To travel to Bulgaria, U.S. citizens are required to have the following:
- A valid U.S. machine-readable passport
- Hold an ETIAS visa waiver
Can a US citizen travel to Bulgaria with a passport?
U.S. passport cards are recognized as proof of citizenship and identity but are not sufficient for international air travel to and from 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.
Can US citizens go to Bulgaria with ETIAS?
U.S. citizens will be able to go to Bulgaria with ETIAS once it is part of the border-free travel zone. The ETIAS visa waiver program is being launched in 2022. ETIAS is a new electronic travel authorization for the European Schengen Area. American tourists will be able to enter Bulgaria without a visa and stay for up to 90 days with ETIAS.
What is the validity of a Bulgarian Tourist Visa?
its validity expires at least 3 months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria or in case of multiple visits – after the last scheduled date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria; has been issued within the last 10 years.
Where can I find the Bulgarian consulate in the US?
Washington, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii Consulate at the Embassy of Bulgaria, 1621 22nd Street NW, Dimitar Peshev Plaza, Washington, DC 20008 New York, Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Pennsylvania
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 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.
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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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...
Is Bulgaria in Schengen zone?
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.
Is Bulgaria visa free?
Nationals of several countries can enter Bulgaria for short-term stays without a visa, including Schengen countries, the USA, Australia, and Canada. All foreign nationals that are not visa-exempt must apply for a visa for Bulgaria to be allowed into the country.
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...
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).
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 ...
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 ...
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
How long is a visa not required for?
Visa not required for 15 days for traveling as part of a tourist group (2 or more people)
Which countries require a passport?
Other countries, such as Japan, Ireland and the United Kingdom, require a passport valid throughout the period of the intended stay.
How long is a Bermuda passport valid?
Bermuda requires passports to be valid for at least 45 days upon entry .
Which country has the most diplomatic missions?
The United States has the most diplomatic missions of any country in the world. See also List of diplomatic missions of the United States and List of diplomatic missions in the United States . The Department of State regularly publishes travel warnings or travel alerts.
Which countries are not allowed to enter Schengen?
Luxembourg – Admission to Schengen Area refused from noon 17 March until April 30, except residents, family members of EU citizens, medical personnel, and people responsible for transport of goods. Macau – Admission refused. Malaysia – Admission refused for nonresidents. Quarantine required for residents.
Do all foreigners have to be fingerprinted?
Several countries mandate that all travellers, or all foreign travellers, be fingerprinted on arrival and will refuse admission to or even arrest travellers who refuse to comply. In some countries, such as the United States, this may apply even to transit passengers who merely wish to quickly change planes rather than go landside.
Do you need a photo to enter a country?
Many countries also require a photo be taken of people entering the country. The United States, which does not fully implement exit control formalities at its land frontiers (although long mandated by domestic legislation), intends to implement facial recognition for passengers departing from international airports to identify people who overstay their visa.
How to apply for a nonimmigrant visa?
If you are a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program partner but unable to travel to the United States under that program, you should apply for a nonimmigrant visa at least three months in advance of your desired travel. If you do not have imminent travel plans, you should pay the nonimmigrant visa application fee, fill out the DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application form at ceac.state.gov/genniv/, and schedule a visa appointment. If your travel is imminent, you may request an expedited visa appointment. Please include in your request the date and purpose of your travel, as well as a copy of any U.S. Customs and Border Protection message you may have received regarding your ESTA status.
How far in advance do you need to apply for a nonimmigrant visa?
If you are a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program partner but unable to travel to the United States under that program, you should apply for a nonimmigrant visa at least three months in advance of your desired travel. If you do not have imminent travel plans, you should pay the nonimmigrant visa application fee, fill out the DS-160 nonimmigrant visa ...
