United States entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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 enter the United States for tourism or business. Apply for a B-1/B-2 visa at the U.S. embassy in Sofia before traveling. As of 2026, there is no visa waiver or ESTA option for Bulgarian citizens.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa application B-1/B-2 visitor visa | Apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at the US embassy or consulate in Sofia. Complete the DS-160 form online, pay the $185 fee, and schedule an in-person interview. Processing takes a few weeks — apply at least 3 months before your trip.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Bulgarian passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in the US. No minimum validity beyond departure is required, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at US ports of entry routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you'll leave before your visa expires. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter from your US host with their address and contact info. Officers at secondary inspection may ask for it if your story seems unclear. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or credit cards | Show you can cover your stay — bring recent bank statements or a credit card with a sufficient limit. $100–$200 per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
Bulgarian citizens cannot use ESTA or the Visa Waiver Program. You must apply for a B-1/B-2 visa at the U.S. Embassy in Sofia before traveling. Plan ahead — interview slots can fill up months in advance.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date into the US. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the visa. Border officers will deny entry if your passport doesn't meet this requirement.
Overstaying can get you banned
Overstaying your authorized stay by even one day can trigger a ban from re-entering the US for 3 or 10 years. If you need more time, file for an extension before your I-94 expiry date.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 form
Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center website, fill out the DS-160, upload a passport-style photo, and submit. Print the confirmation page with the barcode — you'll need it for the interview.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the $185 MRV fee online via the U.S. visa appointment system or at a designated bank in Bulgaria. Save the payment confirmation.
3
Schedule your interview
Log into the U.S. visa appointment system, select the U.S. Embassy in Sofia, and pick an available date. Wait times can be 2–6 months, so book early.
4
Attend the interview
Arrive at the U.S. Embassy in Sofia (16 Kozyak Street) with your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, and supporting documents. Expect a brief interview about your travel plans and ties to Bulgaria.
5
Wait for visa processing
After approval, your passport will be held for visa printing. Processing usually takes 3–10 business days. You'll receive instructions to collect your passport or have it delivered.
6
Enter the United States
At the US port of entry (e.g., JFK, LAX), present your passport with visa. A CBP officer will ask about your trip. They may also ask for return ticket and accommodation. Be honest and concise.
Download United States 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:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months
Validity10 years (typical for Bulgarian citizens)
Cost$160 USD (€150)
Allows tourism, business meetings, and medical treatment. Must apply at US embassy in Sofia.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years (typical)
Cost$160 USD (€150)
Same as single entry but allows multiple visits within validity.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days grace
ValidityDuration of academic program
Cost$160 USD (€150) + SEVIS fee $350 USD
For full-time study at accredited US institution. Requires I-20 from school.
H-1B Work Visa
Max stayUp to 3 years, extendable to 6
Validity3 years initial
Cost$190 USD (€175) + premium processing optional
For specialty occupations; requires employer sponsorship and lottery selection.
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 6 years (3+3 extension)
$190 USD (€175) filing fee + legal fees
For professionals with a bachelor's degree or higher in a specialty field. Requires employer sponsorship and annual lottery. Allows dual intent (immigration possible).
Apply student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of academic program + OPT up to 12 months
$160 USD (€150) visa fee + $350 SEVIS fee
For full-time study at accredited US institution. Allows part-time on-campus work and optional practical training after graduation.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000 USD (€980,000) minimum investment
For investors who invest at least $1,050,000 in a new commercial enterprise that creates 10+ jobs. Leads to permanent residency and eventual citizenship.
Apply treaty trader visa
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa (if applicable)
Up to 5 years, renewable indefinitely
$205 USD (€190) filing fee + legal fees
For nationals of treaty countries who invest a substantial amount in a US business. Bulgaria is not a treaty country with the US, so this option is unavailable.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee for most nonimmigrant visas. | $160 USD (€150) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years for Bulgarian citizens. | $160 USD (€150) |
| Visa extension (Form I-539)Fee for extending B1/B2 stay; processing takes months. | $370 USD (€345) |
| Overstay fineOverstay may lead to fines and future visa ineligibility; no fixed daily rate. | Varies; typically $0–$500 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient ties to home30%
Incomplete or incorrect application25%
Previous visa overstay or violation20%
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 United States
No transit visa needed
Bulgarian citizens generally need a visa to transit the US, even if staying airside, unless they qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) or hold a valid US visa.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without additional visa.
- Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries (Bulgaria is not included) may transit under ESTA.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne diseases (Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever)Moderate risk
Risk in wooded/grassy areas, especially Northeast and Midwest.
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus, dengue)Low risk
West Nile virus present nationwide; dengue rare but reported in southern states.
Foodborne illnessesLow risk
General risk from undercooked food; safe water supply.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
USCIS Washington Field Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and change of status by mail; no walk-in services.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Appointment required for in-person queries; most services by mail.
Practical information for BG travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Bulgarian passport holders must obtain a B-1/B-2 visa before traveling to the US for tourism, business, or transit. There is no visa waiver or ESTA option for Bulgaria.
The entire process takes 1–3 months on average. The DS-160 form takes about an hour. Interview wait times at the U.S. Embassy in Sofia vary from 2 weeks to 6 months depending on the season. After approval, visa printing takes 3–10 business days.
The non-refundable visa application fee is $185 (as of 2026). This covers the MRV fee. There are no additional fees unless you need expedited processing or courier delivery.
Yes, you can apply for an extension with USCIS using Form I-539, but you must file before your authorized stay expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and can take months to process. Overstaying can lead to bans.
You'll receive a refusal letter under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. You can reapply at any time, but you must address the reason for refusal (usually insufficient ties to Bulgaria). There is no appeal process.
Yes, Bulgarian citizens need a visa even for transit through the US (C-1 visa). There is no transit without visa (TWOV) program for Bulgaria. You must have a valid visa to change planes in the US.
No. B-1/B-2 visas are for tourism, business meetings, or medical treatment only. Any paid work, including remote work for a foreign employer, is technically not allowed. For employment, you need a work visa like H-1B or L-1.
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.