Explore Bulgaria
Bulgaria, located in Southeast Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, is a country known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural landscapes. As a crossroads between Europe and Asia, Bulgaria has been shaped by various civilizations and empires throughout its history. Bulgarian is the official language of Bulgaria and is spoken by the majority of the population. The Cyrillic alphabet, which was invented in Bulgaria, is used for writing Bulgarian. The official currency of Bulgaria is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN), which is subdivided into 100 stotinki. The Lev has been the country's currency since 1881 and is used for all transactions within Bulgaria. Bulgaria's culture is a blend of Eastern Orthodox Christian traditions, Thracian, Slavic, and Ottoman influences. The country's cultural heritage is reflected in its music, dance, folklore, cuisine, and religious festivals. Bulgarian folk music, featuring traditional instruments like the gadulka (string instrument) and gaida (bagpipe), is an integral part of the country's cultural identity. Traditional Bulgarian dances, such as the horo, are performed during celebrations and festivals. Bulgarian cuisine is diverse and flavorful, featuring dishes like banitsa (cheese-filled pastry), shopska salad (tomato and cucumber salad with feta cheese), and kebapche (grilled minced meat). Yogurt, a staple of Bulgarian cuisine, is believed to have originated in Bulgaria. The country's rich cultural heritage is showcased in its historic cities, medieval monasteries, and archaeological sites. Cities like Sofia, Plovdiv, and Veliko Tarnovo feature well-preserved architecture, Byzantine churches, and Ottoman-era mosques. Bulgaria's stunning natural landscapes, including the Balkan Mountains, Black Sea coast, and Rila National Park, attract tourists from around the world. Outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and beach-going are popular, while cultural attractions like the Rila Monastery and Thracian tombs offer insights into Bulgaria's ancient history. Despite its challenges, Bulgaria's culture remains vibrant and resilient, reflecting the country's rich heritage and strong sense of national identity. The warmth and hospitality of the Bulgarian people, combined with the country's natural beauty and cultural richness, make Bulgaria a captivating destination for travelers seeking to explore the heart of the Balkans.
Country
Bulgaria
Best Time to Visit
June, July, August, September
Ideal Duration
5 to 10-Days Day(s)
Visa Rules
Last updated: 2025-04-22 06:49:18
Tourist Visa
- Schengen Visa Holders: Holders of valid multi-entry Schengen visas may travel to Bulgaria without a Bulgarian national visa under the terms and conditions stated on the Schengen visa, provided it is not exhausted.
• Personal Interview: Applicants are required to attend a personal interview with the Embassy/Consulate.
Required Documents
1. Passport
• Original Passport: Valid for at least 6 months with at least 2 blank pages.
• Original Old Passport Booklets: If any.
2. Photographs
• Two photographs: White background, glossy finish, 80% face coverage with a little shoulder visible, eyes and face clearly visible. Dimensions: 3.5cm x 4.5cm.
3. Covering Letter
• Addressed to: The Visa Officer, Embassy of Bulgaria.
• Content: Brief profile of the applicants, purpose of travel with dates.
• For Individuals/Families: Plain paper.
• For Company Officials/Sponsored Applicants: Company letterhead.
4. Bank Statements
• Original Bank Statements: Last three months personal and company's bank statements, sealed and signed by a bank officer, showing funds equivalent to EUR 50 per day in Bulgaria.
• Relevance: Must show proof of funds and income, with a closing date closer to the visa application date (A4 size preferred).
5. IT Returns
• Income Tax Returns: Latest 3 years Income Tax Acknowledgement / ITR-V (Saral) of individuals and the company.
6. Itinerary / Air Tickets
• Return Air Tickets: Including all internal flight/train tickets if any.
• Day-wise Itinerary: Detailed itinerary of the tour.
7. Purpose of Travel / Accommodation
• Accommodation Proof: Reservation from a Bulgarian tourist accommodation facility/hotel.
• Tourist Voucher: From the sending travel agent; a general list of tourists from a single group. Documents of organized tourists may be submitted only by accredited travel agents.
8. Supporting Credentials
Businessmen
• Documents: Proprietorship certificate, Certificate of Registration, Memorandum of Association, Articles of Association, Partnership Deed.
• NOC: From other partners or directors in case of a partnership.
Employees
• Leave Sanction Letter: From the company (government body for government employees/public servants).
• Salary Statements: Last 3 months (only for private firms).
• Optional: Company ID card.
• Retired Employees: Retirement Certificate or Letter, Copy of Pension Book.
• Pension Statements: Last three months.
Students
• Leave Sanction Letter: From the educational institution (for travel during working days).
• Bonafide Certificate: From the educational institution (for travel during vacations).
• Optional: School/College ID card.
Newly Wed / Honeymooners
• Marriage Certificate: Original.
• Wedding Invitation Card/Photographs: If the marriage certificate is not ready.
Children Traveling and Unaccompanied by Both Parents / Either Parent
• NOC: Notary attested on a stamp paper from both/either of the parents if unaccompanied.
• Passport Copies: Of both/either of the parents.
Travelers Unaccompanied by Spouses/Partners
• NOC: Notary attested on a stamp paper from the unaccompanied spouse.
• Passport Copy: Of the unaccompanied spouse. If not a passport holder, any government ID proof mentioning spouse's name can be submitted.
9. Additional Supporting Documents (if available)
• FD Receipts: From banks.
• Public Shares/Debentures Certificate.
• Asset Evaluation Report: From a CA.
10. Travel Insurance
• Valid Travel Insurance: From the Embassy-approved companies, covering the days of travel with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000.
Ensure all documents are complete and accurate to avoid delays in the visa application process.
Disclaimers
The above list of documents is the standard requirement for the visa application. The Embassy/Consulate/High Commission/Application Centres reserve the right to request additional documents for verification.
Travelspoc does not guarantee the outcome of any visa application. Decisions on visa applications are at the sole discretion of the respective Embassy/Consulate/High Commission.
Visa Application Centres and Embassy Information
Visa Application Centres: New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkatta, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Jalandhar, Trivandrum, Chandigarh, Pune, Cochin, Goa, Ahmedabad, Puducherry, Jaipur, Gurgaon.
Embassy of Bulgaria, New Delhi
Address: E P16/17, Chandra Gupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021
Tel : +91-11-26115551
Email : bgconsuldelhi@yahoo.com
Honorary Consul of Bulgaria, Mumbai
Address: Samruddha Resources Limited, 6th Floor, ‘A’ Block, Shivsagar Estate, Dr. Annie Besant Road, Worli, Mumbai – 400 018
Tel : +91-22 – 66619000
Email : vinay_patil@samruddha.net
Honorary Consul of Bulgaria, Hyderabad
Address: 50-B, Journalist Colony, Near Apollo Cross, Film Nagar, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad– 500 096, Andhra Pradesh
Tel : +91-40-6613-5000/6000
Email : drykiron@gmail.com
​The official website for Bulgaria's visa information is hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria. You can access comprehensive details about visa requirements, application procedures, and necessary documentation at: