🇧🇬Bulgaria Visa for British Citizens2026 Requirements, Fees & Documents

Visa-free90 days max stay

No — British passport holders do not need a visa for Bulgaria. Entry is visa-free for up to 90 days as of 2026.

Visa-free for 90 days in any 180-day period per Annex II of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 (as amended post-Brexit).

mfa.bg

Entering Bulgaria on a British passport

  • → Travel with just your valid British passport. No visa or prior application needed.
  • See the exact document checklist for British applicants — only needed if you apply for a longer-stay visa.

Bulgaria visa documents for British applicants

No visa documents are needed for a short visit — British citizens enter Bulgaria with just a valid passport. If you apply for a longer-stay visa, these are the exact documents required, by visa type, from the official visa application centre.

transitTransit Visa

The list of documents below is not an exhaustive list of documents and the applicant can always be asked to provide additional information/documents, if desired by the Mission. Both the standard and the supporting documentation have to be recent, i.e. not older than 1 month. Applicants are required to bring and present their original documents, but they only need to submit photocopies of the same; unless the requirements specify that an original document has to be submitted. Documents to be submitted with the visa application: - Application form & Photograph (Download Visa Application Form (PDF checklist)): fully completed in English and signed in two places by the applicant (field no 37 and last field) along with one recent colour passport photograph. (For Minors under age of 18 - by signatures by both parents / guardian-s) & (only family members of the family European Union citizens shall fill in fields of the visa application form which indicate their family relationship) - Original Passport; Passport must be valid at least three months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria or in case of multiple visits - after the last scheduled date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, containing at least two empty pages, issued within the previous 10 years. - Photocopies - of the data pages of Passport & current and previous expired visas - Bulgarian/ Schengen/UK/ US, if any - UK Residence permit - Endorsed in the passport or issued as a Biometrics card and/or digital proof of immigration status issued by UK Home Office (share code), must be valid for at least 1 month beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area; C type visitor visa (see here) is not acceptable. - Visa for the destinations country if needed - Travel Medical Insurance: valid for Bulgaria and all EU member states for the whole period of the trip, covering all costs for repatriation and for urgent medical care and emergency hospital treatment for the period of the stay indicated in the visa. The minimum coverage shall be EUR 30 000. - Proof of sufficient funds: Three months bank statement and Possession of the required financial resources for subsistence amounting or equivalent to EUR 50 per day of the stay requested with the visa application or their equivalent in another convertible currency but at least EUR 500 or their equivalent in another convertible currency For Minors (children below 18 years), the following are required in addition to the above - Declaration of Consent for Minor children signed by both parents. - Original & Copy of both the parents passports - OR A power of attotney or court order mentioning the custody in case one of the parents is not present. - Original & Copy of Birth Certificate for the child (and certified translation) Holders of service and diplomatic passports are exempt from presenting proof for subsistence, accommodation, transportation and insurance policy Please note: Upon entry into Bulgaria, foreign nationals should declare in writing the purpose of their stay and the address at which they will reside. To this end they should fill in a registration form. Citizens of the European Union member-states and of the countries in the Economic European Area are exempt from this requirement. In addition, all foreign visitors should bear in mind that under Bulgarian Law they are required to contact the local police station within 48 hours of their arrival in Bulgaria and present in writing the address at which they will be staying. If they are staying in a hotel or private lodgings, the hotel management/host are obliged to register them at the local police station.

