Do I need a visa to go to Bulgaria?
Entry requirements for Americans: Citizens of the USA do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria for a period of up to 90 days within a six-month period. Passports must be valid for at least three months after entry. Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK passport holders, endorsed British Citizen,...
Can a US citizen live in Bulgaria?
Under these legislations, however, every US citizen who intends to move to Bulgaria (and who doesn’t have right to live in Bulgaria) for a period of more than 3 months requires a visa type D. As a general rule, they will be able to stay in Bulgaria, providing they meet the visa requirements. Do US Citizens Require Health Insurance in Bulgaria?
How long can you stay in Bulgaria with a UK passport?
Passports must be valid for at least three months after entry. Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK passport holders, endorsed British Citizen, do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria for a period of up to 90 days in a six-month period. Passports should be valid for the period of intended stay.
What are the documents required for Bulgarian D visa application?
The standard documents required for Bulgarian D visa application are the following: Two (2) identical photos - (the standard passport size - must measure 45 millimeters (mm) high by 35mm wide) A current valid passport - you need a blank page in your passport for your visa.
Are U.S. citizens allowed to enter Bulgaria?
Entry and Exit Requirements: Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes. As of May 1, 2022, all COVID-19 entry restrictions are lifted. Travelers arriving to Bulgaria no longer must provide COVID-19 related documents to enter the country.
Who can enter Bulgaria without visa?
Non-EU nationals: Americans, Australians, British and Canadians can travel to Bulgaria without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events.
Is Bulgaria an ESTA country?
Bulgarian citizens are not eligible to apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) visa waiver to travel to the United States, however, this may change. The United States government continually evaluates the economic and political environment of a Visa Waiver Programme member country.
How long can a US citizen live in Bulgaria?
Residence Permit in BulgariaQuick FactsNaturalization requirementsLiving in the country for 5 years based on a permanent residence permitCitizenship after permanent residence5 years of permanent residency or at least 3 years by marriage9 more rows•Aug 8, 2022
How much is Bulgaria visa fee?
The visa application should be submitted at the nearest Bulgarian embassy or consulate. The visa processing time can be anywhere between 7 to 10 working days and a visa application fee of $50 is payable.
How do I get a tourist visa for Bulgaria?
Tourist visas can be obtained from a Bulgarian embassy or consulate by submitting an application and supporting documents in person. They are also referred to as “short-stay” or C visas. Bulgaria C visas permit multiple entries over the course of a year for the purposes of tourism and leisure.
Why is Bulgaria not in Schengen?
Bulgaria has temporarily backed off from its bid to join the Schengen Area due to fears that the country may go through a migrant invasion, as soon as it becomes part of the borderless area.
Is Bulgaria a Schengen state?
Is Bulgaria a Schengen country? Bulgaria is not currently a Schengen country. The Schengen Area is made up of 22 European Union states, as well as the 4 non-EU states of Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Iceland, between which passport-free travel is permitted.
What is a waiver visa?
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP), administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in consultation with the State Department, permits citizens of 40 countries to travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days without a visa.
Can I drive in Bulgaria with US drivers license?
May I drive in Bulgaria with my U.S. driver's license? A state-issued U.S. driver's license is valid in Bulgaria only when carried and presented in conjunction with an International Driving Permit.
Can U.S. citizens buy property in Bulgaria?
Moving to Bulgaria as an expat is possible by renting or buying a property here. The most important thing to consider is that as a foreigner you cannot buy land in Bulgaria, but you can acquire a house with a plot if you are an EU or EEA citizen.
Can I get residency in Bulgaria if I buy a house?
Bulgarian law creates the possibility for investors to obtain Bulgarian temporary residence by purchasing real estate which is becoming increasingly well-known internationally. The minimum amount of investment required is approximately € 310,000 (US$ 346,000).
How long can you stay in Bulgaria without a visa?
90 daysYou 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.
Do you need Schengen visa for Bulgaria?
Bulgaria applies a visa-free regime for holders of valid multiple Schengen visas. 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.
Who can travel to Europe without visa?
To travel to Europe without a visa, you need a passport with a minimum validity of at least 3 months beyond the period of your expected stay in the region....The European countries that are not part of the Schengen zone are:Albania.Armenia.Azerbaijan.Belarus.Bosnia & Herzegovina.Bulgaria.Croatia.Cyprus.More items...
