Bulgaria Tourist Visa - Everything You Need To Know - (Indian Passport Holders)

Bulgaria, a member of the European Union (EU), has its visa policy. While it's not yet part of the Schengen Area, it has agreements with Schengen countries that affect entry requirements for non-EU citizens, including Indians.

In order to get a tourist visa, you will have to apply online for the visa. Although, prior to the application of visa, you need to make sure what kind of permit you need. You can apply online by visiting the official website of the Embassy. The step by step procedure for the application is given as follows:

1. Apply online by filling out the Bulgarian tourist visa application form on - https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/
2. Fill the details and attach a recent photograph. 
3. After the completion of the above process, print out the form and the payment receipt
4. You can then mail the application form along with the required documents to the embassy.

When you are submitting the documents, you need to make sure that you submit the genuine and original documents as the submission of the false documents could have consequences, you may have to go through visa refusal. The visa rejection will even affect your future visa applications, which of course does not mean that you will have to lie on the next visa application.

At the time of applying for the tourist visa, you will have to make sure that you match the eligibility criteria. There are certain parameters that you need to mind before filling out the application form. The eligibility criteria are as follows:

• You must possess proof of purpose of visit
  1. 1. If you are visiting your acquaintances, you must have an invitation letter from the resident in Bulgaria.
     2. You must visit for tourism only, or visiting acquaintances and not searching for or taking up any kind of employment.
        
        
• You must meet the health requirements
  1. 1. You must be healthy enough to travel to Bulgaria.
     2. You must perform a medical test before travelling to the country and provide a relevant documentary proof.
     3. You must be within the age limit to be able to apply for a work permit.
        
        
• You must meet the character requirements
  1. 1. You must be of good character and have genuine intentions behind working in Bulgaria.
     2. You need to provide a relevant documentary proof for the same as well (if asked) in the form of a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
        
        
• You must have sufficient funds
  1. 1. You must possess or have access to sufficient funds to be able to cover your stay and other expenses in Bulgaria.
     2. Bank statement or any equivalent document is to be submitted as well as proof of the same.

There are several documents required as per the type and the requirements. The Bulgaria tourist visa requirements are as follows:

1. Valid Passport:
• At least six months' validity beyond the planned departure date from Bulgaria.
• Must have at least two blank pages.
2. Completed Visa Application Form:
• Download from the Bulgarian Embassy/Consulate website or submit electronically if available.
• Ensure all sections are filled correctly.
3. Recent Photos:
• 2-3 passport-sized photographs.
4. Travel Health Insurance:
• Covering the entire stay in Bulgaria.
• Minimum coverage of €30,000.
• Must be valid in Bulgaria.
5. Proof of Financial Resources:
• Bank statement for the last 6 months.
• Minimum amount required is approximately €500 per person for the entire stay, but this can vary.
• Proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
6. Flight Itinerary or Travel Plans:
• Showing entry and exit from Bulgaria.
• Can be a reservation; the ticket doesn’t need to be purchased at this stage.
7. Hotel Booking or Proof of Accommodation:
• Confirmation of accommodation in Bulgaria.
• Can be a hotel reservation, Airbnb, or a letter from the host if staying with friends/family.
8. Proof of Employment/Study (if applicable):
• Leave letter from employer.
• University ID card or proof of enrollment.
9. Payment for Visa Fee:
• Approximately €35 for adults (check the current fee).
• Additional service fees if applying through a Visa Application Center (VAC).

• Two copies must be provided
• Photo size: 35 mm x 45 mm.
• Coloured copy must be provided
• The head must be about 30 mm in the photo frame. 
• Head should well-centred.
• The picture must not be older than 6 months.
• The background must be white
• Neutral expressions
• Glasses are not permitted.
• Headgear is not allowed except for religious reasons.
• Clothing shouldn’t match the background.

• Type C (Short-Stay) Visa: For tourism, visits, or short-term stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
• Type D (Long-Stay) Visa: For stays exceeding 90 days, requiring a different application process and additional documentation.

Generally, the fee for the visa is paid to the embassy in cash at the time when you are submitting the application form. There are service charges, biometric charges, processing fee and other aspects as well that affect the visa fee. The fee will vary if you have applied for the urgent requirement of the visa.

Step 1: Check Official Websites

• Purpose: Verify the latest visa requirements and application process.
  
  
• Websites to Check:
• Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Website: www.mfa.bg (use a translator if necessary, as the site might not be in English by default).
• Bulgarian Embassy in India’s Website: Check for the official website of the Bulgarian Embassy in New Delhi.
• Bulgarian Consulate General in Mumbai’s Website: If applicable to your location.
  
  
• What to Confirm:
  
  
• Visa types (e.g., tourist, business, study, work) and their specific requirements.
• Required documents and their specifications (format, size, etc.).
• Application form availability (online or in-person).
• Submission options (in-person, through a Visa Application Center (VAC), if available).
• Biometric data requirements.
• Processing times and fees.

Step 2: Gather Documents

• Purpose: Ensure you have all necessary documents to avoid delays.
• Actions:
  
  
  1. Review the Confirmed Requirements: From the official websites.
  2. Prepare Each Document:
     
     
     • Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
     • Completed Application Form: Printed if filled out electronically or obtained in person.
     • Recent Photos: As specified in size and number.
     • Proof of Payment for the Visa Fee:
     • Travel Itinerary or Flight Reservation:
     • Health Insurance: Covering the duration of your stay.
     • Proof of Financial Means: Bank statement, proof of income, etc.
     • Accommodation Details: Hotel reservation, invitation letter, etc.
       
