Visa Information

Overview

Every customer, including children/infants (below age 12), has to submit his/her visa application in person and by appointment only on their appointment date, which needs to be booked online (see Schedule an Appointment).

For customers who are not sure whether a visa is required to travel to Bulgaria, please click: http://bulgarianembassy-london.org/consular-services/visas/

Applicants, who intend to travel purely for tourist purposes, i.e. visiting for leisure, recreation or sightseeing, and provide for their own accommodation (hotel, hostel, B&B, camping, …) need to apply as Tourist.

Eligibility

Applicant must at least meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to submit a Bulgaria visa application:

1. holding a valid travel document and a valid UK residence permit. In case applicant holds a short stay visa for the UK, a C type visa (see example here), then applicant needs to apply for a visa from his/her residence country.
2. applying for a short term visa to Bulgaria: for Tourism (including minors), Private Visit, Business, Study/Conference/Seminat, EEA/EU and Swiss national family member, or for other short stay purposes.

For frequently asked questions please click following link - https://www.mfa.bg/en/services-travel/consular-services/faq

Visa Fees

The following are exempted from paying the visa fee:

1. Foreign citizens who as of the date of the visa application are under 12 years
2. Members of Bulgarian and EU citizens’ families

Applicable visa fee, in Pound Sterling (£), is as per the current exchange rate and may be subject to change without notice.

VFS service fee (inclusive of VAT) is charged per visa application, in addition to the applicable visa fee.

All fees can be paid by Credit/Debit card

Cheque payments and direct bank transfers are not accepted.

All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

The list of documents below is not an exhaustive list of documents and the applicant can always be asked to provide additional information/documents, if desired by the Mission.

Both the standard and the supporting documentation have to be recent, i.e. not older than 1 month.

Applicants are required to bring and present their original documents, but they only need to submit photocopies of the same; unless the requirements specify that an original document has to be submitted.

Documents to be submitted with the visa application:

1. Application form & Photograph (Download Visa Application Form): fully completed in English and signed in two places by the applicant (field no 37 and last field) along with one recent colour passport photograph.
   
   (For Minors under age of 18 - by signatures by both parents / guardian-s) & (only family members of the family European Union citizens shall fill in fields of the visa application form which indicate their family relationship)
2. Original Passport; Passport must be valid at least three months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria or in case of multiple visits - after the last scheduled date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, containing at least two empty pages, issued within the previous 10 years.
3. Photocopies - of the data pages of Passport & current and previous expired visas
4. UK Residence permit - Endorsed in the passport or issued as a Biometrics card and/or digital proof of immigration status issued by UK Home Office (share code), must be valid for at least 1 month beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area; C type visitor visa (see here) is not acceptable.
5. Proof of employment / Proof of student status (Original):
   

   Recent, official and signed letter from employer (headed letter with name, position of signatory and date of issue, address, recent telephone number and registration number in the United Kingdom) and pay slips for the last 3 months.

   If Self-employed:

   • Recent letter from accountant, banker or solicitor (official headed letter with name, date of issue, address, recent telephone number and position of signatory and registration number in the United Kingdom) stating self-employment or business ownership in the United Kingdom.
   • letter from the tax authorities.

   If Student:

   Original Recent, official and signed letter from United Kingdom school, college or university stating date of issue, name of the applicant and type of studies and number of lessons (hours) per week and attendance record.

6. Proof of sufficient funds: Three months bank statement and Possession of the required financial resources for subsistence amounting or equivalent to EUR 50 per day of the stay requested with the visa application or their equivalent in another convertible currency but at least EUR 500 or their equivalent in another convertible currency.
7. Travel Medical Insurance: valid for Bulgaria and all EU member states for the whole period of the trip, covering all costs for repatriation and for urgent medical care and emergency hospital treatment for the period of the stay indicated in the visa. The minimum coverage shall be EUR 30 000.
8. Means of transportation: All Confirmed paid travel tickets of Entry to Bulgaria from UK and departure to the UK (for air/surface/sea transport).
   If travelling by car: Provide driving licence, car registration, car insurance, confirmed tickets (ferry or Euro tunnel) mentioning the car’s registration number and driver’s driving licence. If applicant is not the driver, then driver’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming joint travel with applicant and travel dates and proof of official ID (passport and driving licence)
9. Proof of accommodation:
   Hotel booking, or other accommodation/AirBnB, Booking.com, etc. (guaranteed and confirmed on applicant’s name), real estate title deed or lease, proof of ownership or lease of a boat etc.

For Minors (children below 18 years), the following are required in addition to the above

• Declaration of Consent for Minor children signed by both parents.
• Original & Copy of both the parents passports
• OR A power of attotney or court order mentioning the custody in case one of the parents is not present.
• Original & Copy of Birth Certificate for the child (and certified translation

Holders of service and diplomatic passports are exempt from presenting proof for subsistence, accommodation, transportation and insurance policy

Please note: Upon entry into Bulgaria, foreign nationals should declare in writing the purpose of their stay and the address at which they will reside. To this end they should fill in a registration form. Citizens of the European Union member-states and of the countries in the Economic European Area are exempt from this requirement.

In addition, all foreign visitors should bear in mind that under Bulgarian Law they are required to contact the local police station within 48 hours of their arrival in Bulgaria and present in writing the address at which they will be staying. If they are staying in a hotel or private lodgings, the hotel management/host are obliged to register them at the local police station.

