Bulgaria Visa Requirements For British Citizens (2025)

British citizens do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria for short trips — whether as tourists, visiting friends/family, attending business or cultural events, or short-term studies/training — provided their stay is up to 90 days in any 180-day period

Bulgaria Visa Requirements For British Citizens

Passport validity:
- Issued within the last 10 years.
- Valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen area
Required documents at border:
- Passport (with enough blank pages)
- Return or onward ticket
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, invitation, Airbnb, etc.)
- Travel insurance (minimum €30 000 medical coverage across EU)
- Proof of sufficient funds

90‑Day Rule & Schengen Integration

From 31 March 2024, Bulgaria became part of the Schengen regime (internal borders removed for air/sea, passport checks remain at land/river crossings)
Time spent in Bulgaria counts toward the Schengen-wide 90-day limit over any 180-day period

Future Changes: ETIAS Requirement

The ETIAS (European Travel Information & Authorisation System), similar to the US ESTA, is scheduled to launch in late 2026 (after the EES rollout in October 2025). UK nationals will need to obtain an ETIAS authorization (€7) valid for up to three years, covering travel to Bulgaria and all Schengen countries

Stays Over 90 Days (Long‑Stay / Work / Study)

To stay beyond 90 days within 180 days, you’ll need:

Bulgarian Type D (long-stay) visa, applied before arrival in the UK.
Work/study permit or residence permit, depending on purpose

Processing is handled by the Bulgarian embassy or VFS Global in London, and typically requires passports with >3 months validity post-departure, proof of purpose, accommodation, insurance, and financial stability. In-person appointment and processing time (~15 working days or more) are standard.

Quick Reference Table

Purpose of Visit	Duration Allowed	Visa Required?	Key Conditions
Tourism/Business/Visit	Up to 90 days within 180 days	No (visa-free)	Passport valid 3+ months, valid insurance, return ticket, funds, accommodation
Short Study/Training	Up to 90 days within 180 days	No (visa-free)	Same as above
Stay >90 days	Over 90 days	Yes (Visa D + permit)	Applied in UK; requires supporting docs, processing time, appointment

Pro Tips

Check passport stamps when entering/exiting Schengen to track days used.
Carry documentation: hotel bookings, travel insurance proof, flight itineraries, bank statements.
Plan ahead: For long stays, start visa/permit process well before travel, as it can take weeks.
Watch ETIAS timing: If visiting in late 2026 or later, don’t forget the ETIAS pre-travel approval

Does British Citizens Needs Visa To Travel To Bulgaria?

Yes — British citizens do not need a visa to travel to Bulgaria

How Long Does It Takes For A British Citizen To Get Bulgarian Visa?

If you do need a visa (for longer stays or special purposes), here’s what to expect:

1. Short-Stay Visa (Type C)

Processing Time: Around 15 calendar days from the date of application.
In some cases, it may take up to 30 calendar days, especially if additional documents or checks are required.

2. Long-Stay Visa (Type D) – For residence, work, study, etc.

Processing Time: Usually 30 to 45 calendar days, depending on the complexity of the application and supporting documentation.
This visa is required if you plan to stay more than 90 days or move to Bulgaria permanently

What Do You Need As A British Citizen To Move To Bulgaria

Moving to Bulgaria as a British citizen can be an exciting life decision. This Eastern European country offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, affordable living, and cultural diversity. Whether you’re moving for retirement, work, business, or simply a change of pace, Bulgaria has a lot to offer.

Bulgaria is a country where tradition and modernity coexist. Its rich history spans centuries, and you’ll find remnants of Roman, Ottoman, and Soviet eras throughout the landscape. Towns like Plovdiv and Veliko Tarnovo ooze charm and history, while Sofia, the capital, is a bustling, cosmopolitan city with everything from trendy cafés and bars to art galleries and music venues.

