Russia entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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 an eVisa to enter Russia in 2026. The eVisa is valid for a single entry and allows stays of up to 16 days. You must apply online before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Russian eVisa at the official portal. Processing takes up to 4 calendar days. You need a digital photo and a scanned passport data page. Print the eVisa approval and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for intended stay | Your Bulgarian passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Russia. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Russian law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Border officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready. If you're transiting to another country, show that ticket instead. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation | Russian immigration may ask for a hotel confirmation or a host's invitation letter. Keep a printed copy of your booking or the invitation from your host. This is not always checked but saves time if asked. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | You may need to show you have enough money for your stay. Carry at least 500 EUR equivalent in cash or a recent bank statement. ATMs are widely available in major cities but less so in remote areas. | Recommended |
eVisa is single-entry only
You can only enter Russia once with this eVisa. If you leave and try to re-enter, you'll need a new visa. Plan your trip accordingly.
Register within 7 days
If you're not staying in a hotel, make sure your host registers your visa within 7 days of arrival. Failure to register can lead to fines and problems when leaving.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Russian eVisa website (evisa.kdmid.ru). Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport-style photo, and submit. Processing usually takes up to 4 calendar days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF via email. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and at passport control.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Before you leave, gather: your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, hotel booking confirmation, and travel insurance. Keep them in your carry-on.
4
Arrive at the airport in Russia
At passport control, hand over your passport and eVisa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel address. Answer clearly. After a quick check, you'll get an entry stamp.
5
Register your stay (if required)
Hotels usually handle registration automatically. If you're in private accommodation, you or your host must register your visa within 7 days of arrival. Ask your host to do it.
Download Russia Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (approx. 44 EUR)
Requires invitation letter and supporting documents.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 88 EUR)
Allows multiple entries; must have valid invitation.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 176 EUR)
Requires employer or educational institution sponsorship.
work visa
Work Visa (Highly Qualified Specialist)
Up to 3 years, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 176 EUR) plus employer fees
For professionals with a job offer from a Russian employer. Requires work permit and higher salary threshold. Allows family reunification.
student visa
Student Visa (Study Visa)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 88 EUR) plus university fees
For those enrolled in a Russian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Business Visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 264 EUR) plus investment minimum
For individuals investing in Russian business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa processing feeStandard fee for Bulgarian citizens applying for Russian eVisa. | ~$40 USD (approx. 35 EUR) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For longer stays or if eVisa not applicable. | ~$50 USD (approx. 44 EUR) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple visits within validity period. | ~$100 USD (approx. 88 EUR) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for exceeding authorized stay. | ~$10 USD (approx. 9 EUR) per day, max $200 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or expired documents30%
Insufficient funds25%
No return ticket20%
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 Russia
Transit visa required
Bulgarian citizens transiting through Russia to a third country generally need a transit visa, even if staying airside. Exceptions apply for certain visa holders.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without a visa for up to 72 hours at certain airports (e.g., Moscow Sheremetyevo).
Transit hubsMoscow Sheremetyevo (SVO) · Moscow Domodedovo (DME) · Moscow Vnukovo (VKO)
Health & vaccines for Russia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitisRecommended
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially spring to autumn. Vaccination recommended for rural travel.
RabiesLow risk
Risk from animal bites, especially in rural areas. Seek immediate medical care if bitten.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea and other infections. Practice safe food and water precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in southern regions near the Caspian Sea and some rural areas. Prophylaxis not routinely recommended for standard tourist itineraries.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Moscow
Main Directorate for Migration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia
ul. Poklonnaya, 12, Moscow
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles visa extensions and registration issues.
Saint Petersburg
Migration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for Saint Petersburg
ul. Krasnogo Tekstilshchika, 10-12, St. Petersburg
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Main office for visa-related matters in the region.
Practical information for BG travellers
Country basics
CapitalMoscow
LanguageRussian
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 60 days, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyRussian Ruble (RUB)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 72.35 RUB
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h
vs Los Angeles+11h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with grounding clips)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; boil or use bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Processing usually takes up to 4 calendar days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. There's no expedited option.
The eVisa fee varies by nationality. For Bulgarian passport holders, it's typically around $50 USD. Check the official portal for the exact amount in your currency.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. Overstaying can result in fines and future visa bans.
If you're staying in a hotel, they'll register you automatically. If you're in private accommodation, you or your host must register within 7 days of arrival. Ask your host to handle it.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your passport has less than 6 months validity, you have a criminal record, or your application has errors. You can reapply, but the fee is non-refundable.
Yes, the eVisa is valid for entry at all international airports, seaports, and land border crossings. However, it's a single-entry visa, so you can only enter once.
If you're staying in the international transit zone and don't pass through passport control, you don't need a visa. But if you need to enter Russia (e.g., to switch terminals or stay overnight), you need the eVisa.
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.