How to Get a Tourist Visa for Bulgaria?

Bulgaria tourist visa is available to Indian passport holders. The visa allows the applicants to visit the country for tourism purposes or to visit their family and friends in Bulgaria. It is called a short stay visa, a C visa or a Unifrom schengen visa, and allows you to stay up to 3 months in any 180 days. This blog covers everything you need to know about the Bulgarian tourist visa for Indians, from the requirements, application process, fees, and processing time.

What is a Bulgaria Tourist Visa?

Starting 31 March 2024, Bulgaria has issued the Uniform Schengen visa to those who want to visit the country. This is the same visa that is applicable in all the schengen areas for short-term visits. Those with this visa can travel throughout the Schengen area. For this reason, the Bulgarian tourist visa is also called the ‘Uniform Schengen Visa’ or the short stay visa. 

Do Indians Need a Bulgaria Tourist Visa?

Yes. Indian nationals with ordinary passports need to apply for a Bulgarian visa. You can only travel with a visa. However, those with a valid Diplomatic and Official Indian Passport do not need a Schengen visa. They can travel for up to 90 days in any 6 months in the territory without a visa.

Similarly, those with valid Schengen documents, or resident permits from Cyprus, Romania and Croatia do not need to apply for a visa.

Bulgaria Tourist Visa Requirements 

To apply for a Bulgaria tourist visa meet the visa requirements. You need to submit the necessary documents for the application process,

• Completed C visa application form (in English or Bulgarian)
• You must have a passport or a valid travel documents. The passport must be valid for 3 months beyond the duration of your stay. 
• Present photocopies of the travel document along with your personal information. 
• Aside from that, submit one passport-size photograph ((3,5 х 4,5)
• Provide proof of accommodation. For example, a hotel booking in Bulgaria 
• You also need to have a valid Indian resident permit to show that you will return to India
• A cover letter explaining the reason for your trip, and your travel itinerary 
• A medical insurance of at least EUR 30,000. This medical insurance must be valid in all the Schengen countries.
• You need to get a return ticket to India 
• Provide proof of your social and professional status in India. For example, a letter from your employer stating your position, grant of leave, and salary certificate for the last 3 months. If you are a student you can get a letter from your school or university.
• Proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses for the duration of your stay. For example, EUR 50 per day. You can show your 3 months bank statements, 3 months income tax returns, etc.
• For minors, a parent can submit a birth certificate 
• Minors who are travelling without their parents or guardians need to provide notarized consent of the parents/guardians.

To view the checklist for tourist visas, download this PDF

When to Apply for a Bulgaria Tourist Visa?

The application for a Bulgaria tourist visa is not accepted more than 3 months in advance. Those who have applied less than 15 days before the intended travel date may or may not receive a visa. Therefore, the best time to apply for the visa is at least 15 days before the intended travel date. 

Application Process for Bulgaria Tourist Visa for Indians 

You can apply for a Bulgaria Tourist Visa by following the steps below:

• First, download the visa application form VFS Global website 
• Next, fill out the form, and gather the revealing documents 
• Get an appointment at a visa application centre, and bring your documents with you
• You wil have to submit your biometric information on the appointment date
• Furthermore, you must submit the visa application fees
• After the application process has been started, you can check the status of your application online through SMS or email updates
• When a decision has been made you will  be informed of the same 
• Thereafter, you can collect your passport and other documents from the visa application centre.

To learn about the application process in detail, watch this video:

Indian Cities with Bulgaria Visa Application Centres 

The following cities in India have visa application centres.

Cities with Bulgaria Visa Application Centres
Ahmedabad	New Delhi	Bangalore
Hyderabad	Mumbai, Pune	Chennai
Calcutta

Bulgaria Tourist Visa Fees

The Bulgaria tourist visa fees are as follows. Note- there are no charges for children below the age of 12.

Visa Name	Fees
C visa (those above the age of 12)	INR 8550
C Visa fees for family members of Bulgarian and EU citizens	Free

Learn about the cost of living in Bulgaria 

What is the Minimum Bank Balance Required for a Bulgaria Tourist Visa?

To get a tourist visa, you must show that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses.  Therefore, you need a minimum bank balance of EUR 50 per day for the duration of your stay.  Nevertheless, overall you need at least EUR 500 to travel to Bulgaria. You can show you have the finances by demonstrating your 3-month bank statements.

Bulgaria Tourist Visa Processing Time 

The Bulgaria Tourist Visa processing times are as follows. Note- the processing time can be extended in case the applicant has to submit additional documents.

Visa Name	Processing Time
C visa	15 Working days
Extended processing time	45 working days

What is the Success Rate of Bulgaria Tourist Visa?

Bulgaria just recently became a part of the European Union in terms of issuing Uniform Schengen visas for tourism.. That is, on 31st March, 2024  For this reason, the tourist visa success rate is not yet available. However, overall the Schengen tourist visa approval rate for 2023, was 82.3%. You can significantly increase your chances of getting the visa if you meet all the requirements, and ensure that you have provided all the documents and no inaccurate information has been submitted.

What to Do if My Bulgaria Tourist Visa Application is Rejected?

If the C visa/Bulgaria tourist visa application is rejected you are left with two options, They are as follows:

• Reapplication – Identify the reason for the tourist visa rejection, and correct the same. The reason for the visa rejection can be anything from lack for finances to lack of sufficient documents. Just ensure that you have corrected the mistake before reapplying.
• Appeal- You can also submit a visa appeal. A visa appeal can be submitted if you feel the decision on your application has been unfair.

FAQs

We hope you now understand what are Bulgaria tourist visa. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!

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