In
order to travel to and within Bulgaria the nationals of all countries
need a passport valid until at least six months after the date of
departure. You do not have to produce a return ticket on arrival.
On arrival, however, all visitors have to register at the hotel or
guesthouse they are staying at, or, when visiting friends or camping,
at the nearest police station.
A letter of invitation from Bulgarian host A business letter of
financial responsibility typewritten on the company letterhead,
and addressed to: Embassy of Bulgaria Visa Section, Washington D.C.
The letter must explain the purpose of travel and duties to be performed
in Bulgaria and guarantee financial support for the applicant while
in Bulgaria.
Requirements for U.S. citizens to enter
Bulgaria:
It is also helpful to register with the embassy of your country
on arrival, so that they are prepared to assist you in case of medical
or legal emergencies. Your embassy can also provide you with a list
of addresses of English-speaking facilities, such as doctors and
pharmacies.
There are also several Bulgarian embassies abroad. Nationals of
the United States of America and members of the European Union can
travel in Bulgaria without a visa for up to 30 days, after which
they need to have applied for a visa to extend their stay.
Nationals of Australia, Bahrain, Hong Kong, Iceland, Israel, Kuwait,
Liechtenstein, Norway, New Zealand, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore,
Switzerland, South Africa, Taiwan, UAE, Canada and Japan can visit
Bulgaria without a visa if they have pre-arranged a tour of at least
three day's duration with Balkantourist or any other authorised
agent. Visas are free (but do need to be applied for) to nationals
of China, Cyprus, North Korea and Zimbabwe. There are various types
of visas, all varying in price.
A Transit Visa, given out if you are only travelling through Bulgaria
on your way to another destination, is normally the cheapest, and
is available in single and double entry. A Tourist Visa is about
the same price and is given out to holiday-makers.
A Business Visa also comes in single and double entry, and can
be for three or six months The most expensive type of visa is the
Express Visa, issued immediately when applied for in person. The
most you will ever pay for a visa to Bulgaria is the equivalent
of forty pounds. To apply for a visa you will always need to fill
out an application form, and give in your passport, a passport photo
and the correct amount of money to pay for your visa.
For a Business Visa you will also need to fill in an extra form,
and be in possession of a legalised invitation from a company in
Bulgaria; as well as a letter of confirmation from your own company.
If you intend to stay with friends, a legalised invitation from
your host in Bulgaria is required. Remember that it can take up
to 30 days to process a visa.