Can I enter Bulgaria with Schengen residence permit?
Holders of a valid Schengen visa of any type can enter Bulgaria without an additional visa. Bulgaria's entry requirements allow travellers with a Schengen visa to enter the Republic of Bulgaria and remain for up to 90 days in a 6-month period without applying for a short-term Bulgarian visa.
What are the most common threats to U.S. citizens in Bulgaria?
Crime: ATM skimming, credit card fraud, and traffic incidents remain the most common threats to U.S. citizens in Bulgaria. Majority of incidents involving U.S. citizens are monetary in nature, though incidents of racism, ethnic slurs, and harassment of African Americans and religious minorities have occurred. Report crimes to the police by dialing 112.
What is the emergency number for Bulgaria?
For emergency services in Bulgaria, dial 112.
What are the penalties for using illegal drugs in Bulgaria?
Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Bulgaria are severe; convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
What is the penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol in Bulgaria?
Drivers may be charged with driving under the influence of alcohol with a blood level as low as 0.05 percent. The penalties for drivers involved in an accident resulting in injury or death range from a US $25 fine to life imprisonment. Check out Bulgaria’s Ministry of Interior’s road rules guide.
Can Bulgarian police take pictures of embassies?
Bulgarian law enforcement authorities may take you in for questioning if you take pictures of certain government buildings, embassies, or military facilities.
Do you need medical insurance in Bulgaria?
Visitors are required to maintain medical insurance for the duration of stay in Bulgaria. You may be required to present proof of medical insurance at the port of entry.
Is Bulgaria a level 4 country?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for Bulgaria due to COVID-19, indicating a very high level of COVID-19 in the country. There are restrictions in place affecting U.S. citizen entry into Bulgaria. Your risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing severe symptoms may be lower if you are fully vaccinated with an FDA authorized vaccine. Before planning any international travel, please review the CDC’s specific recommendations for fully vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.
Who submits a visa application for underage persons?
Visa applications for underage persons or persons with limited judicial disability shall be submitted by their legal representatives, trustees or by persons expressly authorized to do so.
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.
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.
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:
Can a foreigner enter Bulgaria?
A foreigner may enter the Republic of Bulgaria if he/ she is a holder of a regular foreign travel document or another equivalent document as well as a visa if required. The visa sticker could be affixed in an expired travel document as well.
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).
Who is not eligible to enter the United States visa free?
Anyone who is not eligible to enter the United States visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) , or is not a citizen of Canada or Bermuda.
What determines what type of visa is required?
The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law. As a visa applicant, you will need to establish that you meet all requirements to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.
What is a visa?
A visa is issued by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. A visa entitles the holder to travel to the United States and apply for admission; it does not guarantee entry. An immigration official at the port of entry determines the visa holder’s eligibility for admission into the United States. The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will ...
How to Travel to Bulgaria if You Don’t Need a Visa?
If you do not need a visa for Bulgaria, you can travel there with just your passport, which must be valid for at least another six months and have a minimum of two blank pages.
How to Apply for a Bulgarian Visa?
To obtain a Bulgaria visa, you have to apply in person no earlier than 3 months in advance at a Bulgarian consulate or embassy. The Bulgaria visa application process is as follows:
How Long Does it Take to Process a Bulgaria Visa?
A Bulgarian visa is processed in about 10-15 working days. However, the times may change depending on the specific circumstances and the Bulgarian embassy or consulate.
How Long is a Bulgaria Visa Valid For?
A Bulgaria visa’s validity depends on the type of visa you are applying for.
Do I Need a Visa for Studying or Working in Bulgaria?
Yes, you do. Any foreign national who wants to live in Bulgaria long-term, such as for studying or working, needs to obtain authorization to live in Bulgaria long-term (ie. a Bulgarian residence permit.) Everyone needs a residence permit for Bulgaria, even EU nationals. However, non-EU nationals also have to apply for a long-stay visa prior to travelling. Residence permit applications are submitted after the foreigner is in Bulgaria.
Can You Travel to a Schengen Country With a Bulgaria Visa?
