A short stay is up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period across the whole Schengen area—not 90 days in each country. Follow the shorter stay printed on your visa if it allows less.
Europe · entry guide
🇧🇬 Bulgaria
The same short-stay visa framework applies across the Schengen area. Passport nationality determines whether you need a visa; if you do, one short-stay visa can cover visits across the area within its validity and permitted stay.
Eligibility depends on your passportWhether you need a visa depends on your nationality and travel document. Some travellers also need an airport transit visa even when staying airside. Check the European Commission’s nationality list and the transit rules for every airport on your route.Open official entry source ↗
Common area rules · short stays
Official details reviewed 25 September 2026Schengen short-stay rules for Bulgaria
Apply through the country where you will spend the most time. If stays are equal, apply through the first country you will visit. Apply where you are legally resident.
Submit no earlier than six months and at least 15 days before travel. Normal processing is 15 days; a detailed review can take up to 45 days. Appointment availability can add time.
The European Commission lists €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6–12. A visa centre may charge an additional service fee; exemptions and special rates apply.
Some nationalities need an airport transit visa even if they do not leave the international area. Rules can also differ by Schengen airport.
If you need a short-stay visa
What the application asks for
The European Commission lists these standard supporting documents. The consulate for your main destination can request additional items.
- PassportValid for at least three months after your planned departure from the Schengen area.
- Application and photoComplete the visa form and provide an ICAO-compliant photo.
- Travel medical insuranceCover emergency medical care, hospitalisation and repatriation, including in the event of death.
- Trip and funds evidenceBe ready to show the purpose of your stay, accommodation, financial means and intent to return.
- BiometricsFingerprints are collected when you apply, with exemptions for some applicants.
These common rules cover short stays. A stay longer than 90 days follows national long-stay visa or residence rules. Check your own nationality and the exact itinerary before applying. Open the official visa service ↗How to apply for a Schengen visa ↗Official 90/180-day calculator ↗
Evidence and updates
Official source and review date
OFFICIAL SOURCE · LINK REVIEWED 25 SEPTEMBER 2026
Open official guidance European Commission — Schengen visa policy
Nollu checked this official source link on 25 September 2026. Use it to confirm the current rule for your passport and trip.
A reviewed link means Nollu checked that the destination points to an official source. It does not mean we verified your eligibility or every rule on that site.
Useful trip details
Bulgaria at a glance
CapitalSofia
CurrencyBulgarian lev (BGN)
Main languageBulgarian
Time zoneUTC+2
Driving sideRight
Power plugsType C/F · 230V
Make it easy to verify
Your pre-flight checklist
Run these checks for every traveller, then repeat them for every country on your route.
- 01
Use the right passport
Check the exact nationality and travel document each person will use. Rules can differ for passports, refugee or emergency documents, and residence permits.
- 02
Match the trip details
Confirm the visit purpose, length of stay, number of entries and intended arrival date. Tourism, work, study and transit can have different rules.
- 03
Check every permission step
Find out whether you need a visa, e-visa, electronic travel authorisation, arrival form or fee—and whether it must be completed before boarding.
- 04
Check the connection too
For each stop, confirm whether you remain airside, change airports, collect bags or need to pass border control. Check the transit rules for that passport.
- 05
Recheck before departure
Review passport validity, supporting documents and current official instructions again before travel. Keep required confirmations available offline.
Know what the guide covers
Common questions
Do I need a visa for tourism in Bulgaria?
Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality and travel document. Some travellers also need an airport transit visa even when staying airside. Check the European Commission’s nationality list and the transit rules for every airport on your route.
Does a visa guarantee I can enter?
Do not assume that a visa or travel authorisation settles every border requirement. Follow the destination authority’s instructions for your exact trip and carry any supporting documents it requires.
Do I need to check transit rules?
Yes. Check every connection separately, including whether you need to change airports, collect baggage or pass through immigration.