Can U.S. citizens travel to Bulgaria without a visa?
U.S. citizens can travel to Bulgaria without a visa for up to 90 days per 180-day period. To travel to Bulgaria, U.S. citizens are required to have the following: A valid U.S. machine-readable passport.
Can U.S. citizens 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 needs a visa to enter Bulgaria?
All foreign nationals that are not visa-exempt must apply for a visa for Bulgaria to be allowed into the country. However, all children under the age of six (even those from visa-required countries) are exempt from holding a visa when entering Bulgaria.
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.
Is Bulgaria safe right now?
You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk.
Is Bulgaria worth visiting?
Moreover, many tourists are excited to explore the Black sea in Bulgaria. While others prefer to discover our beautiful cities, ancient history and rich cultural heritage. However, Bulgaria is not yet widely popular holiday destination. Many travellers have no idea if Bulgaria is worth visiting.
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.
How long does it take to get a Bulgarian visa?
How Long Does It Take For My Visa D To Be Issued? Depending on various factors, the time required for the Bulgarian D visa to be issued is between one (1) to two (2) months. 90% of my clients receive their D visas in 4 weeks (20 working days).
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.
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 part of the Schengen Area?
Schengen underpins this freedom by enabling citizens to move around the Schengen Area without being subject to border checks. Today, the Schengen Area encompasses most EU countries, except for Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland and Romania.
Are Bulgarians eligible for ESTA?
Citizens of all countries in the Schengen Area, as well as Ireland and Croatia, already enjoy visa-free travel thanks to the ESTA. The only EU countries not yet included are Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania. All 3 are under consideration. Israel is also being considered after ongoing negotiations with the US government.
Can a US citizen retire in Bulgaria?
Bulgarian offer favorable conditions for retired people to get a residence permit, and then move to live in Bulgaria. A Long-term Residence Permit stays in the country can be obtained by any foreign pensioner who has a place to live and enough money to stay in Bulgaria.
Do U.S. citizens need Covid test to return?
If you recovered from a documented COVID-19 infection within the past 90 days (regardless of vaccination status), you do NOT need to get a test 3-5 days after arrival. You also do not need to self-quarantine after arrival. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms after arrival, isolate and immediately get tested.
Is Bulgaria a NATO member?
The Republic of Bulgaria is a country in Southeast Europe, and a member of both NATO (since 2004) and the European Union (since 2007). It maintains diplomatic relations with 181 countries.
Can I travel to Bulgaria in September?
Bulgaria has lifted all COVID-19 related travel restrictions for entering the country.
Can US citizens 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.
Can Americans travel to Bulgaria?
American citizens living abroad must return to the US and apply for their visa from there. Americans cannot apply for a visa at the Bulgarian embassy/consulate from outside the United States.
Do US Citizens Require Health Insurance in Bulgaria?
Health insurance for Bulgaria is not required for short-term stays of up to 3 months. It is, however, highly recommended to consider purchasing adequate coverage to cover any medical expenses or costs associated with emergencies such as illnesses or accidents that may occur throughout the visit.
Do US Citizens Need a Visa to Visit Bulgaria?
United States citizens with a valid US passport can travel to Bulgaria as a tourist for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. They do not have to apply or pay for a visa for short-term visits.
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 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 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 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.
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 ...
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 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.
Is Bulgaria a member of the Schengen Area?
Joining the Schengen area is a key priority of our country. The Bulgarian government is highly committed to fulfilling one of the key national priorities – Bulgaria’s accession to the Schengen area. A well-functioning coordination between ministries and institutions has been established to this end on political and expert level.
Does Bulgaria have a visa application center?
In order to facilitate visa applicants, and to provide a better and quicker service, Bulgarian Consular Services started, on stages, accepting visa application forms through the so called Visa Application Centers (Outsourcing Centers), operated by the VFC Global Company, specialized in providing visa services. For now, visa application forms could be submitted in this way at the Visa Application Centers situated in the following countries and cities:
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.
How long does a Bulgarian visa last?
USA tourist visa is required for Bulgarian citizens. The stay is usually long with a period of 180 days and visa expires in upto 10 years. Applicant is required to be present when applying for USA tourist visa. A total of 11 documents are required for applying USA tourist visa.
Do bulgarian citizens need a visa to go to USA?
Yes, visa is required for Bulgarian citizens. You can get visa details, documents required, official website and other details for USA visa but if you still have question which are unanswered then you can discuss with the community
