Bulgaria Tourist Visa

Bulgaria Tourist Visa (Schengen) 2026 Application Guide

With its rich history, natural beauty, and vibrant cities, Bulgaria is a popular destination for tourists. As of March 31, 2024, Bulgaria's full accession to the Schengen Area has brought significant changes to its visa processes. From this date, short-stay tourist visas issued by Bulgaria are classified as Schengen visas (Type C). This guide explains the Bulgarian tourist visa application process step-by-step with updated information for 2026.

Is the Bulgarian Visa a Schengen Visa?

Yes. As of 2024, Bulgaria is part of the Schengen Area. Therefore, visas issued by Bulgarian consulates for short-term travel, such as tourism, business, or family visits, are Schengen visas. With this visa, you have the right to travel to other Schengen countries after entering Bulgaria or directly. Likewise, if you have a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa, you can also use it to enter Bulgaria.

Who Needs to Apply for a Bulgarian Tourist Visa?

For citizens of the Republic of Turkey, visa requirements vary depending on the passport type:

• Ordinary (Maroon) Passport: Holders are required to obtain a visa to enter Bulgaria, regardless of their travel purpose. A Bulgarian Schengen Visa must be applied for when traveling for tourism.
• Special (Green), Service (Grey), and Diplomatic (Black) Passports: Holders are exempt from a visa for their tourist travels to Bulgaria for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Visa exemption may be granted under certain conditions for holders of a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa, or a valid visa or residence permit from countries like the USA, UK, or Ireland. However, this should always be confirmed with the most current information before travel. The safest approach is to plan your trip by obtaining a Bulgarian Schengen visa.

Bulgaria Tourist Visa Application Process (2026 Steps)

The application for a Bulgarian tourist visa is a smooth process if the correct steps are followed and the documents are prepared completely. Applications are not made directly to the consulate but through visa application centers authorized by the consulate.

Step 1: Preparation of Required Documents

The most critical step of the application is to prepare all documents completely and accurately according to the current document list. Each document may have a specific validity period and format. For example, bank account statements should be issued within the last 10-15 days, and travel health insurance must cover the entire Schengen area. A missing or incorrect document can cause your application to be delayed or rejected.

Step 2: Filling Out the Online Application Form and Booking an Appointment

After preparing the necessary documents, you need to carefully fill out the Bulgarian Schengen visa application form online via the website of the authorized visa application center (e.g., VFS Global). After filling out the form, you must book an appointment for a suitable date and time to submit your biometric data (fingerprints) and your documents through the same system.

Step 3: Document Submission and Biometrics at the Visa Application Center

On the day and time of your appointment, be present at the relevant visa application center with all the documents you have prepared, your passport, and a printout of your application form. The officials there will check your documents, collect the visa and service fees, and take your biometric data, such as fingerprints (VIS), if you haven't provided them before. If you have given fingerprints for any Schengen country within the last 59 months, you may not need to provide them again.

Step 4: Application Evaluation and Tracking

Your documents are forwarded by the visa application center to the Bulgarian Consulate or Embassy. The authority to evaluate and approve/reject your visa application rests solely with the consular officials. The application center will give you a tracking number. With this number, you can track the status of your application online.

Step 5: Passport Collection

Once your application is finalized, you can collect your passport from the visa application center in person or through an authorized representative. You can also request it to be sent to your address by courier for an additional fee during the application.

Important Considerations for Bulgarian Tourist Visa Documents

Application documents are the most important elements that prove the credibility of your travel plan and financial situation. It is crucial that your hotel and flight reservations are consistent with the dates you stated in the application form. Providing optional reservations instead of purchased tickets is usually sufficient. Your travel health insurance must cover the entire duration of your trip and all Schengen countries, with a minimum coverage of €30,000. You must ensure that the documents you need to prepare according to your employment status (employee, employer, retired, student) are complete and up-to-date.

Your Bulgarian Tourist Visa Application with Hermes Vize

The Bulgarian Schengen visa application process can be complex and detailed. At Hermes Vize, our expert team, proficient in the latest procedures, provides professional support throughout the entire process, from ensuring your documents are correct and complete to handling your appointment scheduling. Contact us to manage your application smoothly and proceed with the right steps.