touristBusiness Visit

The list of documents below is not an exhaustive list of documents and the applicant can always be asked to provide additional information/documents, if desired by the Mission. Both the standard and the supporting documentation have to be recent, i.e. not older than 1 month. Applicants are required to bring and present their original documents, but they only need to submit photocopies of the same; unless the requirements specify that an original document has to be submitted. Documents to be submitted with the visa application: - Application form & Photograph (Download Visa Application Form (PDF checklist)): fully completed in English and signed in two places by the applicant (field no 37 and last field) along with one recent colour passport photograph. (For Minors under age of 18 - by signatures by both parents / guardian-s) & (only family members of the family European Union citizens shall fill in fields of the visa application form which indicate their family relationship) - Original Passport; Passport must be valid at least three months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria or in case of multiple visits - after the last scheduled date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, containing at least two empty pages, issued within the previous 10 years. - Photocopies - of the data pages of Passport & current and previous expired visas - UK Residence permit - Endorsed in the passport or issued as a Biometrics card and/or digital proof of immigration status issued by UK Home Office (share code), must be valid for at least 1 month beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area; C type visitor visa (see here) is not acceptable. - Proof of employment / Proof of student status (Original): Recent, official and signed letter from employer (headed letter with name, position of signatory and date of issue, address, recent telephone number and registration number in the United Kingdom) and pay slips for the last 3 months. If Self-employed: - Recent letter from accountant, banker or solicitor (official headed letter with name, date of issue, address, recent telephone number and position of signatory and registration number in the United Kingdom) stating self-employment or business ownership in the United Kingdom. - letter from the tax authorities. If Student: Original Recent, official and signed letter from United Kingdom school, college or university stating date of issue, name of the applicant and type of studies and number of lessons (hours) per week and attendance record. - Proof of sufficient funds: Three months bank statement and Possession of the required financial resources for subsistence amounting or equivalent to EUR 50 per day of the stay requested with the visa application or their equivalent in another convertible currency but at least EUR 500 or their equivalent in another convertible currency. - Travel Medical Insurance: valid for Bulgaria and all EU member states for the whole period of the trip, covering all costs for repatriation and for urgent medical care and emergency hospital treatment for the period of the stay indicated in the visa. The minimum coverage shall be EUR 30 000. - Proof of accommodation: Hotel booking, or other accommodation (guaranteed and confirmed on applicant’s name), real estate title deed or lease, proof of ownership or lease of a boat etc. - Proof of Purpose of Travel – Business - An invitation-declaration by the host company drawn up on sample form (Apl.1) (PDF checklist) , legalised by a notary judge and by the authorities for administrative control of foreigners - Migration Directorate of the MoI - entry tickets or registration for fairs and congresses. Accompanying family members apply for tourist visas. Holders of service and diplomatic passports are exempt from presenting proof for subsistence, accommodation, transportation and insurance policy Please note: Upon entry into Bulgaria, foreign nationals should declare in writing the purpose of their stay and the address at which they will reside. To this end they should fill in a registration form. Citizens of the European Union member-states and of the countries in the Economic European Area are exempt from this requirement. In addition, all foreign visitors should bear in mind that under Bulgarian Law they are required to contact the local police station within 48 hours of their arrival in Bulgaria and present in writing the address at which they will be staying. If they are staying in a hotel or private lodgings, the hotel management/host are obliged to register them at the local police station.

transitAirport Transit Visa

The list of documents below is not an exhaustive list of documents and the applicant can always be asked to provide additional information/documents, if desired by the Mission. Both the standard and the supporting documentation have to be recent, i.e. not older than 1 month. Applicants are required to bring and present their original documents, but they only need to submit photocopies of the same; unless the requirements specify that an original document has to be submitted. Documents to be submitted with the visa application: - Application form & Photograph (Download Visa Application Form (PDF checklist)): fully completed in English and signed in two places by the applicant (field no 37 and last field) along with one recent colour passport photograph. (For Minors under age of 18 - by signatures by both parents / guardian-s) & (only family members of the family European Union citizens shall fill in fields of the visa application form which indicate their family relationship) - Original Passport; Passport must be valid at least three months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria or in case of multiple visits - after the last scheduled date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, containing at least two empty pages, issued within the previous 10 years. - Photocopies - of the data pages of Passport & current and previous expired visas - UK Residence permit - Endorsed in the passport or issued as a Biometrics card and/or digital proof of immigration status issued by UK Home Office (share code), must be valid for at least 1 month beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area; C type visitor visa (see here) is not acceptable. - Visa for the destinations country if needed - Travel Medical Insurance: valid for Bulgaria and all EU member states for the whole period of the trip, covering all costs for repatriation and for urgent medical care and emergency hospital treatment for the period of the stay indicated in the visa. The minimum coverage shall be EUR 30 000. For Minors (children below 18 years), the following are required in addition to the above - Declaration of Consent for Minor children signed by both parents. - Original & Copy of both the parents passports - OR A power of attotney or court order mentioning the custody in case one of the parents is not present. - Original & Copy of Birth Certificate for the child (and certified translation) Holders of service and diplomatic passports are exempt from presenting proof for subsistence, accommodation, transportation and insurance policy Please note: Upon entry into Bulgaria, foreign nationals should declare in writing the purpose of their stay and the address at which they will reside. To this end they should fill in a registration form. Citizens of the European Union member-states and of the countries in the Economic European Area are exempt from this requirement. In addition, all foreign visitors should bear in mind that under Bulgarian Law they are required to contact the local police station within 48 hours of their arrival in Bulgaria and present in writing the address at which they will be staying. If they are staying in a hotel or private lodgings, the hotel management/host are obliged to register them at the local police station.

