ETIAS visa waiver for Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area. The ETIAS regulation will apply to visitors when it comes into effect.

This means registering with the European Travel Authorisation and Information System will be an entry requirement for non-European citizens travelling to Bulgaria without a visa.

The ETIAS will streamline border management and enhance security in Bulgaria and the rest of the Schengen Area. All non-EU visitors, including those who do not need a visa, will be screened before arrival.

BULGARIA IN EUROPE: GEOGRAPHY AND BORDERING COUNTRIES

Bulgaria is a country in southeastern Europe covering an area of 42,855 square miles.

With around 7 million inhabitants, Bulgaria has one of Europe's smallest populations. Most Bulgarians speak Bulgarian, a smaller number speak Turkish or Romani as their first language.

Bulgaria's capital and largest city is Sofia; other major cities are Plovdiv, Varna and Burgas.

Bulgaria has been a member of the European Union since January 1, 2007.

There are 17 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from Bulgaria. Representatives from the Bulgarian government regularly attend EU council meetings. Bulgaria held the presidency of the Council of the EU from January to June 2018.

Bulgaria was approved to join the Schengen Area by the EU Council at the end of 2023.

The country officially became a member of Schengen on March 31, 2024. There are no longer air and sea border checks with other Schengen countries.

DOES BULGARIA USE THE EURO?

Although Bulgaria is an EU member, the country is yet to adopt the Euro currency.

The nation continues to use the Bulgarian lev (BGV) but has committed to joining the Euro once it meets all the requirements.

Bulgaria currently meets some requirements, including exchange rate criteria. However, there are others which the nation has yet to meet.

IS BULGARIA PART OF THE SCHENGEN AREA?

Bulgaria is now an official member of the Schengen Area.

As of March 31, 2024, there are no border checks for air and maritime passengers travelling between Bulgaria and other Schengen member states.

Land borders with Romania and Greece are expected to be opened in the near future.

The Republic of Bulgaria was already applying the Schengen acquis to a significant extent even before joining.

Visa-waiver travellers will need ETIAS to visit Bulgaria in the near future.

VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR BULGARIA

Bulgaria’s visa policy is based on the Schengen acquis.

Europe’s visa requirements for Bulgaria mean EU citizens do not need a visa. Passport holders from other European countries do not need a visa to enter, reside, and work in Bulgaria.

Non-EU nationals must have either a visa or ETIAS visa waiver for Bulgaria.

DO I NEED A VISA TO VISIT BULGARIA?

Bulgaria adopts the same visa-waiver list as the rest of the Schengen Area. This means visitors from countries including Australia, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom may visit Bulgaria for up to 90 days per 180-day period without a visa.

Travellers from other countries can enter Bulgaria with a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa for up to 3 months.

WHICH TRAVELLERS WILL NEED ETIAS FOR BULGARIA?

Non-EU citizens from visa-exempt countries will soon need to apply for ETIAS for Bulgaria. ETIAS regulation applies to current Schengen nations and Cyprus, which intends to join.

ETIAS is not a visa for Bulgaria. Eligible travellers will still be able to enter without a visa, but they will need to register online for ETIAS before departure.

Travellers will be able to visit Bulgaria for up to 90 days per 180-day period with ETIAS. The visa waiver is multiple-entry, so holders can visit Bulgaria more than once using the same permit.

An ETIAS travel authorisation for Bulgaria will remain valid for 3 years, or until the passport used to apply expires (whichever is sooner).

Tourism, business, and transit are all permitted with ETIAS. Visa-exempt visitors will need to register online before going on holiday or attending conferences or other events in Bulgaria.

With an ETIAS for Bulgaria, travellers can visit any Schengen country (or candidate member, like Cyprus) without applying for additional permits. Romania and Greece are the closest ETIAS countries to Bulgaria.

MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR ETIAS BULGARIA

Travellers may need to take out medical insurance for Bulgaria. This depends on their nationality and the type of entry permit.

Health insurance is not required to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver for Bulgaria. Applicants need just a valid passport from an eligible country.

However, it is advisable to take out medical insurance before visiting Bulgaria or any other overseas destination.

HEALTH INSURANCE FOR BULGARIAN VISAS

To go to Bulgaria with a multiple-entry Schengen visa, travellers need medical coverage. Schengen visa applicants must provide proof of health insurance for at least €30,000.

BULGARIA PORTS OF ENTRY WITH ETIAS

ETIAS will be valid to enter Bulgaria through its international airports, seaports, and land borders.

Sofia Airport (SOF) is Bulgaria’s main international airport and one of the largest airports in Eastern Europe. Flights arrive in Sofia from all over Europe, as well as the rest of the world.

Other airports include Burgas International Airport on the Black Sea Coast, which also serves international destinations like Greece and Turkey.

International train services connect Bulgaria to Romania, Hungary, Greece, and Turkey. Alternatively, motorists can drive to Bulgaria from neighbouring ETIAS countries Romania and Greece with the visa waiver.

Tourists can visit Bulgaria on holiday with ETIAS. The travel authorisation covers leisure activities, including sightseeing and visiting friends and relatives.

Sofia, the Bulgarian capital, is the most visited city. St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a highlight for visitors. There are also numerous museums and other cultural attractions.

Other places of interest in Bulgaria are Plovdiv, a historical town featuring fortresses, amphitheatres, and cobblestone streets. Bansko is a popular winter destination in Bulgaria, offering excellent skiing and other mountain activities.

Travellers can also enjoy a beach holiday in Bulgaria. Coastal towns along the Black Sea include Burgas, Nesebar, Sozopol, and Varna.