Greece entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 2026·View sources
No 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 can enter Greece without a visa for short stays. As of 2026, you can travel to Greece and the entire Schengen Area visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Just ensure your passport meets the entry requirements.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen area | Your passport needs at least 3 months of validity after your planned exit from Greece (and the entire Schengen zone). Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Schengen area | Immigration officers at Greek airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you will leave the Schengen zone within 90 days. Budget airlines flying into Athens are especially strict — have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel confirmation, Airbnb receipt, or a letter from your host ready. Officers at passport control sometimes ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least €50–€100 per day of your stay. Greek border officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
90-day rule applies to all Schengen countries
Your 90-day allowance is for the entire Schengen Area, not just Greece. If you've already spent time in other Schengen countries (e.g., Germany, Italy, Spain), that counts toward your 90 days. Use the Schengen calculator online to track your days.
No visa needed — just show up
Bulgarian passport holders enjoy visa-free access to Greece. No application, no fee, no waiting. Just ensure your passport is valid and you have your return ticket and accommodation ready.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before travel
Check your passport validity — 6 months from entry date. Print or save your return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance on your phone. No visa application needed.
2
Arrive at the airport in Bulgaria
At check-in, show your passport. The airline will verify your passport validity and onward ticket. They may also ask for proof of accommodation.
3
Go through passport control in Greece
At Athens or any Greek airport, join the 'All Passports' queue. Hand over your passport. The officer may ask: 'How long are you staying?' and 'Where are you staying?' Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport — that stamp shows your entry date and starts your 90-day clock.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, pick up your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. No further checks unless you have something to declare.
Download Greece 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 stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
For stays longer than 90 days or if visa-free entry is not desired.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD) plus additional processing
Allows multiple visits within validity; same base fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (National D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€99 (approx. $108 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Greek Work Visa (National D Visa for Employment)
1 year, renewable
€99 (approx. $108 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Greece. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows long-term residence and access to social services.
student visa
Greek Student Visa (National D Visa for Studies)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€99 (approx. $108 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a Greek educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Greek Golden Visa (Residence Permit for Investors)
5 years, renewable
€2,000 (approx. $2,180 USD) application fee plus investment of at least €250,000 in real estate
For non-EU investors who purchase property in Greece. Grants residency and Schengen travel rights. No minimum stay required.
digital nomad visa
Greek Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
€75 (approx. $82 USD) application fee
For remote workers with stable income from outside Greece. Requires proof of employment and health insurance. Allows tax benefits.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays beyond 90 days or if visa-free not applicable. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity; same base fee as single entry. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) plus additional processing |
| Overstay fine per dayImposed for overstaying visa-free period; paid at border or immigration office. | €50 per day (approx. $54 USD), max €500 (approx. $545 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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 Greece
No transit visa needed
Bulgarian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Greece, as Bulgaria is an EU member and part of the Schengen area. You can transit freely.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsAthens International Airport (ATH) · Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) · Heraklion Airport (HER)
Health & vaccines for Greece
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; rare in tourists but present in summer months.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions recommended; tap water is safe in most areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Athens
Athens Immigration Office (Aliens and Immigration Directorate)
Leof. Kifisias 7, 115 23 Athens
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions and residence permits; bring all original documents and copies.
Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki Immigration Office
Leof. Stratou 1, 546 35 Thessaloniki
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
For northern Greece; appointments recommended.
Practical information for BG travellers
Country basics
CapitalAthens
LanguageGreek
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid. IDP recommended.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.86 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h (EST) / +7h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+10h (PST) / +10h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Safe in Athens but most visitors use bottled. On islands, use bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Greece — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
You can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This applies to the entire Schengen Area, not just Greece. So if you've already spent 30 days in France, you have 60 days left for Greece and other Schengen countries combined.
No, the 90-day visa-free stay cannot be extended for tourism. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a national visa (type D) from the Greek embassy before your 90 days expire. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and a ban from Schengen.
Yes, immigration and airlines often ask for proof of onward travel. A return ticket or a ticket to a non-Schengen country works. A screenshot on your phone is usually enough.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced.
No, there is no arrival declaration or police registration requirement for Bulgarian citizens. You simply enter through passport control and get a stamp.
Overstaying is a violation of Schengen rules. You may be fined, deported, and banned from re-entering the Schengen Area for up to 5 years. Always track your days carefully.
No, the 90-day visa-free stay is for tourism, business meetings, or family visits only. You cannot take paid employment. For work, you need a work visa or permit arranged before travel.
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.