Canada entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
180 days
Max stay
180 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Bulgarian passport holders need a visa to visit Canada in 2026. You must apply for a visitor visa (TRV) before you travel — there is no visa waiver or eTA option for Bulgarian citizens. Plan ahead, as processing times can take several weeks.
Apply for Canada eVisaOnly required when arriving by air; not needed for land/sea entry from the US. Linked electronically to your passport — no printout required.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)You must get this travel authorization before boarding your flight to Canada. Required for visa-exempt foreign nationals | Apply online at the official eTA website (https://eta.cic.gc.ca/) before flying to Canada. The eTA costs CAD $7 and is usually approved within minutes, but can take a few days if additional documents are requested. It is valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must remain valid for half a year after you leave Canada. Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your Bulgarian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Canada. Ensure your passport does not expire during your stay. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesBorder officers need a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry stamps. It is recommended to have more than one blank page for any additional stamps or visas. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a ticket out of Canada helps prove you intend to leave on time. Proof of departure from Canada | Although not always requested, you should carry proof of a return or onward ticket to show that you will leave Canada before your authorized stay ends. This is especially important if you are entering as a visitor. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsYou should be able to show you can support yourself financially while in Canada. Sufficient funds for your stay | You may be asked to show that you have enough money to cover your expenses during your stay in Canada. The amount is not fixed, but it should be enough for accommodation, food, and other costs. Carry bank statements or credit cards as evidence. | Recommended |
| Maximum stayYou must leave Canada before your 180-day visit period ends. Up to 180 days per visit | As a Bulgarian citizen with an eTA, you can stay in Canada for up to 180 days per visit. This period is set by the border services officer upon entry and cannot be extended. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra form before you arrive. Not required | There is no separate arrival declaration required for Bulgaria passport holders entering Canada. You will complete a customs declaration upon arrival, either on the plane or at a kiosk. | Not required |
Visa required — no eTA option
Bulgarian passport holders cannot use the eTA system. You must apply for a full visitor visa. Do not book flights or accommodation until your visa is approved, as processing times can be unpredictable.
Biometrics required
Most applicants aged 14–79 need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Centre. In Bulgaria, the VAC is in Sofia. Book an appointment as soon as you submit your online application to avoid delays.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visitor visa online
Go to the official IRCC website and create an account. Fill out the application form, upload your documents (passport copy, photo, travel itinerary, proof of funds, etc.), and pay the fee (currently $100 CAD). Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, but can be longer during peak seasons.
2
Wait for visa decision
IRCC will review your application. You may be asked to give biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Sofia or another designated location. Once approved, you'll receive a visa sticker in your passport or a letter of introduction.
3
Prepare for arrival in Canada
Before you fly, print or save digital copies of your visa approval, passport, return ticket, accommodation booking, and insurance. At the airport, proceed to immigration — show your passport and visa. The officer may ask about your trip purpose, funds, and return plans. Answer honestly and briefly.
4
Enter Canada
After clearing immigration, collect your luggage and go through customs. You may be asked to declare goods. The officer will stamp your passport with the authorized stay period (usually up to 6 months). Keep your passport safe during your trip.
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Super Visa (for parents/grandparents)
Max stayUp to 5 years per visit
ValidityUp to 10 years (or passport validity)
Cost$100 CAD application fee + $85 biometrics
Requires a letter of invitation from a Canadian child or grandchild and proof of medical insurance
Work permit
Max stayVaries with permit
ValidityUp to 3 years typically
Cost$155 CAD (plus $100 open work permit holder fee if applicable)
Requires a job offer and Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in most cases
Study permit
Max stayDuration of study program
ValidityUp to 4 years typically
Cost$150 CAD
Requires acceptance from a designated learning institution
work visa
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Up to 2 years, renewable
CAD 155 (~USD 116) employer compliance fee + work permit fee CAD 155
For skilled workers with a valid job offer and Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Allows work and potential pathway to permanent residence.
Apply student visa
Study Permit
Duration of study program + 90 days
CAD 150 (~USD 112)
For international students accepted at a designated learning institution. Allows part-time work on campus and off-campus after 6 months.
Apply investor visa
Start-Up Visa Program
Permanent residence
CAD 2,140 (~USD 1,600) processing fee
For entrepreneurs with a qualifying business and support from a designated organization. Leads to permanent residence.
Apply digital nomad visa
Canada Digital Nomad Strategy (temporary policy)
Up to 6 months (visitor status) or longer with work permit
Varies; visitor entry is free, work permit CAD 155
Allows remote workers to stay as visitors for up to 6 months; if job offer from Canadian employer, may apply for work permit. No dedicated visa yet.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa (TRV) application feePer person; non-refundable | $100 CAD |
| Biometrics feeRequired for most applicants; per person | $85 CAD |
| Visa extension (visitor record)For stays beyond 180 days; apply before status expires | $100 CAD |
| Restoration of status (if overstay)Plus $100 for visitor record; apply within 90 days of losing status | $200 CAD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application documents20%
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 Canada
Transit visa required
Bulgarian citizens transiting through Canada generally need a visitor visa (TRV) unless they qualify for the China Transit Program (CTP) or are travelling on a direct flight with no stopover.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US non-immigrant visa who are travelling to or from the US on a direct flight from a designated Chinese airport (China Transit Program) may transit without a visa under specific conditions.
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt under certain agreements.
Transit hubsToronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) · Vancouver International Airport (YVR) · Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
Health & vaccines for Canada
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedCOVID-19 (primary series + booster)EssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)Recommended
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease prevalent in wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is highest in summer in southern regions.
InfluenzaModerate risk
Seasonal flu circulates widely; annual vaccination recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Ottawa
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) – Ottawa Office
365 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON K1A 1L1
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main processing centre; applications are typically submitted online or by mail.
Toronto
IRCC – Toronto Office
74 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON M5C 2A5
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles in-person inquiries by appointment only; bring all documents.
Practical information for BG travellers
Country basics
CapitalOttawa
LanguageEnglish, French
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid in Canada.
Money
CurrencyCanadian Dollar (CAD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.42 CAD
Time zone
Local timeUTC-5
vs New YorkSame to -3h depending on province
vs Los AngelesSame to +3h depending on province
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A, B — same as the US. No adapter needed.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink in all major cities.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Canada — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Bulgarian citizens need a visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa) to enter Canada for tourism, business, or visiting family. There is no eTA or visa waiver option for Bulgaria. You must apply online before traveling.
Processing times vary, but typically take 2–4 weeks. During peak travel seasons (summer, holidays) it can take longer. Check the current IRCC processing times online. Biometrics appointments may add a few days.
The application fee is $100 CAD per person (about 67 EUR as of 2026). Biometrics cost an additional $85 CAD per person. Fees are non-refundable even if the visa is refused.
Yes, you can apply for an extension from within Canada before your current status expires. You must show valid reasons and sufficient funds. Extensions are not guaranteed and processing can take months.
You'll need a valid passport (6+ months validity), a recent photo, proof of funds (bank statements), travel itinerary, return ticket, accommodation details, and a letter explaining your trip purpose. Additional documents may be requested.
Applications are submitted online via the IRCC portal. Biometrics can be done at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Sofia. There is no need to visit an embassy in person.
You will receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons. Common reasons include insufficient funds, weak ties to Bulgaria, or incomplete documentation. You can reapply after addressing the issues, but the fee is non-refundable.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.