       
• Purpose-Specific Documents:
  • • • For Work Visas: Employment contract, work permit, etc.
      • For Study Visas: Admission letter, proof of tuition payment, etc.
      • For Business Visas: Invitation from a Bulgarian company, proof of business registration, etc.
        
        
• Verify Document Specifications:
  • • Ensure all documents are in the required format (e.g., PDF, original, certified copies).
    • Translate documents not in Bulgarian or English, if required.
      
      

Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form

• Purpose: Accurately complete the visa application.
• Options:
1. Electronically (if available):
• Access: Through the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or the embassy/consulate’s website.
• Fill Out: Complete all fields accurately.
• Print or Save: Depending on the submission method chosen.
  
  
2. In Person:
• Visit: The Bulgarian Embassy in New Delhi or the Consulate General in Mumbai.
• Obtain and Fill: Receive and complete the form on the spot, if not done electronically.
  
  

Step 4: Submit Your Application

• Purpose: Officially lodge your visa application.
• Submission Options:
  • In Person:
  • Locations:
    • • Bulgarian Embassy in New Delhi.
      • Consulate General in Mumbai (if applicable to your residence).
        
        
  • Requirements:
    • • All required documents.
      • Filled application form.
      • Payment for the visa fee (if not paid online).
        
        
• Through a Visa Application Center (VAC), if Available:
  • • Additional Service Fee Applies.
    • Check the VAC’s Website: For specific requirements and any additional services offered (e.g., document checking, courier service).
      
      

Step 5: Provide Biometric Data (if required)

• Purpose: To comply with biometric data collection for security purposes.
  
  
• Where:
• At the Embassy or Consulate: During your in-person application submission.
• At a VAC (if available): As part of their service, if you choose this submission method.
  
  
• What to Expect:
  
  
• Fingerprint Scanning: Typically for all applicants, unless exempt.
• Photograph: May be taken on the spot, ensuring it meets the requirements.
  
  

Step 6: Wait for Processing

• Duration: Typically up to 15 calendar days, but this can vary.
• What to Do:
1. Wait: Allow the processing time to elapse.
2. Track Your Application (if possible): Check with the embassy, consulate, or VAC if they offer a tracking service.
3. Prepare for the Next Steps: Once your visa is approved, prepare to collect it.
   
   

Step 7: Collect Your Visa

• Once Approved:
  
  
1. Collection Location: Same as where you submitted your application (embassy, consulate, or VAC).
2. What to Bring:
• Receipt or Reference Number: Provided during application submission.
• Identification: To verify your identity.
3. Outcome:
• Approved Visa: Attached to your passport or provided as a separate document.
• Rejected Application: You will be informed of the reason and potentially guided on the next steps.

In order to check the status of your visa, you may visit the website of the visa agency through which you have applied or the visa application centre website. Alternatively, you can even do it offline by calling the embassy with the visa application number and enquire about the status.

There are certain pointers that you need to take care of as because of inappropriate activities, your visa may even get cancelled. There are rules and regulations that are to be followed in order to do so. Some pointers are as follows:

• Before you travel
1. Make a note of the visa expiry date, as well as the number of entries permitted. You must not stay in the country beyond this period.
2. You should travel to Bulgaria within the validity of your visa.
3. Make sure to carry a copy of your passport and other travel documents while you are in the country.
4. Issue health insurance and travel Insurance from a certified company.
   
   
• At the Border
1. Get your documents checked and your passport verified.
2. Obtain the entry stamp on your passport.
3. Consult the airport authorities for any kind of assistance required.
4. Check your visa copy for other guidelines and rules to be followed.
   
   
• When you enter Bulgaria
• 1. Ensure not to get involved in any kind of employment. You can, however, do volunteer work.
  2. The tourist prohibited areas must be stayed out of.
  3. Make sure you don’t overstay and apply for a visa extension in time.

• Schengen Visa Holders: Must have a multiple-entry Schengen Visa and have used it at least once in the Schengen Area before entering Bulgaria.
• Visa Denial: Receive a written decision with grounds for refusal; can appeal within 14 days.
• Travel Within the EU: Understand the entry requirements for other EU countries if planning to travel beyond Bulgaria.

• Bulgarian Embassy in New Delhi:
• Address: 16/17, Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 110021
• Phone: +91 11 26115549, 011 2611 5550
• Email: embassy.newdelhi@mfa.bg
  
  
• Consulate General of the Republic of Bulgaria in Mumbai:
• Address: Maker Chamber V, 8th Floor, Nariman Point, Mumbai - 400021
• Phone: +91 2266619000, +91 22 22845823
• Email: cg.mumbai@mfa.bg

Need more clarity on Bulgaria visa? check out helpful resources below

• Bulgaria Visa Requirements - Documents, Eligibility & Fees
  
• Bulgaria Business Visa Requirements - Documents, Eligibility & Fees
  
• Bulgaria Visit Visa Requirements - Documents, Eligibility & Fees
• Does Visa Refusal Affect Future Visa Applications?
• Embassy of Bulgaria