The pace of life in Bulgaria is generally more relaxed than in the UK. Outside of Sofia and a few large cities, life moves slowly, and people tend to prioritize community and family. Festivals, folk music, and local traditions remain central to Bulgarian culture, and expats often find themselves warmly welcomed, especially in smaller towns and villages.

One of Bulgaria’s biggest attractions is its affordability. Compared to the UK, the cost of living is significantly lower. Rent, groceries, dining out, and utilities are all very budget-friendly. This is particularly appealing to retirees or remote workers looking to stretch their income further.

In urban areas, you can find fully furnished apartments in the city center for a fraction of what you’d pay in London or Manchester. Eating out at a decent restaurant is also inexpensive, and public transport is both reliable and cheap.

Housing and Accommodation

British citizens moving to Bulgaria often explore the real estate market because property is notably affordable, especially in rural areas. Many expats choose to buy rather than rent. Properties with large gardens and mountain or sea views are common and often cost less than a studio flat in the UK.

If you’re planning to rent, you’ll find a wide variety of options — from city apartments to countryside houses. Most landlords prefer long-term tenants, and prices can vary widely depending on location and the condition of the property.

Language and Communication

Bulgarian is the official language, and while English is spoken in tourist areas and among younger people, it’s not universally understood. Learning basic Bulgarian phrases will help immensely and shows respect for the local culture.

That said, many expats live comfortably without fluency, especially in areas with existing British communities. There are also language schools and tutors available if you wish to become more proficient over time.

Healthcare and Services

Bulgaria offers both public and private healthcare options. Public healthcare is available but can vary in quality depending on the region. Private healthcare, on the other hand, is affordable and often preferred by expats due to shorter wait times and higher standards of service.

Pharmacies are widely available and well-stocked. Most major cities have modern hospitals and English-speaking medical staff. Having private health insurance is common among foreigners to access the best care.

Daily Life and Amenities

Daily life in Bulgaria is generally comfortable. Supermarkets, markets, and international stores are easy to find, especially in urban areas. Fresh produce is widely available, and many people still grow their own food or shop at local farmers’ markets.

Public transport includes buses, trams, trolleys, and trains. In cities like Sofia, you can get around easily without a car. However, if you’re living in a rural area, having your own vehicle becomes almost essential.

Internet and mobile services are fast and inexpensive. Bulgaria also has a growing number of co-working spaces and communities of digital nomads.

Community and Social Life

The British expat community in Bulgaria is well-established. Many choose to settle in the countryside, especially in areas like Veliko Tarnovo, Bansko, and the Black Sea coast, where life is quieter, and the cost of living is even lower.

There are clubs, online forums, and social groups that help newcomers settle in, offering everything from housing tips to organizing local meetups. Social life can be as quiet or as vibrant as you want it to be.

Climate and Natural Environment

Bulgaria enjoys four distinct seasons. Winters can be cold and snowy, particularly in the mountains, making it great for winter sports. Summers are hot and sunny, especially on the Black Sea coast, where beach resorts attract both locals and tourists.

Nature lovers will appreciate Bulgaria’s diverse landscape. From the Balkan mountains and ski resorts to the peaceful Danube River and sunny beaches, there’s plenty to explore. Hiking, skiing, fishing, and wine-tasting are popular pastimes.

Education and Family Life

For those moving with children, Bulgaria has both public and private international schools, especially in Sofia and Plovdiv. Education is generally affordable, and international schools often follow British or American curricula.

Family life in Bulgaria is very family-oriented, and children are warmly welcomed in most public spaces. Parks, playgrounds, and outdoor spaces are common and well-maintained.

Conclusion

Moving to Bulgaria offers British citizens a chance to enjoy a high quality of life at a fraction of UK prices. With its blend of culture, nature, community, and affordability, it’s no surprise that more Brits are choosing Bulgaria as their new home.

While there are certainly adjustments to be made — especially around language and bureaucracy — many expats find the rewards well worth the effort. With an open mind and a little preparation, your move to Bulgaria can be the start of a rewarding and enriching new chapter