Photo Specifications

Please provide one recent (not older than 6 months) colour photograph of yourself, meeting the following requirements:

• Taken against a plain light (white or off-white) background so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background
• Clear quality and with the face in focus
• Full face: non-smiling, no sunglasses, no hat/cap or any head covering, unless the applicant wears such items because of his/her religious belief or ethnic background
• Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print)

If the photographs presented do not meet these requirements (see examples here), the applicant will be asked to take new photographs in the photo booth in the visa application centre.

Processing Time

Applications can be submitted within 3 months prior to departure.

The minimum processing time of a visa application is 15 calendar days.

Each application needs to receive clearance by the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry in Sofia. In case an application is lodged less than 15 calendar days before travel date, a timely completion of the visa process cannot be guaranteed.

VFS recommends all customers:

• to book their appointment as soon as they know they’ll be travelling
• to ensure that their visa application’s documentation meets the Mission’s requirements
• to leave enough processing time for the Mission
• to consider that VFS/Mission’s closures and holidays may extend the visa application processing time.

Visa application submitted in our satellite centres in Manchester, Cardiff or Edinburgh need to calculate 2 extra days to their minimum processing time as their visa application will first be dispatched to the VFS London office, from where it is forwarded to the Mission in London the following day.

The Mission may request for additional information/documents or invite applicants for an interview during the visa application process and this may cause delays in the visa process, which applicants accept responsibility for.

Application Form

Please Download Visa Application Form. The completed application form has to be signed and submitted along with one recent photo

Overview

Every customer, including children/infants (below age 12), has to submit his/her visa application in person and by appointment only on their appointment date, which needs to be booked online (see Schedule an Appointment).

For customers who are not sure whether a visa is required to travel to Bulgaria, please click: http://bulgarianembassy-london.org/consular-services/visas/

Every Business visa application has to be confirmed by an invitation letter from a business/company based in Bulgaria, if not, applicant will need to apply for a Tourist visa.

In regards to conference/congress/fair/seminar/workshop the following applicants can also apply for a Business visa:

1. Applicants-employees going to attend a conference/congress/fair/seminar/workshop organised by their company or another company directly related to their company
2. Applicants-employees going to be actively involved in a conference/congress/fair/seminar/workshop

Employer letter needs to confirm clearly the purpose of attending the conference/congress/fair/seminar/workshop, if not, applicant will need to apply as Tourist.

Eligibility

Applicant must at least meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to submit a Bulgaria visa application:

1. holding a valid travel document and a valid UK residence permit. In case applicant holds a short stay visa for the UK, a C type visa (see example here), then applicant needs to apply for a visa from his/her residence country.
2. applying for a short term visa to Bulgaria: for Tourism (including minors), Private Visit, Business, Study/Conference/Seminat, EEA/EU and Swiss national family member, or for other short stay purposes.

For frequently asked questions please click following link - https://www.mfa.bg/en/services-travel/consular-services/faq

Visa Fees

The following are exempted from paying the visa fee:

1. Foreign citizens who as of the date of the visa application are under 12 years
2. Members of Bulgarian and EU citizens’ families

Applicable visa fee, in Pound Sterling (£), is as per the current exchange rate and may be subject to change without notice.

VFS service fee (inclusive of VAT) is charged per visa application, in addition to the applicable visa fee.

All fees can be paid by Credit/Debit card

Cheque payments and direct bank transfers are not accepted.

All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

The list of documents below is not an exhaustive list of documents and the applicant can always be asked to provide additional information/documents, if desired by the Mission.

Both the standard and the supporting documentation have to be recent, i.e. not older than 1 month.

Applicants are required to bring and present their original documents, but they only need to submit photocopies of the same; unless the requirements specify that an original document has to be submitted.

Documents to be submitted with the visa application:

1. Application form & Photograph (Download Visa Application Form): fully completed in English and signed in two places by the applicant (field no 37 and last field) along with one recent colour passport photograph.
   
   (For Minors under age of 18 - by signatures by both parents / guardian-s) & (only family members of the family European Union citizens shall fill in fields of the visa application form which indicate their family relationship)
2. Original Passport; Passport must be valid at least three months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria or in case of multiple visits - after the last scheduled date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, containing at least two empty pages, issued within the previous 10 years.
3. Photocopies - of the data pages of Passport & current and previous expired visas
4. UK Residence permit - Endorsed in the passport or issued as a Biometrics card and/or digital proof of immigration status issued by UK Home Office (share code), must be valid for at least 1 month beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area; C type visitor visa (see here) is not acceptable.
5. Proof of employment / Proof of student status (Original):
   

   Recent, official and signed letter from employer (headed letter with name, position of signatory and date of issue, address, recent telephone number and registration number in the United Kingdom) and pay slips for the last 3 months.

   If Self-employed:

   • Recent letter from accountant, banker or solicitor (official headed letter with name, date of issue, address, recent telephone number and position of signatory and registration number in the United Kingdom) stating self-employment or business ownership in the United Kingdom.
   • letter from the tax authorities.

   If Student:

   Original Recent, official and signed letter from United Kingdom school, college or university stating date of issue, name of the applicant and type of studies and number of lessons (hours) per week and attendance record.

6. Proof of sufficient funds: Three months bank statement and Possession of the required financial resources for subsistence amounting or equivalent to EUR 50 per day of the stay requested with the visa application or their equivalent in another convertible currency but at least EUR 500 or their equivalent in another convertible currency.
7. Travel Medical Insurance: valid for Bulgaria and all EU member states for the whole period of the trip, covering all costs for repatriation and for urgent medical care and emergency hospital treatment for the period of the stay indicated in the visa. The minimum coverage shall be EUR 30 000.
8. Proof of accommodation:
   Hotel booking, or other accommodation (guaranteed and confirmed on applicant’s name), real estate title deed or lease, proof of ownership or lease of a boat etc.
9. Proof of Purpose of Travel – Business
   • An invitation-declaration by the host company drawn up on sample form (Apl.1), legalised by a notary judge and by the authorities for administrative control of foreigners - Migration Directorate of the MoI
   • entry tickets or registration for fairs and congresses.

