Sofia Airport (SOF) — Transit Guide
Transit and entry requirements at Sofia Airport in Sofia, Bulgaria
Quick Facts
Sofia Airport (SOF) is a Schengen Area airport in Sofia, Bulgaria. Transiting here may require ETIAS or a transit visa depending on your nationality.
Airport SOF
City Sofia
Country Bulgaria
Schengen Yes
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Airport Code SOF
🏙️
City Sofia
🇪🇺
Country Bulgaria
🌍
Schengen Yes
Transit at Sofia Airport
Sofia Airport (SOF) is located in Sofia, Bulgaria. As a Schengen Area airport, transiting here may require ETIAS or a Schengen transit visa, depending on your nationality.
If you're connecting between two flights that both stay within the Schengen Area, no additional entry is required. If arriving from outside the Schengen Area, you'll pass through border control.
Transit Requirements at Sofia Airport by Nationality
- EU/EEA citizens Transit freely with passport or national ID. No visa, ETIAS, or other authorization needed.
- Visa-exempt nationals (US, UK, Canada, etc.) Can transit without a visa. ETIAS will be required from Q4 2026 (€20) — even for airside transit.
- Visa-required nationals May need a Schengen Airport Transit Visa (ATV) even for airside connections. Check with the embassy of Bulgaria.
Transit FAQs — Sofia Airport (SOF)
Do I need a visa to transit through Sofia Airport?
It depends on your nationality. EU citizens transit freely. Visa-exempt nationals will need ETIAS from Q4 2026. Some nationalities need a Schengen transit visa even for airside transit.
Is Sofia Airport a Schengen airport?
Yes. Sofia Airport is in Bulgaria, a Schengen Area member. Arriving from outside the Schengen Area means passing through border control.
Can I leave the airport during a layover?
If you have valid entry authorization (ETIAS, Schengen visa, or EU passport), you can leave the airport and visit Sofia during your layover.
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