Brian Geek
Here is a categorized list of countries and territories that Bulgarian citizens can visit without obtaining a visa in advance:
Bulgarian Passport Visa Free Countries
Europe:
- Albania (90 days)
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belarus (30 days)
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina (90 days)
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Moldova (90 days)
- Monaco
- Montenegro (90 days)
- North Macedonia (90 days)
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- San Marino
- Serbia (90 days)
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Ukraine (90 days)
- United Kingdom (6 months)
- Vatican City
Asia:
- Armenia (180 days)
- Georgia (1 year)
- Israel (3 months)
- Japan (90 days)
- Kazakhstan (30 days)
- Kyrgyzstan (60 days)
- Malaysia (90 days)
- Mongolia (30 days)
- Philippines (30 days)
- Singapore (90 days)
- South Korea (90 days)
- Taiwan (90 days)
- Thailand (30 days)
Africa:
- Angola (30 days)
- Botswana (90 days)
- Cape Verde (30 days)
- Gambia (90 days)
- Mauritius (90 days)
- Morocco (3 months)
- Namibia (3 months)
- São Tomé and Príncipe (15 days)
- Senegal (90 days)
- Seychelles (3 months)
- South Africa (90 days)
- Tunisia (2 months)
- Zambia (90 days)
Americas:
- Antigua and Barbuda (3 months)
- Argentina (90 days)
- Bahamas (3 months)
- Barbados (3 months)
- Belize
- Brazil (90 days)
- Canada (6 months)
- Chile (90 days)
- Colombia (180 days)
- Costa Rica (90 days)
- Dominica (90 days)
- Dominican Republic (90 days)
- Ecuador (90 days)
- El Salvador (6 months)
- Grenada (3 months)
- Guatemala (90 days)
- Haiti (90 days)
- Honduras (3 months)
- Mexico (180 days)
- Nicaragua (90 days)
- Panama (180 days)
- Paraguay (90 days)
- Peru (90 days)
- Saint Kitts and Nevis (3 months)
- Saint Lucia (90 days)
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (90 days)
- Trinidad and Tobago (90 days)
- United States (90 days)
- Uruguay (90 days)
- Venezuela (90 days)
Oceania:
- Fiji (4 months)
- Kiribati (90 days)
- Micronesia (90 days)
- Palau (90 days)
- Samoa (90 days)
- Solomon Islands (90 days)
- Tonga (90 days)
- Tuvalu (90 days)
Middle East:
- Bahrain (14 days)
- Jordan (Visa on arrival)
- Kuwait (3 months)
- Lebanon (1 month)
- Oman (14 days)
- Qatar (90 days)
- United Arab Emirates (90 days)
Please note that visa requirements can change, and the duration of permitted stays may vary. It’s advisable to check the latest entry requirements with the embassy or consulate of your destination country before traveling.
What Countries Do Bulgarian Citizens Need A Visa For?
Here is a list of countries that require Bulgarian citizens to secure a visa before arrival:
Africa:
- Algeria
- Ghana
- Liberia
- Libya
- Mali
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Sierra Leone
- Sudan
- South Sudan
- Eritrea
- Congo (Democratic Republic)
- Congo (Republic)
- Chad
- Central African Republic
- Equatorial Guinea
- Guinea
- Somalia
- Eswatini
- Burundi
- Cameroon
- Angola
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Comoros
- Djibouti
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- Gabon
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mauritania
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Rwanda
- Seychelles
- Tanzania
- Togo
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Asia:
- Afghanistan
- Bhutan
- North Korea
- Turkmenistan
- Yemen
- China
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Laos
- Lebanon
- Myanmar
- Pakistan
- Saudi Arabia
- Syria
- Thailand
- Vietnam
Oceania:
- Nauru
- Papua New Guinea
- Solomon Islands
- Vanuatu
- Fiji
- Kiribati
- Marshall Islands
- Micronesia
- Palau
- Samoa
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
North America:
- United States of America
- Canada
- Mexico
- Belize
- Costa Rica
- El Salvador
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Cuba
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Grenada
- Haiti
- Jamaica
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
South America:
- Guyana
- Suriname
- Venezuela
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Uruguay
Europe:
- Russia
- Belarus
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Georgia
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Moldova
- Tajikistan
- Ukraine
- Uzbekistan
Please note that visa requirements can change, and it’s advisable to check the latest information with the embassy or consulate of the destination country before making travel arrangements.
Do Bulgarians Need Visa For America?
Yes, Bulgarian citizens are required to obtain a visa before traveling to the United States. Bulgaria is not currently part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, which allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business without a visa.
For tourism purposes, Bulgarian travelers typically apply for a B-2 tourist visa, which generally allows stays of up to six months. The visa itself is often valid for multiple entries over a ten-year period.
To apply for a U.S. visa, Bulgarian citizens should follow these steps:
- Complete the Online Application: Fill out the DS-160 form, which is the standard application for nonimmigrant visas.
- Pay the Application Fee: The fee for a U.S. visitor visa is $185.
- Schedule an Interview: Book an appointment for a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Sofia.