No, since Bulgaria has not been admitted into the Schengen zone, you cannot use the Bulgarian visa to travel to any Schengen country. You may only enter and stay in Bulgaria with a Bulgarian visa.
What is a Bulgaria transit visa?
The Bulgaria Transit Visa, as the name suggests allows the holder to transit in a Bulgarian airport on their way to another destination. The visa does not allow the holder to leave the airport and actually enter the country of Bulgaria.
Where is the US embassy in Bulgaria?
There is one US embassy in Bulgaria, it is located in the capital city of Sofia. U.S. Embassy in Sofía, Bulgaria. Address: 16, Kozyak Street, Sofia 1408, Bulgaria. Telephone: +359 2 937 5100.
What is Bulgaria known for?
Known for its varied natural landscapes, the country is a popular destination for travelers who love the outdoors as Bulgaria features seas, rivers, lakes, mountains, forests, and even a desert.
How long does it take to get a visa waiver?
It typically takes up to 72 hours to process, in some cases more. Please give yourself ample time to apply for and receive the visa waiver. Upon entry to the Schengen Area, the visa waiver allows for multiple entries and 90 days of total time spent in the European Union over a period of 180 days . There is one US embassy in Bulgaria, it is located ...
How many Thracian tombs are there in Bulgaria?
Bulgaria boasts over 15,000 Thracian tombs. Although many of them are yet to be explored, this helps explain how the country comes in third behind Italy and Greece for the most valuable archaeological sites in Europe.
What is the emergency number in Bulgaria?
Emergencies: In the event that US citizens require emergency services, they should call the European emergency number of 112. In Bulgaria, the average answer time is 7 seconds and callers can expect to speak with an English speaker. Bulgaria also has the following national emergency service numbers: Police: 166.
Where is Bulgaria located?
Nestled in the Balkans in southeastern Europe, Bulgaria is a country at the crossroads of thousands of years of history. This makes its cities, especially Plovdiv and the capital Sofia, attractive places to visit for tourists wishing to understand both modern Bulgaria as well as how it became what it is today. Known for its varied natural landscapes, the country is a popular destination for travelers who love the outdoors as Bulgaria features seas, rivers, lakes, mountains, forests, and even a desert.
Is Bulgaria a member of the European Union?
US Embassy. Electric sockets: Plug C and Plug F, 230 V, 50 Hz. Despite becoming a member of the European Union in 2007, Bulgaria has until now opted to remain outside of the Schen gen Area, which allows for unrestricted travel between member-states. However, the country is expected to join the Schengen Area by 2021.
Where do you take a sworn statement to get married in Bulgaria?
The sworn statement must then be taken to the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to be authenticated, before you may get married.
Do American citizens need a visa to enter Bulgaria?
Does an American citizen need a visa to enter Bulgaria? An American Citizen traveling with a blue tourist passport does not need a visa to enter Bulgaria if he/she does not intend to remain in Bulgaria for more than ninety days within six months. If he/she is traveling on a diplomatic/official passport or plans to be in Bulgaria for ...
How long do you have to be in Bulgaria to visit the USA?
Entry requirements for Americans: Citizens of the USA do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria for a period of up to 90 days within a six-month period. Passports must be valid for at least three months after entry. Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK passport holders, endorsed British Citizen, do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria for a period ...
What are the requirements for a visa?
Visa application requirements may include but are not limited to: Valid passport; Application form; One passport-size photo; Return ticket or documentation for next destination; Fee, payable in cash or by postal order only; Proof of sufficient funds (at least 50 USD a day); Proof of paid fare for onward destination;
How long is a passport valid for?
Passports of all visitors should be valid for at least six months on entry for those requiring a visa, and three months on entry for visa exempt nationals other than those from EU countries, whose passports must be valid for period of stay.
How long can a national stay in the EU?
Nationals of EU countries for stays of up to 90 days within each six-month period (except nationals of Estonia, Ireland and the UK, who may stay for up to 30 days within a six-month period);
Does Bulgaria need a visa?
Specific requirements: With Bulgaria's entry into the EU in 2007, Bulgaria's visa requirements have been upgraded to meet EU requirements. Basically, entry into Bulgaria is now as (relatively) simple as entry into any EU Member State. Entry requirements for Americans: Citizens of the USA do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria for a period ...
Do Australians need a visa to visit Bulgaria?
