Visas for Bulgaria, without the guesswork

Short stays in Bulgaria run on the shared Schengen rules — one C visa (or none, for exempt passports) covers all 29 countries. Everything else is national: where you apply, who runs the centres, and every stay over 90 days.

How Bulgaria takes applications

Good to know about Bulgaria

• Newest full member with Romania: air and sea borders opened 31 March 2024, land borders 1 January 2025 — older guides claiming Bulgaria is outside Schengen are outdated.
• Bulgarian short-stay applications can be started on the national e-Visa portal before the centre appointment.
• Visas issued by Bulgaria before accession remain valid; the country now issues uniform Schengen visas.

Staying longer than 90 days

National D visas (over 90 days) are lodged at Bulgarian embassies and lead to a residence permit issued by the Migration Directorate after arrival.

Check your situation

Pick your passport for an exact answer — visa, visa-free, or free movement:

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