Philippines entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 2026·View sources
No visa required
30 days
Max stay
30 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 can visit the Philippines without a visa for up to 30 days. This covers tourism and business visits. Just show up at immigration with the right documents. As of 2026, no application is needed before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from the Philippines | Your passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from the day you leave the Philippines. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, they will deny boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Outbound flight within 30 days | Immigration officers at Manila, Cebu, and Clark airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel within your 30-day visa-free stay. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready — they scan the barcode at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a hotel booking. A printed reservation confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and contact number works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds At least ₱10,000 or equivalent per person | Immigration can ask you to show cash, a bank statement, or a credit card with sufficient limit. The informal threshold is about ₱10,000 (around €170) per person for the duration of your stay. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines check this before boarding, and immigration checks it on arrival. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be turned away.
No visa extension available
The 30-day visa-free stay cannot be extended. If you need more time, you must apply for a visa extension at the Bureau of Immigration before your 30 days are up. Plan ahead.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
You'll land at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila) or another international airport. Follow signs to 'Immigration' for foreign passport holders.
2
Queue at immigration
Join the line for foreign nationals. Have your passport, boarding pass, and return ticket ready. You'll be asked the purpose of your visit and how long you're staying.
3
Present documents and get stamped
Hand over your passport and any supporting documents. The officer will stamp you in for 30 days. Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when you leave.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel, then proceed through customs. You're free to enter the Philippines.
Download Philippines Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay59 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostPHP 1,500 (~$27 USD)
Apply at Philippine embassy in Sofia or nearest consulate. Requires valid passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay59 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostPHP 3,000 (~$54 USD)
For frequent travellers; requires proof of previous travel and strong ties to home country.
Long-stay visa (13A)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity
CostPHP 10,000+ (~$180+ USD) plus legal fees
For spouses of Philippine citizens or former Filipinos; requires marriage certificate and NBI clearance.
retirement visa
Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV)
1 year, renewable indefinitely
~$1,500 USD deposit + $360 USD annual fee
For retirees aged 50+ with a pension or deposit. Allows multiple entries and long-term stay. Requires health insurance and NBI clearance.
Apply work visa
9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa
1–3 years, renewable
~$500–$1,000 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals with a job offer in the Philippines. Requires Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from DOLE and company sponsorship.
student visa
Student Visa (9(f))
1 year, renewable annually
~$200–$400 USD plus school fees
For enrolled students in accredited Philippine institutions. Requires admission letter, financial proof, and medical clearance.
investor visa
Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV)
1 year, renewable
~$75,000 USD investment + $360 USD annual fee
For investors with a minimum investment in Philippine businesses or stocks. Allows multiple entries and long-term stay.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 30 days; apply at Philippine embassy in Bulgaria or nearest consulate. | PHP 1,500 (~$27 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 6 months, multiple entries; requires additional documentation. | PHP 3,000 (~$54 USD) |
| Stay extension (per month)Available for visa-free entrants; apply at Bureau of Immigration office before 30-day period ends. | PHP 1,030 (~$19 USD) plus processing fee |
| Overstay fine (per day)Applies to overstays beyond authorized period; pay at immigration before departure. | PHP 500 (~$9 USD) per day, max PHP 10,000 (~$180 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
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 Philippines
No transit visa needed
Bulgaria passport holders transiting through the Philippines do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa-free entry (up to 30 days) applies instead.
Transit hubsNinoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), Manila · Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB), Cebu · Clark International Airport (CRK), Angeles City
Health & vaccines for Philippines
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialInfluenzaConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas; use repellent and avoid standing water.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene and consider vaccination.
Hepatitis AModerate risk
Spread through contaminated food/water; vaccination recommended.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most tourist areas; prophylaxis recommended for travel to rural areas in Palawan, Mindanao, and Sulu Archipelago.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Manila
Bureau of Immigration Main Office
Magallanes Drive, Intramuros, Manila 1002
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
For extensions and visa applications; bring passport, visa if applicable, and payment.
Cebu City
Bureau of Immigration Cebu Field Office
G/F, Gaisano Country Mall, Cebu City
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Popular for tourists; extension processing takes 1–2 days.
Practical information for BG travellers
Country basics
CapitalManila
LanguageFilipino, English
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyPhilippine Peso (PHP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 61.67 PHP
Time zone
Local timeUTC+8
vs New York+13h (EST) / +12h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+16h (PST) / +15h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,B,CType A, B, C — US plugs (Type A) generally fit.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Philippines — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa extension at the Bureau of Immigration in the Philippines before your 30 days expire. Extensions are possible for up to 6 months total, but you'll need to visit an immigration office and pay fees (around PHP 1,000–3,000 depending on duration).
No, the 30-day visa-free entry covers business visits like meetings, conferences, or site inspections. You cannot take paid employment or work for a Philippine company without a work visa.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at immigration. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
The Philippines is an archipelago, so all international entry is by air or sea. You'll arrive at an international airport or seaport. The same visa-free rules apply regardless of the port of entry.
No, there is no mandatory arrival declaration for Bulgarian passport holders. You just go through immigration with your passport and supporting documents.
Overstaying results in a fine of PHP 500 per month (or part thereof) plus a processing fee. You'll need to pay at the Bureau of Immigration before leaving. Serious overstays can lead to blacklisting.
It's not mandatory for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in the Philippines can be high — a hospital stay for dengue or a motorbike accident can easily cost $500–$1,000 per day. Insurance covers that and trip cancellations.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.