Canada entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 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
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.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visitor visa | Bulgarian passport holders need a visitor visa to enter Canada. Apply online through the IRCC portal — processing takes 2–4 weeks for most applications. You will need to submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Centre.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Bulgarian passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Canada. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Canadian law, but airlines may enforce 6 months validity — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Canada | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking showing you leave Canada before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation, Airbnb receipt, or a letter from your host with their address and contact details. Officers may ask where you are staying on arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card statement showing you have enough money for your stay. There is no fixed minimum, but officers expect you to cover accommodation, food, and transport without working. | Recommended |
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 June 1, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months
ValidityTypically 6 months from issue date
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Standard visitor visa for tourism or business visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years (or until passport expiry)
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Convenient for frequent travellers; same fee as single entry.
Super visa (for parents/grandparents)
Max stayUp to 2 years per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
For parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents; requires private health insurance.
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 |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry visitor visa. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries during validity. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Biometrics feeRequired for most visa applicants; includes fingerprint and photo. | CAD 85 (~USD 64) |
| Stay extension (visitor record)Fee to apply for an extension of stay as a visitor. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa or authorized period; no official cap but can lead to removal. | CAD 200 (~USD 150) per day |
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 generally need a transit visa to pass through Canada en route to a third country, unless they meet specific exemptions.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a visa for up to 48 hours if arriving and departing by air.
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa or permanent resident card are exempt.
- Citizens of certain countries with bilateral agreements may be exempt; check with IRCC.
Transit hubsToronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) · Vancouver International Airport (YVR) · Montreal-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 = 1.38 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 June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.