touristPrivate (family, friends) Visit

The list of documents below is not an exhaustive list of documents and the applicant can always be asked to provide additional information/documents, if desired by the Mission. Both the standard and the supporting documentation have to be recent, i.e. not older than 1 month. Applicants are required to bring and present their original documents, but they only need to submit photocopies of the same; unless the requirements specify that an original document has to be submitted. Documents to be submitted with the visa application: - Application form & Photograph (Download Visa Application Form (PDF checklist)): fully completed in English and signed in two places by the applicant (field no 37 and last field) along with one recent colour passport photograph. (For Minors under age of 18 - by signatures by both parents / guardian-s) & (only family members of the family European Union citizens shall fill in fields of the visa application form which indicate their family relationship) - Original Passport; Passport must be valid at least three months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria or in case of multiple visits - after the last scheduled date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, containing at least two empty pages, issued within the previous 10 years. - Photocopies - of the data pages of Passport & current and previous expired visas - UK Residence permit - Endorsed in the passport or issued as a Biometrics card and/or digital proof of immigration status issued by UK Home Office (share code), must be valid for at least 1 month beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area; C type visitor visa (see here) is not acceptable. - Proof of employment / Proof of student status (Original): Recent, official and signed letter from employer (headed letter with name, position of signatory and date of issue, address, recent telephone number and registration number in the United Kingdom) and pay slips for the last 3 months. If Self-employed: - Recent letter from accountant, banker or solicitor (official headed letter with name, date of issue, address, recent telephone number and position of signatory and registration number in the United Kingdom) stating self-employment or business ownership in the United Kingdom. - letter from the tax authorities. If Student: Original Recent, official and signed letter from United Kingdom school, college or university stating date of issue, name of the applicant and type of studies and number of lessons (hours) per week and attendance record. - Proof of sufficient funds: Three months bank statement and Possession of the required financial resources for subsistence amounting or equivalent to EUR 50 per day of the stay requested with the visa application or their equivalent in another convertible currency but at least EUR 500 or their equivalent in another convertible currency. - Travel Medical Insurance: valid for Bulgaria and all EU member states for the whole period of the trip, covering all costs for repatriation and for urgent medical care and emergency hospital treatment for the period of the stay indicated in the visa. The minimum coverage shall be EUR 30 000. - Proof of Purpose of Travel – Private (family, friends) visit A. An invitation-declaration by the host drawn up on sample form (Apl.2) (PDF checklist), stamped by Police Authority in Bulgaria. B. Family members (spouses and children) of an Bulgarian citizen: - Original and copy of Marriage Certificate; - Original and copy of Bulgarian Citizen's passport; - Sample form (Apl.2) as per above. In case the marriage documentation is registered in Bulgaria, they can alternatively provide sample form (Apl.3) (PDF checklist) , stamped by Bulgarian Authority in UK. For Minors (children below 18 years), the following are required in addition to the above - Declaration of Consent for Minor children signed by both parents. - Original & Copy of both the parents passports - OR A power of attotney or court order mentioning the custody in case one of the parents is not present. - Original & Copy of Birth Certificate for the child (and certified translation) Holders of service and diplomatic passports are exempt from presenting proof for subsistence, accommodation, transportation and insurance policy Please note: Upon entry into Bulgaria, foreign nationals should declare in writing the purpose of their stay and the address at which they will reside. To this end they should fill in a registration form. Citizens of the European Union member-states and of the countries in the Economic European Area are exempt from this requirement. In addition, all foreign visitors should bear in mind that under Bulgarian Law they are required to contact the local police station within 48 hours of their arrival in Bulgaria and present in writing the address at which they will be staying. If they are staying in a hotel or private lodgings, the hotel management/host are obliged to register them at the local police station.

