Turkey entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 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 enter Turkey without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This has been the case for years and remains unchanged in 2026. Just show up at the border with your passport and you're good to go.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Bulgarian passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay in Turkey. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Recommended for visa-free entry | Immigration officers at Turkish airports occasionally ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Have a hotel booking or an invitation letter from a host ready. Officers rarely ask, but if you cannot show where you are staying, they may question your plans. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you can support yourself during your stay. There is no fixed amount, but having around $50–$100 USD per day in accessible funds covers you. | Recommended |
90-day limit in any 180-day period
You can stay up to 90 days total within any rolling 180-day window. If you leave and come back, the clock resets only after 90 days outside Turkey. Keep track of your days.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Turkish border
Whether you fly into Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), or arrive by land at Kapıkule or another border crossing, head to the foreign passport queue. Have your passport ready.
2
Present your passport
Hand over your passport. The officer will check your validity (6+ months) and may ask your purpose of visit, where you're staying, and when you're leaving. Answer briefly and honestly.
3
Receive entry stamp
If everything's in order, you'll get an entry stamp in your passport. That's it — no visa, no fee. You're allowed up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Download Turkey 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 stay90 days
Validity6 months
CostFree (visa-free entry already covers this)
Not needed for Bulgarian passport holders; visa-free entry is sufficient for short stays.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
CostFree (visa-free entry already covers this)
Not needed; visa-free entry allows multiple entries within 90-day limit.
Long-stay visa (residence permit)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostTRY 1,500 (~$45 USD) application fee + residence permit fee
For stays longer than 90 days; requires proof of income, health insurance, and accommodation.
retirement visa
Turkish Retirement Residence Permit (Short-term Residence Permit)
1 year, renewable annually
TRY 1,500 (~$45 USD) application fee + residence permit card fee (approx. TRY 500)
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income (at least minimum wage in Turkey). Requires health insurance and proof of accommodation. Allows long-term stay without work.
digital nomad visa
Turkish Digital Nomad Visa (not officially established; use residence permit)
1 year, renewable
Same as residence permit (TRY 1,500 + card fee)
Turkey does not have a specific digital nomad visa, but remote workers can apply for a short-term residence permit with proof of remote employment and income. Requires health insurance and accommodation.
investor visa
Turkish Citizenship by Investment (Real Estate or Capital)
Permanent (citizenship after 3 years)
Minimum $400,000 USD real estate investment or $500,000 USD capital investment
For investors who purchase property worth at least $400,000 USD or make a capital investment of $500,000 USD. Leads to Turkish citizenship after 3 years. No residency requirement.
work visa
Turkish Work Visa (Work Permit)
1 year, renewable up to 3 years
Employer pays; application fee approx. TRY 1,000 (~$30 USD)
For those with a job offer from a Turkish company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor. Allows work and residence.
student visa
Turkish Student Visa (Student Residence Permit)
Duration of study program (1–4 years)
Application fee approx. TRY 1,500 (~$45 USD) + residence permit card fee
For students enrolled in a Turkish university or educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial means. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayFine applies for overstaying the 90-day limit; maximum cap is TRY 5,000 (~$150 USD). | TRY 100 (~$3 USD) per day |
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers tourist purposes; no separate tourist visa needed. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry allows multiple entries within 90 days; no multiple entry visa required. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
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 Turkey
No transit visa needed
Bulgarian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Turkish airports, as they are visa-free for short stays. However, if leaving the airport transit area, standard visa-free rules apply (up to 90 days).
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsIstanbul Airport (IST) · Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) · Antalya Airport (AYT)
Health & vaccines for Turkey
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (Dengue, West Nile virus)Low risk
Risk is low but present in rural areas; use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, especially from street food; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Altitude sicknessLow risk
Only relevant for high-altitude regions like Mount Ararat; acclimatize gradually.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is very low in Turkey, mainly in southeastern rural areas near the Syrian border. Prophylaxis is not routinely recommended for tourists.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Istanbul
Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Migration Management
Hürriyet Mahallesi, Dr. Cemil Bengü Caddesi No: 1, 34212 Bağcılar, Istanbul
Mon–Fri 08:30–17:30
Main office for residence permit applications and extensions; bring passport, photos, and proof of address.
Ankara
Ankara Provincial Directorate of Migration Management
Kızılay Mahallesi, Atatürk Bulvarı No: 193, 06420 Çankaya, Ankara
Mon–Fri 08:30–17:30
Handles residence permits and visa issues; appointments recommended.
Practical information for BG travellers
Country basics
CapitalAnkara
LanguageTurkish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 6 months with notarised translation.
Money
CurrencyTurkish Lira (TRY)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 45.96 TRY
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h (EST) / +7h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+11h (PST) / +10h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 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
Use bottled water. Tap water is treated but travellers generally avoid it.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Turkey — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. The visa-free stay is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a residence permit from the Turkish immigration office (Göç İdaresi) before your 90 days expire. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban.
No. Bulgarian passport holders can transit through Turkish airports without a visa, as long as you stay airside and don't pass through immigration. If you need to leave the airport, you'd need a visa.
You'll likely be denied entry. Turkish immigration strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule. Renew your passport before traveling.
No. Entry is completely free for Bulgarian passport holders. No visa fee, no stamp fee, nothing.
No. Visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits. For work or study, you need the appropriate visa or permit before you arrive.
Overstaying can result in a fine (around 500–1000 TL per day, subject to change) and a ban from re-entering Turkey for a period. Always leave before your 90 days are up.
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.