, ...
Which countries allow visa free access?
Colombia. Holders of passports issued by the following countries or territories are granted visa-free access for a maximum of 90 days (unless otherwise noted) if they hold visas or residence permits issued by a Schengen Area country. Cambodia. China.
Can a third country national travel to Antigua and Barbuda?
Foreigners – third country nationals seeking to enter, transit and perform short-stays in the territory of Antigua and Barbuda can do that if they enjoy a valid Schengen Visa. However, national visa will be granted on arrival (border), a single entry tourist visa-on-arrival for stay up to 30 DAYS (For more and updated information please click here !).
Is Bulgaria a Schengen country?
Bulgaria is not currently a Schengen country. The Schengen Area is made up of 22 European Union states, as well as the 4 non-EU states of Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Iceland, between which passport-free travel is permitted.
When will Bulgaria join the Schengen Area?
During a visit to Bucharest in November 2018, the President of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani, expressed his wish to expedite the entry process to Schengen for Bulgaria and Romania.
How long is the ETIAS valid in Bulgaria?
The Bulgarian ETIAS will have a total validity of 3 years or until the corresponding passport expires, while multiple stays of 90 days within a 180-day period in any Schengen country are permitted. However, the implementation of the ETIAS Bulgaria will first depend on the country being granted accession to Schengen before late 2022.
How long can a third country stay in Bulgaria?
Third-country nationals who hold a Schengen visa can enter Bulgaria for up to 3 months within a 6-month period without having to obtain a Bulgarian visa. However, Bulgaria does not issue Schengen visas.
Is Bulgaria a member of the EU?
An EU country since 2007, Bulgaria is legally bound to join the Schengen Area by the Treaty of Accession. Yet, the process of meeting the requirements and being approved for access has been lengthy.
Does Bulgaria use Euro?
Bulgaria has not yet adopted the Euro. Visitors from other European countries must use the local currency, the Bulgarian Lev (international standard code BGN) while in Bulgaria.
What are the validity and period limitations of the Schengen visa?
You may travel in the Schengen Area for a period of 90 days within a 180-day period.
Who needs to apply for a Schengen visa?
Citizens of the following countries are required to hold a Schengen visa to be allowed travel within the Schengen Area:
How long is a Schengen visa valid in Colombia?
Schengen visas holders must ensure their visa is valid for at least 180 days from their arrival date in Colombia.
How long can you stay in Kosovo with a Schengen visa?
Travellers with a valid multi-entry Schengen Visa are exempt from having a separate Kosovo Visa to enter, transit or stay in the Territory of the Republic of Kosovo for up to 15 days within a 6-month period.
How long can you stay in Aruba?
Nationals of any country who are not otherwise visa exempted can enter Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten and the Caribbean Netherlands for a maximum of 90 days with a valid visa or residence permit issued by a Schengen country.
How many countries are there in the Schengen area?
A Schengen visa obtained from any of the Schengen Area member countries allows travel throughout these 26 countries to its holder without having to get a separate entry permission for each individual country, up to its validity and period limitations.
How long can you stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Travellers with a multiple-entry Schengen visa can enter and stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina for a maximum stay of 30 days upon every entry per 180-day period. This is not applicable to holders of Kosovan passport.
