Bulgaria Visa

Bulgaria Visa Information

Bulgaria is a beautiful and diverse country located in Southeast Europe, bordered by Romania to the north, Serbia and North Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, and the Black Sea to the east. Bulgaria's landscape is varied, featuring mountains, plains, rivers, and coastline. The Balkan Mountains run through the center of the country, dividing it into northern and southern regions. To the south, Bulgaria is known for its picturesque Black Sea coastline, which offers popular beach resorts such as Sunny Beach and Golden Sands.
Bulgaria has a rich and complex history that spans millennia. It was founded in 681 AD, making it one of the oldest states in Europe. Over the centuries, Bulgaria has been influenced by various civilizations, including Thracians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. In the 9th and 10th centuries, Bulgaria was a powerful medieval empire known as the First Bulgarian Empire. Later, it fell under Ottoman rule for nearly five centuries before gaining independence in 1878.
Bulgaria is a popular tourist destination known for its diverse attractions. In addition to its stunning coastline, the country boasts historical landmarks such as the ancient city of Nessebar (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Rila Monastery (a cultural and religious icon), and the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak (famous for its ancient frescoes). Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking in the mountains, skiing in winter resorts like Bansko and Borovets, and exploring national parks such as Pirin and Rila.

Schengen Visa:

Bulgaria, as a member state of the European Union, follows the Schengen Agreement, which means it shares a common visa policy with other Schengen countries. However, it's essential to note that Bulgaria is not yet a part of the Schengen Area for visa purposes.

Short-Stay Visa (Type C):

This visa allows you to stay in Bulgaria for a short period, usually up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It's suitable for tourism, business trips, visiting family or friends, or attending conferences. Depending on your nationality, you might need a short-stay visa to enter Bulgaria for these purposes.

Long-Stay Visa (Type D Visa):

If you plan to stay in Bulgaria for more than 90 days, you'll need a long-stay visa. This visa is typically for purposes such as employment, study, family reunion, or long-term stay for other reasons.

Bulgaria Visa Requirements

• Passport – according to the passport requirements of the German embassy, among which validity of three months beyond your planned stays in the Schengen.
• Passport-size photos: Often, two recent passport-size photos are required.
• Travel itinerary: Details of your planned trip, including flight reservations, accommodation bookings, and travel insurance.
• Proof of financial means: Bank statements, sponsorship letters, or other evidence to demonstrate your ability to cover your expenses during your stay.
• Purpose-specific documents: Such as invitation letters, employment contracts, enrollment letters from educational institutions, etc.
• Health insurance: Proof of comprehensive travel health insurance covering medical emergencies and repatriation.

Bulgaria Visa Application Process

• Schedule an appointment: Contact the Belgian embassy or consulate in your country to schedule a visa appointment. Some consulates allow online appointment scheduling.
• Attend the visa interview: On the day of your appointment, submit your application form and supporting documents at the embassy or consulate. You may also be required to attend an interview to discuss your travel plans.
• Pay the visa fee: Pay the required visa application fee, which is non-refundable, regardless of whether your visa is approved or not.
• Wait for processing: The processing time for Belgium visas can vary depending on various factors, including the type of visa and the consulate's workload. It's advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel date to allow for processing time.
• Collect your visa: If your visa application is approved, you will be notified to collect your passport with the visa stamped in it from the embassy or consulate. Make sure to check the visa details for accuracy before traveling.