Entry requirements for Australians: Australians do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria for a period of up to 90 days within a six-month period. A passport valid for at least three months after entry is required. Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans need a visa to enter Bulgaria.
Do South Africans need a visa to enter Bulgaria?
Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans need a visa to enter Bulgaria. A passport valid for at least six months on entry is required and a visa will only be issued if blank pages are available. Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealanders do not require a visa for a maximum stay of 90 days within a six-month period.
What is Bulgaria's visa?
Visas are issued to highly-skilled migrant workers/specialists residing in the country under the terms of an international contract in which Bulgaria takes part.
Who Is Eligible for a Bulgarian Type D Visa?
Long-term visa applicants are obliged to meet at least 1 of the 18 grounds provided under the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act (Art 24, Paragraph 1) on which this type of visa is issued.
What Is a Type D Visa for Bulgaria?
A Type D visa is a long-term visa that allows its holders to enter the Republic of Bulgaria multiple times. It is issued for the period of either 6 months or 12 months and is an essential requirement for all eligible applicants to be considered for a Bulgarian residence permit.
Where Do I Apply for My Visa D?
All applicants must apply in person at the nearest Bulgarian embassy/consulate in their country of residence no later than 3 months prior to the visit. It is essential to thoroughly review all visa-related information available on their website for local procedures and instructions (such as how to arrange an interview appointment).
What is a medical visa?
A visa is issued to an applicant for medical therapy or treatment in a medical facility. Applicants need to provide evidence that all transportation, medical, and living expenses in the country will be covered.
What is a volunteer visa?
A volunteering visa is granted to applicants who have been offered unpaid work at a recognized religious or non-profit charitable organization and/or participation in a "voluntary service program" of the organization.
How long does a freelancer's visa last?
Freelance. This visa requires a freelance activity permit issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy. The permit is issued for a period of up to 12 months. The scope of the freelance practice cannot be changed during the term of the initial permit.
What countries can I travel to with a Bulgarian passport?
Holders of various categories of official Bulgarian passports have additional visa-free access to the following countries - Azerbaijan (diplomatic or service passports), China (diplomatic or service passports), India (diplomatic or official passports), Indonesia (diplomatic or official passports), Iran (diplomatic or service passports), Kazakhstan (diplomatic or service passports), Kuwait (diplomatic or service passports), Mauritania (diplomatic and service passports), Mongolia (diplomatic or official passports), North Korea (diplomatic or service passports), Qatar (diplomatic passports), Russia (diplomatic and service passports), South Africa (diplomatic, official or service passports), Turkmenistan (diplomatic or service passports) and Vietnam (diplomatic, official, service or special passports). Holders of diplomatic or service passports of any country have visa-free access to Cape Verde, Ethiopia, Mali and Zimbabwe .
How long can you travel without a visa?
72-hour visit without a visa when in transit through Changsha, Guilin and Harbin. Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan do count as third countries under the 24, 72 and 144-hours visa-free transit (TWOV) policies.
How long do you have to have a passport to enter Bermuda?
Bermuda requires passports to be valid for at least 45 days upon entry.
Which countries do not allow Israeli passports?
Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Syria, and Yemen do not allow entry to people with passport stamps from Israel or whose passports have either a used or an unused Israeli visa, or where there is evidence of previous travel to Israel such as entry or exit stamps from neighbouring border posts in transit countries such as Jordan and Egypt.
Do countries have restrictions on foreigners?
Many countries have entry restrictions on foreigners that go beyond the common requirement of having either a valid visa or a visa exemption. Such restrictions may be health related or impose additional documentation requirements on certain classes of people for diplomatic or political purposes.
Is Bulgarian passport free in 2021?
As of July 6th, 2021, Bulgarian citizens had visa-free or visa on arrival access to 174 countries and territories, ranking the Bulgarian passport 16th overall in terms of travel freedom according to the Henley & Partners Passport Index.
Is Bulgarian citizenship valid?
A Bulgarian identity card is valid for travel to most of the European countries. Visa requirements for Bulgarian citizens are administrative entry restrictions by the authorities of other states placed on citizens of Bulgaria. As of July 6th, 2021, Bulgarian citizens had visa-free or visa on arrival access to 174 countries and territories, ...
