Traveling from Bulgaria to Turkey requires a valid passport. Bulgarian citizens do not need a visa for short visits to Turkey. Within a rolling six-month period, they may stay up to 90 days. People travel from Bulgaria to Turkey for reasons such as job hunting, marriage or friendship, improving living standards, or managing investments. Turkish citizens who invest in Bulgaria and Bulgarian citizens who invest in Turkey also travel frequently between the two countries.
Why Do People Come from Bulgaria to Turkey?
Reasons for coming from Bulgaria to Turkey and factors that make Turkey attractive to Bulgarian citizens include:
- Economic difficulties in Bulgaria can reduce living standards and make daily life harder for many residents.
- High unemployment and limited job opportunities in Bulgaria push job seekers to move to Turkey, where they believe better employment prospects exist. Many prefer regions in Turkey with more abundant job opportunities.
- Turkish citizens living in Bulgaria often travel to Turkey frequently because of business or investment responsibilities; similarly, Bulgarians who have investments in Turkey may need to travel back and forth.
- Some Turkish citizens living in Bulgaria eventually decide to return to Turkey, which is another common reason for travel.
- In addition to those seeking work or residence permits to live in Turkey, many people come for tourism.
- Marriage and social relationships are also common reasons for visiting Turkey.
Turkey’s cultural ties and geographic position make it a preferred country for many Bulgarian citizens. These factors are among the main reasons Bulgarians travel to Turkey.
Requirements for Traveling from Bulgaria to Turkey
Requirements for those planning to come from Bulgaria to Turkey include:
- Possession of a valid passport. If they do not have one, they must apply for a Bulgarian passport.
- A clean criminal record may be required depending on the purpose of travel or application process.
What Documents Are Needed to Obtain a Passport in Turkey?
Applicants who schedule an appointment to obtain a passport in Turkey are generally asked to provide the following documents at the time of application:
- A biometric photo taken to the required dimensions
- Payment receipt for the passport fee paid in the applicant’s name
- Payment receipt for the passport booklet fee paid in the applicant’s name
- A document confirming fingerprints were taken (fingerprints are typically collected by the officer during the application)
A passport is sufficient for traveling from Bulgaria to Turkey; no visa is required for short stays.
What Documents Are Required to Get a Bulgarian Passport?
Documents typically needed for a Bulgarian passport application are:
- A completed application form
- Bulgarian birth certificate
- If a previous passport exists, submission of the expired passport may be required
- Receipt for the consular fee
- A recent photograph of the applicant
- It is recommended to contact the consulate for detailed information about required documents before applying, since additional documents may be requested.
If documents are missing, the applicant will be notified within seven days and must complete the file within 30 days. If the missing documents are not provided within that period, the application may be canceled.
How to Renew a Bulgarian Passport
Bulgarian passports with a five-year validity must be renewed when they expire. Renewal applications in Turkey should be made at the relevant diplomatic mission. Expired passports that are not renewed should be surrendered to the consulate within three months; failure to do so may result in fines. Passport renewal requires an appointment at the consulate and personal attendance. For renewal:
- All required up-to-date documents must be prepared
- Applicants should attend the consulate on the date of their online appointment with the documents
- Submitting complete and correct documents enables the renewal process to proceed smoothly
What to Keep in Mind When Traveling from Bulgaria to Turkey
There are several important considerations for those traveling from Bulgaria to Turkey:
- Ensure passports are valid for the intended travel dates.
- Renew passports before they expire if renewal is necessary.
- Prepare all required documents carefully and thoroughly when applying for a passport to avoid delays.
There have been cases where well-intentioned individuals in Turkey are exploited by people claiming to come from Bulgaria. To avoid scams, those who plan relationships or financial help should be cautious. It is safer to provide financial assistance after the person has arrived in Turkey, and having transactions notarized before travel can reduce the risk of fraud.
Countries Bulgarian Passport Holders Can Enter Without a Visa
Some countries Bulgarian passport holders can enter without applying for a visa include:
- Georgia — up to 360 days
- Dominican Republic — up to 30 days with a tourist card
- Ecuador — up to 3 months for tourism
- El Salvador and Dominica
- Ukraine, Uruguay, Finland, Japan, Honduras, and Chile
- Costa Rica — up to 30 days
- Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Barbados, Bahamas, Botswana, Brazil
- Venezuela and Vatican City
- South Korea, Kosovo, and Colombia
- Romania and Tunisia
- Turkey — up to 90 days
- Philippines — 1 month
- Marshall Islands, Mexico, Monaco, Moldova, and Nicaragua
How to Apply for a Bulgarian Passport
Applicants for a Bulgarian passport must fill out the Bulgarian application form (Zayavlenie) in Bulgarian and book an appointment. After submitting the required documents at the consulate, applicants receive a receipt that allows them to track their application status. The consulate can also provide updates. Processing typically takes around three months.
Customs Rules for Those Traveling from Bulgaria to Turkey
Bulgarian citizens entering or leaving Bulgaria should observe these customs rules:
- Bulgarian customs officers have the right to inspect vehicles crossing the border.
- If carrying 10,000 euros or more (or an equivalent amount in another currency), travelers must declare the funds in writing; failure to declare may result in seizure and loss of access to the money.
- If the amount is below the declaration threshold, travelers may use the green channel and continue their journey.
- For children under 16, the accompanying adult may complete customs declarations on their behalf.
Key Checks Before Traveling from Bulgaria to Turkey
Essential points to verify before traveling from Bulgaria to Turkey:
- Check passport validity and plan travel dates accordingly.
- If passport renewal is needed, complete the process before the expiration date.
- Because passport processing can take time, submit all required documents accurately to avoid delays.
Is There Entry from Bulgaria to Turkey?
Yes. Entry from Bulgaria to Turkey is available by land and by air.
What Documents Are Required to Travel from Bulgaria to Turkey?
Bulgarian citizens can enter Turkey visa-free for short stays; a valid passport is sufficient.
How Much Is a Passport in Bulgaria?
Current passport fees in Bulgaria are generally structured by age: for children under 14, the first passport fee is 208 TRY and the second passport is 248 TRY; ages 14–58 the fee is 328 TRY; ages 58–70 the fee is 248 TRY; and for those over 70 the fee is 208 TRY.
Entry Conditions from Bulgaria to Turkey
Bulgarians can stay in Turkey visa-free for up to 90 days within a six-month period.
How Long Can a Bulgarian Citizen Stay in Turkey?
Bulgarian citizens traveling from Bulgaria to Turkey may stay visa-free for up to 90 days. The stay can be extended with a tourist visa or a residence permit if eligible.