Vietnam entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
No visa required
45 days
Max stay
45 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 Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and has at least one blank page for the entry stamp.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa / Entry PermitYou can enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days. Visa-free entry for Bulgarian citizens | Bulgarian citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 45 days. No eVisa application is required. For longer stays, you must apply for a visa at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate before travel. | Not required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding or entry. Must be valid for 6 months beyond arrival | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Vietnam. Check your passport's expiry date before booking. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. Ensure no stamps or marks obscure the page. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketThis proves you intend to leave before your visa-free stay expires. Proof of departure from Vietnam | Immigration may ask to see a return or onward ticket showing you will leave Vietnam within 45 days. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always checked, but having proof avoids issues at immigration. Sufficient funds for your stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, cash, credit cards) to cover your expenses during your stay in Vietnam. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration or online pre-registration is required for Bulgarian citizens entering Vietnam visa-free. | Not required |
| Travel insuranceProtects you from unexpected costs during your stay. Recommended for medical coverage | While not mandatory, travel insurance covering medical expenses and emergencies is strongly recommended for your trip to Vietnam. | Recommended |
45 days is a hard limit
The 45-day visa-free period is not extendable. If you plan to stay longer, you must apply for a visa at a Vietnamese embassy/consulate before you travel — do not rely on any other method.
Passport validity is non-negotiable
Vietnamese immigration will deny entry if your passport is valid for less than 6 months from your arrival date. Check your passport now — if it is close, renew it before booking flights.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, check your passport validity (6 months) and blank page. Print or save your return ticket and hotel booking.
2
Fill out the arrival form
On the flight or at the airport, you will get a Vietnam arrival/departure card. Fill it out in black ink. Keep it with your passport.
3
Go through immigration at the airport
At Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), or Da Nang, join the 'Foreigners' queue. Hand over your passport, arrival card, and any requested documents. The officer will stamp you in for up to 45 days.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After the stamp, grab your bags and head through customs. You are all set — no visa fee to pay.
Download Vietnam Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 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:
e-Visa (if eligible)
Max stay90 days
Validity90 days from entry
Cost$25 (single entry) / $50 (multiple entry)
Bulgarian citizens are eligible for Vietnam's e-Visa. Apply online at the official immigration portal.
Tourist visa (visa on arrival)
Max stay30 days
Validity30 days
Cost$25–$50 (approval letter fee) + $25 (stamp fee)
Requires pre-arranged approval letter from a Vietnamese travel agency; valid for air arrivals only.
Business visa (DN visa)
Max stay90 days
ValidityUp to 1 year (multiple entry)
Cost$80–$150 (depending on processing)
Requires a sponsoring company in Vietnam; apply at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.
work visa
Work Visa (LD1/LD2)
1 year, renewable
~$100–200 USD (employer-sponsored)
For those with a job offer from a Vietnamese company. Requires work permit and sponsorship. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
investor visa
Investor Visa (DT1/DT2/DT3)
1–5 years, renewable
~$500–1,000 USD (depending on investment amount)
For investors with capital of at least $50,000 USD. Longer validity for larger investments. Includes family members.
student visa
Student Visa (DH)
Up to duration of study, renewable annually
~$50–100 USD (plus tuition)
For enrolled students at Vietnamese educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (TT)
1 year, renewable
~$100–200 USD (via agent)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires a local sponsor or agent. Allows long-term stay.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa extension (if needed)Must be arranged through a licensed Vietnamese travel agency or sponsor; not always granted. | $10–$20 (approx.) |
| Exit feeNo separate airport exit tax for international flights. | Included in airfare |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
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 Vietnam
No transit visa needed
Bulgarian citizens transiting through Vietnamese airports do not need a visa if staying airside and not entering Vietnam.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the international transit area or staying overnight in a hotel, a visa or e-visa is required.
Transit hubsNoi Bai International Airport (HAN) · Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) · Da Nang International Airport (DAD)
Health & vaccines for Vietnam
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, and hepatitis A from contaminated food/water.
MalariaLow risk
Low risk in most tourist areas; higher risk in rural highlands (e.g., Central Highlands).
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in major cities and tourist areas. Prophylaxis recommended only for rural highland travel (e.g., Da Lat, Kon Tum).
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Hanoi
Immigration Department of Hanoi
44 Tran Phu, Ba Dinh District
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring TM.7 form, passport, photos, and fee.
Ho Chi Minh City
Immigration Department of Ho Chi Minh City
333 Nguyen Trai, District 1
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Busy office; arrive early. Same documents as Hanoi.
Practical information for BG travellers
Country basics
CapitalHanoi
LanguageVietnamese
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyVietnamese Dong (VND)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 26,208.11 VND
Time zone
Local timeUTC+7
vs New York+12h (EST) / +11h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+15h (PST) / +14h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
A,CType A, C, F — US plugs (Type A) fit some sockets. Bring an adapter.
✓ 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 Vietnam — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. The visa-free entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave Vietnam and re-enter (which resets the 45 days) or apply for a visa at a Vietnamese embassy/consulate before you travel.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You will likely be fined (around $15–$30 per day) and could be banned from re-entering for a period. If you realize you will overstay, contact the Vietnam Immigration Department in advance to sort it out.
Airlines often ask to see a return or onward ticket before boarding. Even if they do not, Vietnamese immigration may ask on arrival. Always have one ready.
No. As a Bulgarian passport holder, you do not need a visa for short stays. There is no visa-on-arrival process for you — you simply go through immigration with your passport. For longer stays, you must apply at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate before you travel.
Yes, the 45-day visa-free entry applies at land border crossings too, not just airports. Just make sure you have the same documents (passport validity, blank page, onward ticket).
The currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). You can exchange money at the airport, banks, or gold shops. ATMs are widely available. It is fine to arrive with no VND — just have some USD or a card for the first few hours.
No vaccinations are required for entry. However, routine vaccines (hepatitis A, typhoid) are often recommended. Check with your doctor a few weeks before travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.