Accompanying family members apply for tourist visas.

Holders of service and diplomatic passports are exempt from presenting proof for subsistence, accommodation, transportation and insurance policy

Please note: Upon entry into Bulgaria, foreign nationals should declare in writing the purpose of their stay and the address at which they will reside. To this end they should fill in a registration form. Citizens of the European Union member-states and of the countries in the Economic European Area are exempt from this requirement.

In addition, all foreign visitors should bear in mind that under Bulgarian Law they are required to contact the local police station within 48 hours of their arrival in Bulgaria and present in writing the address at which they will be staying. If they are staying in a hotel or private lodgings, the hotel management/host are obliged to register them at the local police station.

Photo Specifications

Please provide one recent (not older than 6 months) colour photograph of yourself, meeting the following requirements:

• Taken against a plain light (white or off-white) background so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background
• Clear quality and with the face in focus
• Full face: non-smiling, no sunglasses, no hat/cap or any head covering, unless the applicant wears such items because of his/her religious belief or ethnic background
• Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print)

If the photographs presented do not meet these requirements (see examples here), the applicant will be asked to take new photographs in the photo booth in the visa application centre.

Processing Time

Applications can be submitted within 3 months prior to departure.

The minimum processing time of a visa application is 15 calendar days.

Each application needs to receive clearance by the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry in Sofia. In case an application is lodged less than 15 calendar days before travel date, a timely completion of the visa process cannot be guaranteed.

VFS recommends all customers:

• to book their appointment as soon as they know they’ll be travelling
• to ensure that their visa application’s documentation meets the Mission’s requirements
• to leave enough processing time for the Mission
• to consider that VFS/Mission’s closures and holidays may extend the visa application processing time.

Visa application submitted in our satellite centres in Manchester, Cardiff or Edinburgh need to calculate 2 extra days to their minimum processing time as their visa application will first be dispatched to the VFS London office, from where it is forwarded to the Mission in London the following day.

The Mission may request for additional information/documents or invite applicants for an interview during the visa application process and this may cause delays in the visa process, which applicants accept responsibility for.

Application Form

Please Download Visa Application Form. The completed application form has to be signed and submitted along with one recent photo

Overview

Every customer, including children/infants (below age 12), has to submit his/her visa application in person and by appointment only on their appointment date, which needs to be booked online (see Schedule an Appointment).

For customers who are not sure whether a visa is required to travel to Bulgaria, please click: http://bulgarianembassy-london.org/consular-services/visas/

Applicants, who intend to travel to visit and stay with family/friends residing in Bulgaria, need to apply for a Visitor Family/Friend visa.

Eligibility

Applicant must at least meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to submit a Bulgaria visa application:

1. holding a valid travel document and a valid UK residence permit. In case applicant holds a short stay visa for the UK, a C type visa (see example here), then applicant needs to apply for a visa from his/her residence country.
2. applying for a short term visa to Bulgaria: for Tourism (including minors), Private Visit, Business, Study/Conference/Seminat, EEA/EU and Swiss national family member, or for other short stay purposes.

For frequently asked questions please click following link - https://www.mfa.bg/en/services-travel/consular-services/faq

Visa Fees

The following are exempted from paying the visa fee:

1. Foreign citizens who as of the date of the visa application are under 12 years
2. Members of Bulgarian and EU citizens’ families

Applicable visa fee, in Pound Sterling (£), is as per the current exchange rate and may be subject to change without notice.

VFS service fee (inclusive of VAT) is charged per visa application, in addition to the applicable visa fee.

All fees can be paid by Credit/Debit card

Cheque payments and direct bank transfers are not accepted.

All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

The list of documents below is not an exhaustive list of documents and the applicant can always be asked to provide additional information/documents, if desired by the Mission.

Both the standard and the supporting documentation have to be recent, i.e. not older than 1 month.

Applicants are required to bring and present their original documents, but they only need to submit photocopies of the same; unless the requirements specify that an original document has to be submitted.

Documents to be submitted with the visa application:

1. Application form & Photograph (Download Visa Application Form): fully completed in English and signed in two places by the applicant (field no 37 and last field) along with one recent colour passport photograph.
   
   (For Minors under age of 18 - by signatures by both parents / guardian-s) & (only family members of the family European Union citizens shall fill in fields of the visa application form which indicate their family relationship)
2. Original Passport; Passport must be valid at least three months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria or in case of multiple visits - after the last scheduled date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, containing at least two empty pages, issued within the previous 10 years.
3. Photocopies - of the data pages of Passport & current and previous expired visas
4. UK Residence permit - Endorsed in the passport or issued as a Biometrics card and/or digital proof of immigration status issued by UK Home Office (share code), must be valid for at least 1 month beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area; C type visitor visa (see here) is not acceptable.
5. Proof of employment / Proof of student status (Original):
   

   Recent, official and signed letter from employer (headed letter with name, position of signatory and date of issue, address, recent telephone number and registration number in the United Kingdom) and pay slips for the last 3 months.

   If Self-employed:

   • Recent letter from accountant, banker or solicitor (official headed letter with name, date of issue, address, recent telephone number and position of signatory and registration number in the United Kingdom) stating self-employment or business ownership in the United Kingdom.
   • letter from the tax authorities.