- Prepare Necessary Documents: Gather required documents, including a valid passport, a recent photograph, proof of financial means, and evidence of ties to Bulgaria to demonstrate intent to return after the visit.
- Attend the Visa Interview: Present your application and supporting documents at the U.S. Embassy.
For detailed information and guidance on the application process, you can visit the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria’s official website.
It’s advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel date to accommodate processing times.
Do Bulgarians Need Visa For Europe?
Bulgarians do not need a visa to travel to most European countries, as Bulgaria is a member of the European Union (EU). Bulgarian citizens enjoy freedom of movement within the EU and the Schengen Area for tourism, business, and short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period).
However, Bulgaria is not yet part of the Schengen Area, so border checks may still apply when traveling to other Schengen countries. For non-EU countries in Europe, such as the UK, visa requirements depend on specific agreements between Bulgaria and the respective country.
Countries That Gives Visa On Arrival For Bulgarian Passport Holders?
Africa:
- Egypt: 30 days
- Ethiopia: 3 months
- Tanzania: 3 months
- Somalia: 1 month
- Mauritania: Visa on arrival available
- Burundi: Visa on arrival available
- Comoros: Visa on arrival available
- Djibouti: Visa on arrival available
- Guinea-Bissau: Visa on arrival available
- Madagascar: Visa on arrival available
- Malawi: Visa on arrival available
- Mozambique: Visa on arrival available
- Namibia: Visa on arrival available
- Sierra Leone: Visa on arrival available
- Zimbabwe: Visa on arrival available
Asia:
- Bahrain: 2 weeks
- Saudi Arabia: 3 months
- Maldives: 1 month
- Sri Lanka: 1 month
- Laos: 1 month
- Cambodia: 1 month
- Bangladesh: Visa on arrival available
- Indonesia: Visa on arrival available
- Iraq: Visa on arrival available
- Jordan: Visa on arrival available
- Kuwait: Visa on arrival available
- Lebanon: Visa on arrival available
- Nepal: Visa on arrival available
- Oman: Visa on arrival available
- Qatar: Visa on arrival available
Oceania:
- Papua New Guinea: Visa on arrival available
- Palau: Visa on arrival available
- Samoa: Visa on arrival available
- Tonga: Visa on arrival available
- Tuvalu: Visa on arrival available
Traveling To UK For Bulgarian Passport Holders?
The United Kingdom is a popular destination for travelers from around the world, including Bulgarian passport holders. Whether for tourism, business, education, or work, Bulgarian citizens planning to visit the UK should be aware of the necessary requirements, restrictions, and practical tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.
As of January 1, 2021, following the UK’s exit from the European Union, travel rules for EU citizens, including Bulgarian nationals, have changed. Here’s what you need to know:
- Short-Term Visits (Tourism, Family, or Business):
- Bulgarian passport holders can visit the UK without a visa for short stays of up to 6 months.
- Activities allowed include tourism, visiting family or friends, attending business meetings, or participating in short courses.
- Long-Term Stays (Work, Study, or Residency):
- For longer stays, such as studying, working, or joining a family member, you must apply for the appropriate visa:
- Work Visa: Required for employment in the UK. Popular categories include the Skilled Worker Visa and Seasonal Worker Visa.
- Student Visa: For studying at UK universities or institutions.
- Family Visa: For joining close relatives who are UK residents.
- Visa applications can be made through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) service.
- For longer stays, such as studying, working, or joining a family member, you must apply for the appropriate visa:
- Traveling with a Bulgarian ID Card:
- Bulgarian citizens cannot use their national ID card for entry into the UK. A valid passport is required.
At the UK border, Bulgarian passport holders should prepare to:
- Show a valid passport.
- Provide details of their trip, including accommodation, purpose of visit, and return plans.
- Provide proof of financial means to support their stay if requested.
Note: Bulgarian nationals with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may have additional rights. It is recommended to carry proof of this status when entering the UK.
The UK uses the British Pound Sterling (GBP). It is recommended to exchange some currency before arrival or use ATMs and credit cards for convenience. Budgeting is important, as the UK, particularly London, can be expensive.
Average costs include:
- Accommodation: £50–150 per night for mid-range hotels.
- Meals: £10–30 per person at restaurants.
- Transportation: £2.80–5 for local public transport.
Travel Tips
- Insurance: Purchase travel insurance to cover health emergencies, cancellations, and lost belongings.
- Driving: Bulgarian licenses are valid in the UK for short-term stays. Note that the UK drives on the left side of the road.
- Cultural Etiquette: The UK values politeness and punctuality. Always queue and use “please” and “thank you” when interacting with locals.
- Emergency Numbers: Dial 999 for police, fire, or medical emergencies.
Related
- Brunei Passport Visa Free Countries (2025)
- British Passport Visa Free Countries (2025)
- Bolivian Passport Visa Free Countries (2025)
- Bermuda Passport Visa Free Countries (2025)
- Belgium Passport Visa Free Countries (2025)
Conclusion
Traveling as a Bulgarian passport holder is straightforward but requires additional planning, particularly for longer stays. Understanding visa requirements, preparing travel documents, and being mindful of local customs will ensure a seamless experience.