Getting Visas to Bulgaria

After joining the European Union, entry in Bulgaria for other EU members are easier than before. Citizens of EU countries may stay for not more than 90 days in Bulgaria without visa; Estonia, Ireland, and the UK allows only for a 30-day stay. Below are the 4 basic types of visas issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

• Type A Visa – Airport Transit Visa It is issued to foreigners who are traveling by plane, changes airplane in Bulgaria then proceeds to his/her trip by the next earliest connecting flight. The citizens of the following countries require an airport transit visa: Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Liberia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lank, and Sudan.
• Type B Visa – Transit Visa Aliens who enter Bulgaria from one State on the way to another State within 24 hours are issued with Transit Visa. It is valid for a maximum of 12 months upon the date of issue.
• Type C Visa – Short-Stay Visa Can be for a single or multiple entries, this type of visa is issued to foreigners for such reasons: private visit, conduct business trip, cultural exchange, attend sporting events, seek medical treatment, or tourism purposes. It is valid for a cumulative duration of not more than 90 days within a 6-month period from the first date of entry.
• Type D Visa – Long-Stay Visa/National Visa This is given to aliens who wish to stay permanently in Bulgaria based on any of the grounds defined in Articles 24 and 25 of the Aliens in the Republic of Bulgaria Act. It allows the holder to a single entry and can stay for not more than 90 days. While in Bulgaria, the holder can apply for a long-term residence permit at the Migration Directorate of the Ministry of Interior.