   If Student:

   Original Recent, official and signed letter from United Kingdom school, college or university stating date of issue, name of the applicant and type of studies and number of lessons (hours) per week and attendance record.

6. Proof of sufficient funds: Three months bank statement and Possession of the required financial resources for subsistence amounting or equivalent to EUR 50 per day of the stay requested with the visa application or their equivalent in another convertible currency but at least EUR 500 or their equivalent in another convertible currency.
7. Travel Medical Insurance: valid for Bulgaria and all EU member states for the whole period of the trip, covering all costs for repatriation and for urgent medical care and emergency hospital treatment for the period of the stay indicated in the visa. The minimum coverage shall be EUR 30 000.
8. Proof of Purpose of Travel – Private (family, friends) visit
   

   A. An invitation-declaration by the host drawn up on sample form (Apl.2), stamped by Police Authority in Bulgaria.

   B. Family members (spouses and children) of an Bulgarian citizen:

   • Original and copy of Marriage Certificate;
   • Original and copy of Bulgarian Citizen's passport;
   • Sample form (Apl.2) as per above. In case the marriage documentation is registered in Bulgaria, they can alternatively provide sample form (Apl.3), stamped by Bulgarian Authority in UK.

For Minors (children below 18 years), the following are required in addition to the above

• Declaration of Consent for Minor children signed by both parents.
• Original & Copy of both the parents passports
• OR A power of attotney or court order mentioning the custody in case one of the parents is not present.
• Original & Copy of Birth Certificate for the child (and certified translation)

Holders of service and diplomatic passports are exempt from presenting proof for subsistence, accommodation, transportation and insurance policy

Please note: Upon entry into Bulgaria, foreign nationals should declare in writing the purpose of their stay and the address at which they will reside. To this end they should fill in a registration form. Citizens of the European Union member-states and of the countries in the Economic European Area are exempt from this requirement.

In addition, all foreign visitors should bear in mind that under Bulgarian Law they are required to contact the local police station within 48 hours of their arrival in Bulgaria and present in writing the address at which they will be staying. If they are staying in a hotel or private lodgings, the hotel management/host are obliged to register them at the local police station.

Photo Specifications

Please provide one recent (not older than 6 months) colour photograph of yourself, meeting the following requirements:

• Taken against a plain light (white or off-white) background so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background
• Clear quality and with the face in focus
• Full face: non-smiling, no sunglasses, no hat/cap or any head covering, unless the applicant wears such items because of his/her religious belief or ethnic background
• Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print)

If the photographs presented do not meet these requirements (see examples here), the applicant will be asked to take new photographs in the photo booth in the visa application centre.

Processing Time

Applications can be submitted within 3 months prior to departure.

The minimum processing time of a visa application is 15 calendar days.

Each application needs to receive clearance by the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry in Sofia. In case an application is lodged less than 15 calendar days before travel date, a timely completion of the visa process cannot be guaranteed.

VFS recommends all customers:

• to book their appointment as soon as they know they’ll be travelling
• to ensure that their visa application’s documentation meets the Mission’s requirements
• to leave enough processing time for the Mission
• to consider that VFS/Mission’s closures and holidays may extend the visa application processing time.

Visa application submitted in our satellite centres in Manchester, Cardiff or Edinburgh need to calculate 2 extra days to their minimum processing time as their visa application will first be dispatched to the VFS London office, from where it is forwarded to the Mission in London the following day.

The Mission may request for additional information/documents or invite applicants for an interview during the visa application process and this may cause delays in the visa process, which applicants accept responsibility for.

Application Form

Please Download Visa Application Form. The completed application form has to be signed and submitted along with one recent photo

Overview

Every customer, including children/infants (below age 12), has to submit his/her visa application in person and by appointment only on their appointment date, which needs to be booked online (see Schedule an Appointment).

For customers who are not sure whether a visa is required to travel to Bulgaria, please click: http://bulgarianembassy-london.org/consular-services/visas/

Applicants, who intend to travel for reasons other than Tourist, Business, Private visit or Airport Transit and for purposes such as Medical Treatment/ Sports/Cultural/Artistic/Student & scientific exchange programs can apply under this category.

Eligibility

Applicant must at least meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to submit a Bulgaria visa application:

1. holding a valid travel document and a valid UK residence permit. In case applicant holds a short stay visa for the UK, a C type visa (see example here), then applicant needs to apply for a visa from his/her residence country.
2. applying for a short term visa to Bulgaria: for Tourism (including minors), Private Visit, Business, Study/Conference/Seminat, EEA/EU and Swiss national family member, or for other short stay purposes.

For frequently asked questions please click following link - https://www.mfa.bg/en/services-travel/consular-services/faq

Visa Fees

The following are exempted from paying the visa fee:

1. Foreign citizens who as of the date of the visa application are under 12 years
2. Members of Bulgarian and EU citizens’ families

Applicable visa fee, in Pound Sterling (£), is as per the current exchange rate and may be subject to change without notice.

VFS service fee (inclusive of VAT) is charged per visa application, in addition to the applicable visa fee.

All fees can be paid by Credit/Debit card

Cheque payments and direct bank transfers are not accepted.

All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

The list of documents below is not an exhaustive list of documents and the applicant can always be asked to provide additional information/documents, if desired by the Mission.

Both the standard and the supporting documentation have to be recent, i.e. not older than 1 month.

Applicants are required to bring and present their original documents, but they only need to submit photocopies of the same; unless the requirements specify that an original document has to be submitted.

