In this article we prepared to answer the question “What are the Bulgaria visa application form and required documents?”, we outline the documents foreign nationals must submit when traveling to Bulgaria for tourism or business. We also explain the “Bulgaria Visa Application Form” applicants must complete. Due to increased recent searches and limited reliable online resources about obtaining a Bulgarian visa, we compiled this guide to help applicants.
By reading this practical guide you will learn;
- What is a Bulgaria Tourist Visa?
- What documents are required for a Bulgaria Tourist Visa?
- Important points to consider about the Bulgaria Tourist Visa
- How long does a Bulgaria Tourist Visa take to process?
- How to request a change to the Bulgaria Tourist Visa duration?
- Which documents are required for Bulgaria Business and Student Visas?
These and many additional helpful details are covered below. The list of documents required for a Bulgarian visa was announced to Turkish citizens by Bulgarian consular authorities as of 2019. Before listing the documents, let’s briefly explain what the Bulgaria tourist visa is and when it is required.
What Is a Bulgaria Tourist Visa?
A Bulgaria tourist visa is a document requested from Turkish citizens who wish to enter Bulgaria for travel, leisure, tours, hunting or other similar short-term purposes. Without a tourist visa, you cannot legally carry out those activities within Bulgarian territory.
You can submit tourist visa applications through the Bulgarian Consulate, the Embassy of Bulgaria, or visa application centers authorized by those missions. A tourist visa grants the holder the right to stay in Bulgaria for a limited period; therefore, before applying you must be able to document that your visit has a genuine tourist purpose.
Tourist visas are typically issued as single-entry permits and are processed by consulates or their authorized visa centers on behalf of the applicant.
Documents Required for a Bulgaria Tourist Visa
Bulgaria issues various visa types depending on the purpose of visit. The consulate and authorized visa centers evaluate each application according to that purpose. Below we list the most commonly requested documents for a tourist visa; later we also summarize additional requirements for business and student visas.
If you plan to travel to Bulgaria for tourism, you must submit the documents below to the Bulgarian Consulate or its authorized visa center:
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- Bulgaria Tourist Visa Application Form
Applicants must obtain the Bulgaria tourist visa application form, complete it carefully in their own handwriting, and ensure date and signature fields are filled without omissions.
- Original Passport
You must present your original passport. Important passport requirements include: it must not be older than 10 years and its validity must extend at least three months beyond your intended return date from Bulgaria.
- Copies of All Old and Current Passports
Photocopies of all passports you have used, including expired or replaced passports, must be included. Copies should show pages with entry and exit stamps.
- Copy of National ID
Provide clear photocopies of both the front and back of your national identity card.
- One Biometric Photograph
Attach one biometric photograph (35×45 mm) on a white background that clearly shows your face. If you wear a headscarf for religious reasons, facial features including ears must remain visible according to consular instructions.
- Travel Insurance
Because Bulgaria is treated under Schengen-related insurance expectations, you should provide a travel insurance policy covering all Schengen countries with a minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR.
- Transportation Reservation Details
Provide reservation or ticket details for your means of travel—flights, trains, ferries. If you plan to travel by private car, include your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance documents.
- Accommodation Information
Include booking confirmation or reservation details showing where you will stay in Bulgaria during your visit.
- Certified Population Record (Vukuatlı Nüfus Kayıt Örneği)
A certified population register document showing all family members and lineage information must be provided as part of the application.
How Long Does a Bulgaria Tourist Visa Take?
Visas issued by the Bulgarian Consulate for short-term travel (C visas / tourist visas) are typically processed within 5 to 10 business days.
How to Request a Change to the Bulgaria Tourist Visa Duration?
The validity period of a tourist visa issued by the Bulgarian Consulate can be adjusted in exceptional circumstances or if the issued period is shorter than planned. To request a change, the applicant must apply in person to the Bulgarian Consulate, the Embassy, or an authorized visa application center and submit supporting justification.
For example, if you submitted a five-day hotel reservation and flight itinerary but the consulate granted only a three-day visa, you may file an appeal or request reconsideration through the relevant authorities to seek an extension to match your travel plans.
Documents Required for a Bulgaria Business Visa
If your trip to Bulgaria is business-related rather than tourist, you must apply for a Bulgaria business visa at the consulate or an authorized visa center. In addition to the documents listed above, business visa applicants must provide extra documentation, such as:
- Original and copy of the business invitation
- Entry card or registration for trade fairs to be attended
- Corporate documents proving business relations with Bulgarian partners
- Reference letter from the applicant’s employer describing the business purpose
Documents Required for a Bulgaria Student Visa
Students traveling to Bulgaria for educational purposes must apply for a student visa. In addition to the general documents listed earlier, student visa applicants should submit:
- Student enrollment certificate
- Proof of financial sponsor who will cover the student’s expenses
- Admission or acceptance letter issued by the Bulgarian educational institution