Болгария

With the passport ranked 7th, travelling abroad for a Bulgarian citizen is easier today than ever before. As it is one of the strongest passports in the world, Bulgarians can enjoy visa-free access to 110 countries.

In addition, Bulgarian citizens can enter many other countries with a simple Виза по прибытии (VoA), and also apply for a quick and convenient eVisa, или Электронное разрешение на поездку (eTA) на 54 more countries.

However, not every destination has the same rule. Some countries still require travellers to apply for a traditional visa by visiting the embassy in person.

No matter what the destination is, Bulgarian citizens must have a valid passport with a validity of at least six (6) months from the date of arrival.

To avoid surprises at the border, it is important to check exactly what type of entry permit is needed for your destination country before you plan your trip.

An eVisa is an electronic visa that allows travellers to apply online without visiting an embassy. It normally takes just a few days to be approved. Travellers can simply print a copy or store it on a smartphone to show it at the border.

An Электронное разрешение на поездку (eTA) is a pre-travel approval linked electronically to the traveller’s passport. It simply allows the traveller to enter the destination country without applying for a visa before departure.

The eTa can also be applied online, just like the eVisa. The difference is that У eTA есть конкретные сроки for entering the country, and the traveller must enter the immigration authority of the destination country within that time. In contrast, there is no time limit for an eVisa.

Also, the eVisa is sent to the email once approved, while travellers can obtain an eTA directly from the immigration authority upon arrival.

A Виза по прибытии (VoA) allows travellers to travel without a prior visa. Instead, they can obtain entry permission directly at the airport or land border of the destination country.

As VoA rules can change frequently from country to country, it’s important to double-check the requirements for your destination country.

As a Bulgarian passport holder, you can enjoy VoA for 12 countries that are mentioned below:

With a Bulgarian passport, travellers can enter 110 countries worldwide without a visa. This makes the Bulgarian passport highly valuable for both tourism and business, ranking it 7th in the global passport ranking.

Here is the list of countries that allow Bulgarian citizens visa-free entry:

Although the Bulgarian passport is powerful, around 20 countries still require Bulgarian citizens to apply for a traditional visa.

This means, travellers have to visit the embassy or consulate, submit their passport and other supporting documents in order and sometimes attend the interview to get the visa.

However, some countries allow Bulgarian citizens to apply online for the traditional visa. In that case, they can complete the application without visiting the embassy. Since it completely depends on the visa policy of the destination country, whether you can apply for an online visa or offline, it’s best to check before applying.

Here’s the list of countries that require Bulgarian citizens to apply for a traditional visa:

Whether you’re applying for an eVisa, eTA, Visa on Arrival, or a traditional visa, the requirements are common for almost all countries. Here are the documents or information that Bulgarian travellers require while applying for a visa:

• Действительный паспорт: The passport should be valid for at least six (6) months from the date of entry.
• Визовая анкета: Have to fill out the complete visa application form and provide all the required documents and information. It can be online or offline, depending on the type of visa you’re applying for and the visa policy of the destination country. This form generally requests personal details, travel plans, purpose of visit and other supporting documents.
• Фотография: Have to provide one or more recently captured passport-sized photographs with a white background. It should be taken within three months. The applicant’s face must be clearly visible in the photograph.
• Авиабилеты: Some countries require proof of inbound or outbound flight tickets as part of a visa application.
• Подтверждение проживания: Applicants may need to provide proof of where they are staying. It can be a hotel booking, hostel confirmation, an invitation from the host organisation, or the address of family or friends with whom you are staying.
• Вспомогательные документы: Applicants may need to provide other documents such as proof of funds, invitation letters, or travel insurance, depending on the destination.

Bulgarian citizens can travel to 196 countries worldwide. The list of countries for eVisa, eTa, Visa on Arrival, visa-free and traditional visa is given above in the article. Check if you need the exact number of destinations for a specific type of visa.

Bulgarian passport ranks 7th worldwide, and it allows its nationals visa-free entry to around 110 countries. It includes the European Union (EU), much of the Americas, and parts of Asia. The list of visa-free countries is mentioned above.

A valid Bulgarian passport is the primary proof of citizenship when travelling. If you’re travelling within the European Union (EU), you may also need to show your national identity card to the authorities.

Yes, Bulgaria allows dual citizenship under certain conditions. It is for citizens of the EU, EEA, Switzerland, countries in a reciprocity agreement with Bulgaria, spouses of Bulgarians, and native-borns, obviously.

For Bulgarian adults, it is usually valid for 10 years from the date of issue. For minors, the validity is for up to 5 years or until they reach 18 years of age, whichever occurs earlier. Both passports can be renewed if needed.