Documents to be submitted with the visa application:

1. Application form & Photograph (Download Visa Application Form): fully completed in English and signed in two places by the applicant (field no 37 and last field) along with one recent colour passport photograph.
   
   (For Minors under age of 18 - by signatures by both parents / guardian-s) & (only family members of the family European Union citizens shall fill in fields of the visa application form which indicate their family relationship)
2. Original Passport; Passport must be valid at least three months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria or in case of multiple visits - after the last scheduled date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, containing at least two empty pages, issued within the previous 10 years.
3. Photocopies - of the data pages of Passport & current and previous expired visas
4. UK Residence permit - Endorsed in the passport or issued as a Biometrics card and/or digital proof of immigration status issued by UK Home Office (share code), must be valid for at least 1 month beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area; C type visitor visa (see here) is not acceptable.
5. Proof of employment / Proof of student status (Original):
   

   Recent, official and signed letter from employer (headed letter with name, position of signatory and date of issue, address, recent telephone number and registration number in the United Kingdom) and pay slips for the last 3 months.

   If Self-employed:

   • Recent letter from accountant, banker or solicitor (official headed letter with name, date of issue, address, recent telephone number and position of signatory and registration number in the United Kingdom) stating self-employment or business ownership in the United Kingdom.
   • letter from the tax authorities.

   If Student:

   Original Recent, official and signed letter from United Kingdom school, college or university stating date of issue, name of the applicant and type of studies and number of lessons (hours) per week and attendance record.

6. Proof of sufficient funds: Three months bank statement and Possession of the required financial resources for subsistence amounting or equivalent to EUR 50 per day of the stay requested with the visa application or their equivalent in another convertible currency but at least EUR 500 or their equivalent in another convertible currency.
7. Travel Medical Insurance: valid for Bulgaria and all EU member states for the whole period of the trip, covering all costs for repatriation and for urgent medical care and emergency hospital treatment for the period of the stay indicated in the visa. The minimum coverage shall be EUR 30 000.
8. Proof of accommodation:
   Hotel booking, or other accommodation (guaranteed and confirmed on applicant’s name), real estate title deed or lease, proof of ownership or lease of a boat etc.
9. Proof of Purpose of Travel
   
   

   - Medical treatment

   • an official document of the medical institution confirming necessity for medical care in that institution
   • proof of sufficient financial means to pay for the medical treatment
   • proof of prepayment of medical treatment

   - Cultural exchange

   • An invitation letter from the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Bulgaria and/or from the mayor of the respective municipality

   - Sport Events

   • An invitation letter from the Ministry of Youth and Sport of the Republic of Bulgaria and/or from a respective sports federation and/or sports club

   - Student & scientific exchange programs

   • An invitation letter from an University, a School or other Bulgarian legal person;
   • Exchange agreement, Exchange program or other document for current academic exchange

For Minors (children below 18 years), the following are required in addition to the above

• Declaration of Consent for Minor children signed by both parents.
• Original & Copy of both the parents passports
• OR A power of attotney or court order mentioning the custody in case one of the parents is not present.
• Original & Copy of Birth Certificate for the child (and certified translation)

Holders of service and diplomatic passports are exempt from presenting proof for subsistence, accommodation, transportation and insurance policy

Please note: Upon entry into Bulgaria, foreign nationals should declare in writing the purpose of their stay and the address at which they will reside. To this end they should fill in a registration form. Citizens of the European Union member-states and of the countries in the Economic European Area are exempt from this requirement.

In addition, all foreign visitors should bear in mind that under Bulgarian Law they are required to contact the local police station within 48 hours of their arrival in Bulgaria and present in writing the address at which they will be staying. If they are staying in a hotel or private lodgings, the hotel management/host are obliged to register them at the local police station.

Photo Specifications

Please provide one recent (not older than 6 months) colour photograph of yourself, meeting the following requirements:

• Taken against a plain light (white or off-white) background so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background
• Clear quality and with the face in focus
• Full face: non-smiling, no sunglasses, no hat/cap or any head covering, unless the applicant wears such items because of his/her religious belief or ethnic background
• Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print)

If the photographs presented do not meet these requirements (see examples here), the applicant will be asked to take new photographs in the photo booth in the visa application centre.

Processing Time

Applications can be submitted within 3 months prior to departure.

The minimum processing time of a visa application is 15 calendar days.

Each application needs to receive clearance by the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry in Sofia. In case an application is lodged less than 15 calendar days before travel date, a timely completion of the visa process cannot be guaranteed.

VFS recommends all customers:

• to book their appointment as soon as they know they’ll be travelling
• to ensure that their visa application’s documentation meets the Mission’s requirements
• to leave enough processing time for the Mission
• to consider that VFS/Mission’s closures and holidays may extend the visa application processing time.

Visa application submitted in our satellite centres in Manchester, Cardiff or Edinburgh need to calculate 2 extra days to their minimum processing time as their visa application will first be dispatched to the VFS London office, from where it is forwarded to the Mission in London the following day.

The Mission may request for additional information/documents or invite applicants for an interview during the visa application process and this may cause delays in the visa process, which applicants accept responsibility for.

Application Form

Please Download Visa Application Form. The completed application form has to be signed and submitted along with one recent photo

Overview

Every customer, including children/infants (below age 12), has to submit his/her visa application in person and by appointment only on their appointment date, which needs to be booked online (see Schedule an Appointment).