familyFamily member of EU/EEA citizen EXCLUDING FAMILY MEMBERS OF BULGARIAN CITIZENS

The list of documents below is not an exhaustive list of documents and the applicant can always be asked to provide additional information/documents, if desired by the Mission. Both the standard and the supporting documentation have to be recent, i.e. not older than 1 month. Applicants are required to bring and present their original documents, but they only need to submit photocopies of the same; unless the requirements specify that an original document has to be submitted. Documents to be submitted with the visa application: - Application form & Photograph (Download Visa Application Form (PDF checklist)): fully completed in English and signed in two places by the applicant (field no 37 and last field) along with one recent colour passport photograph. (For Minors under age of 18 - by signatures by both parents / guardian-s) & (only family members of the family European Union citizens shall fill in fields of the visa application form which indicate their family relationship) - Original Passport; Passport must be valid at least three months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria or in case of multiple visits - after the last scheduled date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, containing at least two empty pages, issued within the previous 10 years. - Photocopies - of the data pages of Passport & current and previous expired visas, if any - UK Residence permit - Endorsed in the passport or issued as a Biometrics card and/or digital proof of immigration status issued by UK Home Office (share code), must be valid for at least 1 month beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area; C type visitor visa (see here) is not acceptable. - Proof of family relationship: marriage certificate/ birth certificate (original plus copy); - Copy of the EU/EEA citizen`s passport For Minors (children below 18 years), the following are required in addition to the above - Declaration of Consent for Minor children signed by both parents. - Original & Copy of both the parents passports - OR A power of attotney or court order mentioning the custody in case one of the parents is not present. - Original & Copy of Birth Certificate for the child (and certified translation) Please note: Upon entry into Bulgaria, foreign nationals should declare in writing the purpose of their stay and the address at which they will reside. To this end they should fill in a registration form. Citizens of the European Union member-states and of the countries in the Economic European Area are exempt from this requirement. In addition, all foreign visitors should bear in mind that under Bulgarian Law they are required to contact the local police station within 48 hours of their arrival in Bulgaria and present in writing the address at which they will be staying. If they are staying in a hotel or private lodgings, the hotel management/host are obliged to register them at the local police station.

touristOther short stay visit (Medical Treatment/ Sports/Cultural/Artistic Purpose)

