Visiting Bulgaria
Entry requirements, visa information, and travel guide for Bulgaria
Quick Facts
Bulgaria is a Schengen Area member. Whether you need ETIAS, a Schengen Visa, or nothing at all depends on your nationality.
Capital Sofia
Currency BGN
Schengen Yes
Languages Bulgarian
About Bulgaria
Bulgaria is one of Europe's most affordable destinations, offering Black Sea coast resorts like Sunny Beach and Varna alongside ski resorts such as Bansko and Borovets. The country has a rich ancient Thracian heritage with impressive archaeological sites.
Sofia, the capital, features a fascinating mix of Ottoman mosques, Soviet-era monuments, and modern European culture. Bulgaria became a full Schengen Area member in 2024, making border crossings with other Schengen countries seamless.
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Capital Sofia
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Currency BGN
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Population 6.4 million
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Languages Bulgarian
Entry Requirements for Bulgaria
- EU/EEA citizens Travel freely with passport or national ID. No visa or ETIAS needed.
- Visa-exempt nationals (US, UK, Canada, etc.) No visa needed for stays up to 90 days. ETIAS required from Q4 2026 (€20).
- Visa-required nationals Schengen Visa required (€80). Apply at embassy of your main destination.
Airports in Bulgaria
Bulgaria
Travel Questions about Bulgaria
Do I need a visa or ETIAS to visit Bulgaria?
It depends on your nationality. EU citizens travel freely. Citizens from 60 visa-exempt countries (US, UK, Canada, etc.) will need ETIAS from Q4 2026 (€20). All other nationalities need a Schengen Visa (€80). Use our checker to find your requirements.
Is Bulgaria in the Schengen Area?
Yes, Bulgaria is a Schengen Area member. A single visa or ETIAS covers all 30 Schengen countries.
How long can I stay in Bulgaria?
It depends on your status. EU citizens can stay indefinitely. Non-EU visitors can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period across all Schengen countries combined — including time spent in Bulgaria.
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