For customers who are not sure whether a visa is required to travel to Bulgaria, please click: http://bulgarianembassy-london.org/consular-services/visas/. Airport Transit visa will be required for the below Nationals

Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ghana, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Iraq, Iran, DR Congo, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia and Sri Lanka

The airport transit visa entitles the foreigner to cross or to stay in the international transit zone of the airport in the case of a transit landing or of changing flights for the purpose of continuing travel to another state. A foreigner staying in a transit room of international flights is deemed not admitted to the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria and is not entitled to leave the transit room.

Eligibility

Applicant must at least meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to submit a Bulgaria visa application:

1. holding a valid travel document and a valid UK residence permit. In case applicant holds a short stay visa for the UK, a C type visa (see example here), then applicant needs to apply for a visa from his/her residence country.
2. applying for a short term visa to Bulgaria: for Tourism (including minors), Private Visit, Business, Study/Conference/Seminar, EEA/EU and Swiss national family member, or for other short stay purposes.

For frequently asked questions please click following link - https://www.mfa.bg/en/services-travel/consular-services/faq

Visa Fees

The following are exempted from paying the visa fee:

1. Foreign citizens who as of the date of the visa application are under 12 years
2. Members of Bulgarian and EU citizens’ families

Applicable visa fee, in Pound Sterling (£), is as per the current exchange rate and may be subject to change without notice.

VFS service fee (inclusive of VAT) is charged per visa application, in addition to the applicable visa fee.

All fees can be paid by Credit/Debit card

Cheque payments and direct bank transfers are not accepted.

All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

The list of documents below is not an exhaustive list of documents and the applicant can always be asked to provide additional information/documents, if desired by the Mission.

Both the standard and the supporting documentation have to be recent, i.e. not older than 1 month.

Applicants are required to bring and present their original documents, but they only need to submit photocopies of the same; unless the requirements specify that an original document has to be submitted.

Documents to be submitted with the visa application:

1. Application form & Photograph (Download Visa Application Form): fully completed in English and signed in two places by the applicant (field no 37 and last field) along with one recent colour passport photograph.
   
   (For Minors under age of 18 - by signatures by both parents / guardian-s) & (only family members of the family European Union citizens shall fill in fields of the visa application form which indicate their family relationship)
2. Original Passport; Passport must be valid at least three months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria or in case of multiple visits - after the last scheduled date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, containing at least two empty pages, issued within the previous 10 years.
3. Photocopies - of the data pages of Passport & current and previous expired visas
4. UK Residence permit - Endorsed in the passport or issued as a Biometrics card and/or digital proof of immigration status issued by UK Home Office (share code), must be valid for at least 1 month beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area; C type visitor visa (see here) is not acceptable.
5. Visa for the destinations country if needed
6. Travel Medical Insurance: valid for Bulgaria and all EU member states for the whole period of the trip, covering all costs for repatriation and for urgent medical care and emergency hospital treatment for the period of the stay indicated in the visa. The minimum coverage shall be EUR 30 000.

For Minors (children below 18 years), the following are required in addition to the above

• Declaration of Consent for Minor children signed by both parents.
• Original & Copy of both the parents passports
• OR A power of attotney or court order mentioning the custody in case one of the parents is not present.
• Original & Copy of Birth Certificate for the child (and certified translation)

Holders of service and diplomatic passports are exempt from presenting proof for subsistence, accommodation, transportation and insurance policy

Please note: Upon entry into Bulgaria, foreign nationals should declare in writing the purpose of their stay and the address at which they will reside. To this end they should fill in a registration form. Citizens of the European Union member-states and of the countries in the Economic European Area are exempt from this requirement.

In addition, all foreign visitors should bear in mind that under Bulgarian Law they are required to contact the local police station within 48 hours of their arrival in Bulgaria and present in writing the address at which they will be staying. If they are staying in a hotel or private lodgings, the hotel management/host are obliged to register them at the local police station.

Photo Specifications

Please provide one recent (not older than 6 months) colour photograph of yourself, meeting the following requirements:

• Taken against a plain light (white or off-white) background so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background
• Clear quality and with the face in focus
• Full face: non-smiling, no sunglasses, no hat/cap or any head covering, unless the applicant wears such items because of his/her religious belief or ethnic background
• Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print)

If the photographs presented do not meet these requirements (see examples here), the applicant will be asked to take new photographs in the photo booth in the visa application centre.

Processing Time

Applications can be submitted within 3 months prior to departure.

The minimum processing time of a visa application is 15 calendar days.

Each application needs to receive clearance by the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry in Sofia. In case an application is lodged less than 15 calendar days before travel date, a timely completion of the visa process cannot be guaranteed.

VFS recommends all customers:

• to book their appointment as soon as they know they’ll be travelling
• to ensure that their visa application’s documentation meets the Mission’s requirements
• to leave enough processing time for the Mission
• to consider that VFS/Mission’s closures and holidays may extend the visa application processing time.

Visa application submitted in our satellite centres in Manchester, Cardiff or Edinburgh need to calculate 2 extra days to their minimum processing time as their visa application will first be dispatched to the VFS London office, from where it is forwarded to the Mission in London the following day.

The Mission may request for additional information/documents or invite applicants for an interview during the visa application process and this may cause delays in the visa process, which applicants accept responsibility for.

Application Form

Please Download Visa Application Form. The completed application form has to be signed and submitted along with one recent photo

Overview

Every customer, including children/infants (below age 12), has to submit his/her visa application in person and by appointment only on their appointment date, which needs to be booked online (see Schedule an Appointment).