The list of documents below is not an exhaustive list of documents and the applicant can always be asked to provide additional information/documents, if desired by the Mission. Both the standard and the supporting documentation have to be recent, i.e. not older than 1 month. Applicants are required to bring and present their original documents, but they only need to submit photocopies of the same; unless the requirements specify that an original document has to be submitted. Documents to be submitted with the visa application: - Application form & Photograph (Download Visa Application Form (PDF checklist)): fully completed in English and signed in two places by the applicant (field no 37 and last field) along with one recent colour passport photograph. (For Minors under age of 18 - by signatures by both parents / guardian-s) & (only family members of the family European Union citizens shall fill in fields of the visa application form which indicate their family relationship) - Original Passport; Passport must be valid at least three months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria or in case of multiple visits - after the last scheduled date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, containing at least two empty pages, issued within the previous 10 years. - Photocopies - of the data pages of Passport & current and previous expired visas - UK Residence permit - Endorsed in the passport or issued as a Biometrics card and/or digital proof of immigration status issued by UK Home Office (share code), must be valid for at least 1 month beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area; C type visitor visa (see here) is not acceptable. - Proof of employment / Proof of student status (Original): Recent, official and signed letter from employer (headed letter with name, position of signatory and date of issue, address, recent telephone number and registration number in the United Kingdom) and pay slips for the last 3 months. If Self-employed: - Recent letter from accountant, banker or solicitor (official headed letter with name, date of issue, address, recent telephone number and position of signatory and registration number in the United Kingdom) stating self-employment or business ownership in the United Kingdom. - letter from the tax authorities. If Student: Original Recent, official and signed letter from United Kingdom school, college or university stating date of issue, name of the applicant and type of studies and number of lessons (hours) per week and attendance record. - Proof of sufficient funds: Three months bank statement and Possession of the required financial resources for subsistence amounting or equivalent to EUR 50 per day of the stay requested with the visa application or their equivalent in another convertible currency but at least EUR 500 or their equivalent in another convertible currency. - Travel Medical Insurance: valid for Bulgaria and all EU member states for the whole period of the trip, covering all costs for repatriation and for urgent medical care and emergency hospital treatment for the period of the stay indicated in the visa. The minimum coverage shall be EUR 30 000. - Proof of accommodation: Hotel booking, or other accommodation (guaranteed and confirmed on applicant’s name), real estate title deed or lease, proof of ownership or lease of a boat etc. - Proof of Purpose of Travel - Medical treatment - an official document of the medical institution confirming necessity for medical care in that institution - proof of sufficient financial means to pay for the medical treatment - proof of prepayment of medical treatment - Cultural exchange - An invitation letter from the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Bulgaria and/or from the mayor of the respective municipality - Sport Events - An invitation letter from the Ministry of Youth and Sport of the Republic of Bulgaria and/or from a respective sports federation and/or sports club - Student & scientific exchange programs - An invitation letter from an University, a School or other Bulgarian legal person; - Exchange agreement, Exchange program or other document for current academic exchange For Minors (children below 18 years), the following are required in addition to the above - Declaration of Consent for Minor children signed by both parents. - Original & Copy of both the parents passports - OR A power of attotney or court order mentioning the custody in case one of the parents is not present. - Original & Copy of Birth Certificate for the child (and certified translation) Holders of service and diplomatic passports are exempt from presenting proof for subsistence, accommodation, transportation and insurance policy Please note: Upon entry into Bulgaria, foreign nationals should declare in writing the purpose of their stay and the address at which they will reside. To this end they should fill in a registration form. Citizens of the European Union member-states and of the countries in the Economic European Area are exempt from this requirement. In addition, all foreign visitors should bear in mind that under Bulgarian Law they are required to contact the local police station within 48 hours of their arrival in Bulgaria and present in writing the address at which they will be staying. If they are staying in a hotel or private lodgings, the hotel management/host are obliged to register them at the local police station.

via VFS Global ↗

Bulgaria visa for British citizens — FAQ

Do British citizens need a visa for Bulgaria?

No — British passport holders do not need a visa for Bulgaria. Entry is visa-free for up to 90 days as of 2026.

How long can British citizens stay in Bulgaria?

British passport holders can stay in Bulgaria for up to 90 days per entry under the current visa-free arrangement.

What documents do British citizens need for Bulgaria?

A valid passport is all British citizens need for a short visa-free visit (up to 90 days). If you apply for a longer-stay visa, Earth Visa lists the full required documents per visa category from the official visa application centre.

How much does the Bulgaria visa cost for British citizens?

Nothing for a short visit — British citizens enter Bulgaria visa-free for up to 90 days, so there is no visa fee. If you need a visa for a longer stay, the Bulgaria visa fee is EUR 90 for British citizens under Bulgaria's nationality-based fee schedule. Applications through VFS Global carry an additional service fee of about varies INR 3080 (India, incl. GST); varies by centre, e.g. THB 1,554 (~EUR 42) Thailand, IDR 615,000 Indonesia, EUR 22.8 Russia, EUR 25 Belarus, MVR 2,070 Maldives.

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