Bulgaria entry requirements for Bangladesh passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked

Bangladeshi passport holders need a visa to enter Bulgaria. You must apply at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa application
Apply for a Bulgarian visa
You need a visa before traveling to Bulgaria. Apply at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the application form, required documents, and appointment booking.Apply for visaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for your entire stay
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from Bulgaria. It must have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of onward travel
Immigration officers may ask for a return or onward ticket to confirm you will leave Bulgaria within your visa's validity. Have a printed or digital copy ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Carry a hotel reservation, rental agreement, or a notarized invitation letter from your host in Bulgaria. Border officers rarely check this, but having it avoids delays.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Have bank statements, cash, or a credit card showing you have enough money for your stay. The Bulgarian authorities do not specify a minimum amount, but around 50 EUR per day is a safe benchmark.Recommended
No visa-on-arrival or e-visa
Bangladeshi passport holders cannot get a visa at the border or online. You must apply at the Bulgarian embassy before you travel.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Bulgaria, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it first.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for a visa at the Bulgarian embassy
Submit your visa application at the Bulgarian embassy in Dhaka (or the embassy covering your country of residence). You'll need to fill out the application form, provide your passport, photos, flight and accommodation bookings, travel insurance, and proof of funds. Processing takes 15–30 days.
2
Wait for visa approval
Once submitted, the embassy will process your application. You may be called for an interview. Check the embassy website for current processing times.
3
Travel to Bulgaria
When you arrive at Sofia Airport or any Bulgarian border, present your passport with the visa sticker, return ticket, and accommodation booking. The officer may ask about your travel plans — answer clearly.
Download Bulgaria Entry Checklist
PDF · Bangladesh Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 3 months from issue
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)

Standard Schengen visa; must apply at Bulgarian embassy or consulate.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 1 year (subject to approval)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)

Requires strong travel history and justification.

Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€100–200 (~$109–218 USD)

For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.

work visa
Work Permit and Residence Visa
1 year, renewable
€100–200 (~$109–218 USD) plus employer fees
For employment with a Bulgarian company. Requires job offer and work permit approval. Allows long-term stay and family reunification.
student visa
Student Visa (D visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€100–200 (~$109–218 USD)
For enrollment in a Bulgarian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Investor Residence Permit
1 year, renewable; permanent after 5 years
€500–1,000 (~$545–1,090 USD) plus investment
For investors with minimum investment of BGN 1,000,000 (~€511,000). Requires business plan and proof of funds. Fast track to permanent residence.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for adults.€80 (~$87 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; multiple entry may be granted based on travel history.€80 (~$87 USD)
Visa application service feePaid to visa application centre (e.g., VFS Global).€30–40 (~$33–44 USD)
Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine up to €500 (~$545 USD).€10–20 (~$11–22 USD) per day

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%

Approval probability calculator

Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.

Transiting through Bulgaria

Transit visa required

Bangladesh passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Bulgaria, even if staying airside. Apply at Bulgarian embassy before travel.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of valid Schengen visa or residence permit may transit without visa.
  • Holders of valid US, UK, or Canada visa may transit without visa.
Transit hubsSofia Airport (SOF) · Burgas Airport (BOJ) · Varna Airport (VAR)

Health & vaccines for Bulgaria

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa and South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk

Present in forested areas; vaccination recommended for hikers or campers.

Lyme diseaseLow risk

Transmitted by ticks in rural areas; use repellent and check for ticks.

Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk

Standard hygiene precautions recommended; tap water is generally safe in cities.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

Sofia
Migration Directorate – Sofia
47, Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd., Sofia 1202
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00

Main office for visa extensions and residence permits.

Plovdiv
Regional Migration Office – Plovdiv
1, Bulgaria Blvd., Plovdiv 4000
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00

Handles visa-related issues for southern Bulgaria.

Practical information for BD travellers

Country basics
CapitalSofia
LanguageBulgarian
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 6 months; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyBulgarian Lev (BGN)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.68 BGN
updated May 29
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C (Europlug) and Type F (Schuko) plugs are used.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is generally safe to drink in major cities, but bottled water is recommended in rural areas.
Emergency numbers
Police112
Medical112
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Bangladeshi passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Bulgaria. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option.
Processing typically takes 15–30 days. Apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
You apply at the Bulgarian embassy in Dhaka. Check their website for the exact address, application form, and required documents.
You'll need a valid passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, accommodation booking, travel insurance, and proof of sufficient funds.
No. The visa is not extendable. You must leave before the visa expiry date.
It is not always required for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical costs in Bulgaria can be high.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. There is no visa-on-arrival for Bangladeshi passport holders.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.