For customers who are not sure whether a visa is required to travel to Bulgaria, please click: http://bulgarianembassy-london.org/consular-services/visas/

As of 01 January 2021, residence card issued by UK explicitly to the EEA/EU family member* residing in UK does not entitle its holder to visa free entry. Hence those visitors should apply for an entry visa before travelling to Bulgaria.

Following family members of EEA/EU and Swiss nationals are entitled to apply for a Schengen visa as EEA/EU and Swiss national family member, i.e. submitting fewer documents than required for regular short stay Visa and exempt from paying the applicable visa fee:

1. Spouse/Civil partner
2. Parent(s) (only parent(s) depending on his/her child(ren) and those of the spouse or partner as defined in point a).
3. Child(ren) under the age of 21 year) or who are dependants and those of the spouse or partner as defined in point a)

Eligibility

Applicant must at least meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to submit a Bulgaria visa application:

1. holding a valid travel document and a valid UK residence permit. In case applicant holds a short stay visa for the UK, a C type visa (see example here), then applicant needs to apply for a visa from his/her residence country.
2. applying for a short term visa to Bulgaria: for Tourism (including minors), Private Visit, Business, Study/Conference/Seminat, EEA/EU and Swiss national family member, or for other short stay purposes.

For frequently asked questions please click following link - https://www.mfa.bg/en/services-travel/consular-services/faq

Visa Fees

The following are exempted from paying the visa fee:

1. Foreign citizens who as of the date of the visa application are under 12 years
2. Members of Bulgarian and EU citizens’ families

Applicable visa fee, in Pound Sterling (£), is as per the current exchange rate and may be subject to change without notice.

VFS service fee (inclusive of VAT) is charged per visa application, in addition to the applicable visa fee.

All fees can be paid by Credit/Debit card

Cheque payments and direct bank transfers are not accepted.

All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

The list of documents below is not an exhaustive list of documents and the applicant can always be asked to provide additional information/documents, if desired by the Mission.

Both the standard and the supporting documentation have to be recent, i.e. not older than 1 month.

Applicants are required to bring and present their original documents, but they only need to submit photocopies of the same; unless the requirements specify that an original document has to be submitted.

Documents to be submitted with the visa application:

1. Application form & Photograph (Download Visa Application Form): fully completed in English and signed in two places by the applicant (field no 37 and last field) along with one recent colour passport photograph.
   
   (For Minors under age of 18 - by signatures by both parents / guardian-s) & (only family members of the family European Union citizens shall fill in fields of the visa application form which indicate their family relationship)
2. Original Passport; Passport must be valid at least three months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria or in case of multiple visits - after the last scheduled date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, containing at least two empty pages, issued within the previous 10 years.
3. Photocopies - of the data pages of Passport & current and previous expired visas, if any
4. UK Residence permit - Endorsed in the passport or issued as a Biometrics card and/or digital proof of immigration status issued by UK Home Office (share code), must be valid for at least 1 month beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area; C type visitor visa (see here) is not acceptable.
5. Proof of family relationship: marriage certificate/ birth certificate (original plus copy);
6. Copy of the EU/EEA citizen`s passport

For Minors (children below 18 years), the following are required in addition to the above

• Declaration of Consent for Minor children signed by both parents.
• Original & Copy of both the parents passports
• OR A power of attotney or court order mentioning the custody in case one of the parents is not present.
• Original & Copy of Birth Certificate for the child (and certified translation)

Please note: Upon entry into Bulgaria, foreign nationals should declare in writing the purpose of their stay and the address at which they will reside. To this end they should fill in a registration form. Citizens of the European Union member-states and of the countries in the Economic European Area are exempt from this requirement.

In addition, all foreign visitors should bear in mind that under Bulgarian Law they are required to contact the local police station within 48 hours of their arrival in Bulgaria and present in writing the address at which they will be staying. If they are staying in a hotel or private lodgings, the hotel management/host are obliged to register them at the local police station.

Photo Specifications

Please provide one recent (not older than 6 months) colour photograph of yourself, meeting the following requirements:

• Taken against a plain light (white or off-white) background so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background
• Clear quality and with the face in focus
• Full face: non-smiling, no sunglasses, no hat/cap or any head covering, unless the applicant wears such items because of his/her religious belief or ethnic background
• Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print)

If the photographs presented do not meet these requirements (see examples here), the applicant will be asked to take new photographs in the photo booth in the visa application centre.

Processing Time

Applications can be submitted within 3 months prior to departure.

The minimum processing time of a visa application is 15 calendar days.

Each application needs to receive clearance by the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry in Sofia. In case an application is lodged less than 15 calendar days before travel date, a timely completion of the visa process cannot be guaranteed.

VFS recommends all customers:

• to book their appointment as soon as they know they’ll be travelling
• to ensure that their visa application’s documentation meets the Mission’s requirements
• to leave enough processing time for the Mission
• to consider that VFS/Mission’s closures and holidays may extend the visa application processing time.

Visa application submitted in our satellite centres in Manchester, Cardiff or Edinburgh need to calculate 2 extra days to their minimum processing time as their visa application will first be dispatched to the VFS London office, from where it is forwarded to the Mission in London the following day.

The Mission may request for additional information/documents or invite applicants for an interview during the visa application process and this may cause delays in the visa process, which applicants accept responsibility for.

Application Form

Please Download Visa Application Form. The completed application form has to be signed and submitted along with one recent photo

Overview

Every customer, including children/infants (below age 12), has to submit his/her visa application in person and by appointment only on their appointment date, which needs to be booked online (see Schedule an Appointment).

