Does Visiting Bulgaria Need A Visa For Americans?

To travel to Bulgaria, U.S. citizens must have a valid U.S. machine-readable passport and hold an ETIAS visa waiver. If traveling on a U.S. official, service, or diplomatic passport, you will not be allowed to enter Bulgaria without a visa. To apply for a visa, visit the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Bulgarian Embassy website.

US citizens with a valid US passport can travel to Bulgaria as a tourist for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. However, as of September 1, 2021, passengers from the U.S. are prohibited from entering Bulgaria unless they meet certain exceptions. American citizens do not need a tourist visa when traveling to Bulgaria, but applicants must be present when applying for the Bulgaria Visa free.

Nationals of several countries can enter Bulgaria for short-term stays without a visa, including Schengen countries, the USA, Australia, and other countries. U.S. citizens traveling on regular tourist passports cannot stay more than a total of 90 days in Bulgaria within a 6 month period without a Bulgarian visa. This law is strictly enforced.

A visa issued by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate entitles the holder to travel to the United States and apply for admission; it does not guarantee entry. Bulgaria partially joined the Schengen area on 31 March 2024.

For travelers planning to stay in Bulgaria for more than 90 days, a visa is required. Bulgaria does not grant extensions once in the country, and a copy of the info page of the foreign passport should be provided. Obligatory documents for visa application include the visa application form.

When Bulgaria will join ESTA?

It is anticipated that Romania and Bulgaria will become part of the Schengen zone in 2024, with the Schengen rules being implemented at four seaports and 17 airports, including Bucharest’s largest, Otopeni Airport. The veto exercised by Austria has resulted in the prohibition of land routes, largely due to concerns pertaining to the potential influx of refugees. After a thirteen-year interval, Romania and Bulgaria were admitted to the Schengen area, which permits the free movement of individuals across national borders. This allows citizens of these countries to travel by air and sea without undergoing border control procedures.

How many visa free countries for Bulgaria?

Bulgaria citizens can travel visa-free to 176 countries and territories as of March 2024. To access other countries, they must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or visa online in advance. A valid passport with at least six months until expiry is required, and travel insurance may be required by the destination country. Within these countries, there is often a separate section for submitting a Visa on Arrival, which is received after entering the country that issued the visa.

Is Bulgaria in Schengen visa?

The Schengen Area, which includes most EU countries, has seen Bulgaria and Romania join as new member states on 31 March 2024. As of March 31, 2024, checks on persons crossing internal air and sea borders will no longer be subject to checks. However, a decision on lifting checks on persons at internal land borders is expected by the Council at a later date. Non-EU states Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein have also joined the Schengen Area. The Schengen provisions abolish checks at EU’s internal borders and provide a single set of rules for external borders.

Will I need a visa for Bulgaria?

In order to qualify for a visa-exempt status that permits unlimited stay, it is necessary to possess a valid passport.

Do U.S. citizens need a visa for Romania?

U. S. citizens are permitted to visit Romania for a period of up to 90 days within a six-month period without the necessity of obtaining a visa. However, they are required to register their presence with the nearest police precinct or immigration office within three days of their arrival.

Can a US citizen travel to Bulgaria without a visa?

United States citizens are permitted to travel to Bulgaria without a visa for a period of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Nevertheless, as of mid-2025, travelers exempt from visa requirements will be required to obtain a travel authorization to enter the majority of European countries, including Bulgaria. The ETIAS system is not yet operational; however, third-country nationals currently residing in the United States may apply for short-term C visas through the official ETIAS website.

What are the 5 EU countries not in Schengen?

The following EU states have not yet become part of the Schengen area: Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania, and the United Kingdom. Consequently, a flight from one of these states to a Schengen state is considered an external flight.

Do Russians need a visa to Bulgaria?

Individuals in possession of a Russian passport are required to obtain an embassy visa prior to embarking on a business or tourism-related visit to Bulgaria. A visa issued by a diplomatic mission, commonly in the form of a stamp or sticker, is a prerequisite for entry into Bulgaria. The specific visa requirements for each destination and passport type are subject to change. Our services can assist travelers in identifying the appropriate visa for their needs prior to their departure.

How much does US visa cost Bulgaria?

The requisite fee for U. S. visitor visas and non-petition-based nonimmigrant visas is $185, while the fee for petition-based nonimmigrant visas is $205. The fee for E visas is $315.

Do I need ETIAS for Bulgaria?

Bulgaria is a member of the European Union, yet it is not included in the Schengen Area. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a prerequisite for nationals of countries exempt from visas entering Bulgaria, as well as for individuals intending to visit other Schengen countries. In order to apply for an ETIAS, applicants are required to provide a number of personal details, including their passport information and responses to a series of security questions.

Bulgarian passport holders are EU citizens and are therefore exempt from the requirement to obtain an ETIAS in order to travel within the Schengen Zone. An online application may be utilized to submit an ETIAS application in Bulgaria.

Why is Bulgaria not part of VWP?

Bulgaria and Cyprus are facing threats to their US Visa Waiver program due to their “golden visa schemes”. These schemes, also known as “golden passports”, are often used by human traffickers, international criminals, and corrupt oligarchs. Bulgaria and Cyprus, along with Romania, are the only EU member states requiring a US visa for tourism purposes. US Congressman Burgess Owens and Congressman Steve Cohen presented a bill in Congress, the No Travel for Traffickers Act, to deny or revoke access to the US Visa Waiver program for nationals of countries operating a golden visa scheme. The bill aims to address the issue of human trafficking and other issues that exploit these schemes.