Bulgaria Visa Requirements 2026
Visa requirements for Bulgaria: schengen area for up to 90 days within 180. Updated 30 May 2026. Plus passport rules, customs, and prohibited items.
Bulgaria visa at a glance
- Policy
- Schengen area
- Length of stay
- 90 days within 180
- Cost
- Free (ETIAS €20 once active)
- Passport
- Valid 3+ months beyond stay.
- Official source
- travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en
Joined Schengen for air/sea travel March 2024; full Schengen January 2025.
Schengen 90 days visa-free (UK/US/EU). In Schengen since 2024.
Customs allowances
Standard EU allowances.
Prohibited items
Drug laws strict.
Frequently asked questions about Bulgaria visas
Do I need a visa to visit Bulgaria?
Schengen area applies for Bulgaria: Joined Schengen for air/sea travel March 2024; full Schengen January 2025.
How much does a Bulgaria visa cost?
Entry to Bulgaria is free under the current schengen area policy for eligible passports. There is no visa fee. Always check whether your nationality is eligible before booking flights.
How long can I stay in Bulgaria?
The standard schengen area allows 90 days within 180 per entry. Most policies are extendable in-country at an immigration office for an additional fee — check the official source for current extension rules. Visa runs (leaving and re-entering to reset the clock) are increasingly scrutinised; do not rely on them.
What passport validity does Bulgaria require?
Valid 3+ months beyond stay.
Where do I apply for a Bulgaria visa?
Apply directly at the official government source: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en. Many third-party sites charge inflated fees for the same form. Always check the URL ends in a government domain (.gov, .gov.<country>, or the country's official immigration domain) before paying.