For customers who are not sure whether a visa is required to travel to Bulgaria, please click: http://bulgarianembassy-london.org/consular-services/visas/. Airport Transit visa will be required for the below Nationals

The transit visa entitles the foreigner to cross or to stay in Bulgaria for the purpose of continuing travel to another state via road, rail or sea. However it does not apply for airport transit visa.

If a foreigner who are in the international transit zone airport transit visa of the airport in the case of a transit landing or of changing flights for the purpose of continuing travel to another state are required to apply for airport transit visa

Eligibility

Applicant must at least meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to submit a Bulgaria visa application:

1. holding a valid travel document and a valid UK residence permit. In case applicant holds a short stay visa for the UK, a C type visa (see example here), then applicant needs to apply for a visa from his/her residence country.
2. applying for a short term visa to Bulgaria: for Tourism (including minors), Private Visit, Business, Study/Conference/Seminar, EEA/EU and Swiss national family member, or for other short stay purposes.

For frequently asked questions please click following link - https://www.mfa.bg/en/services-travel/consular-services/faq

Visa Fees

The following are exempted from paying the visa fee:

1. Foreign citizens who as of the date of the visa application are under 12 years
2. Members of Bulgarian and EU citizens’ families

Applicable visa fee, in Pound Sterling (£), is as per the current exchange rate and may be subject to change without notice.

VFS service fee (inclusive of VAT) is charged per visa application, in addition to the applicable visa fee.

All fees can be paid by Credit/Debit card

Cheque payments and direct bank transfers are not accepted.

All fees are non-refundable.

Documents Required

The list of documents below is not an exhaustive list of documents and the applicant can always be asked to provide additional information/documents, if desired by the Mission.

Both the standard and the supporting documentation have to be recent, i.e. not older than 1 month.

Applicants are required to bring and present their original documents, but they only need to submit photocopies of the same; unless the requirements specify that an original document has to be submitted.

Documents to be submitted with the visa application:

1. Application form & Photograph (Download Visa Application Form): fully completed in English and signed in two places by the applicant (field no 37 and last field) along with one recent colour passport photograph.
   
   (For Minors under age of 18 - by signatures by both parents / guardian-s) & (only family members of the family European Union citizens shall fill in fields of the visa application form which indicate their family relationship)
2. Original Passport; Passport must be valid at least three months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria or in case of multiple visits - after the last scheduled date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, containing at least two empty pages, issued within the previous 10 years.
3. Photocopies - of the data pages of Passport & current and previous expired visas - Bulgarian/ Schengen/UK/ US, if any
4. UK Residence permit - Endorsed in the passport or issued as a Biometrics card and/or digital proof of immigration status issued by UK Home Office (share code), must be valid for at least 1 month beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area; C type visitor visa (see here) is not acceptable.
5. Visa for the destinations country if needed
6. Travel Medical Insurance: valid for Bulgaria and all EU member states for the whole period of the trip, covering all costs for repatriation and for urgent medical care and emergency hospital treatment for the period of the stay indicated in the visa. The minimum coverage shall be EUR 30 000.
7. Proof of sufficient funds: Three months bank statement and Possession of the required financial resources for subsistence amounting or equivalent to EUR 50 per day of the stay requested with the visa application or their equivalent in another convertible currency but at least EUR 500 or their equivalent in another convertible currency

For Minors (children below 18 years), the following are required in addition to the above

• Declaration of Consent for Minor children signed by both parents.
• Original & Copy of both the parents passports
• OR A power of attotney or court order mentioning the custody in case one of the parents is not present.
• Original & Copy of Birth Certificate for the child (and certified translation)

Holders of service and diplomatic passports are exempt from presenting proof for subsistence, accommodation, transportation and insurance policy

Please note: Upon entry into Bulgaria, foreign nationals should declare in writing the purpose of their stay and the address at which they will reside. To this end they should fill in a registration form. Citizens of the European Union member-states and of the countries in the Economic European Area are exempt from this requirement.

In addition, all foreign visitors should bear in mind that under Bulgarian Law they are required to contact the local police station within 48 hours of their arrival in Bulgaria and present in writing the address at which they will be staying. If they are staying in a hotel or private lodgings, the hotel management/host are obliged to register them at the local police station.

Photo Specifications

Please provide one recent (not older than 6 months) colour photograph of yourself, meeting the following requirements:

• Taken against a plain light (white or off-white) background so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background
• Clear quality and with the face in focus
• Full face: non-smiling, no sunglasses, no hat/cap or any head covering, unless the applicant wears such items because of his/her religious belief or ethnic background
• Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print)

If the photographs presented do not meet these requirements (see examples here), the applicant will be asked to take new photographs in the photo booth in the visa application centre.

Processing Time

Applications can be submitted within 3 months prior to departure.

The minimum processing time of a visa application is 15 calendar days.

Each application needs to receive clearance by the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry in Sofia. In case an application is lodged less than 15 calendar days before travel date, a timely completion of the visa process cannot be guaranteed.

VFS recommends all customers:

• to book their appointment as soon as they know they’ll be travelling
• to ensure that their visa application’s documentation meets the Mission’s requirements
• to leave enough processing time for the Mission
• to consider that VFS/Mission’s closures and holidays may extend the visa application processing time.

Visa application submitted in our satellite centres in Manchester, Cardiff or Edinburgh need to calculate 2 extra days to their minimum processing time as their visa application will first be dispatched to the VFS London office, from where it is forwarded to the Mission in London the following day.

The Mission may request for additional information/documents or invite applicants for an interview during the visa application process and this may cause delays in the visa process, which applicants accept responsibility for.

Application Form

Please Download Visa Application Form. The completed application form has to be signed and submitted along with one recent photo