Bulgaria entry requirements for Brazil passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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
Brazilian passport holders can enter Bulgaria visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This covers tourism, business visits, and family visits. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Bulgaria. Bulgaria is part of the Schengen zone for visa-free travel, so your 90-day stay counts against the 90/180-day Schengen limit across all 27 countries. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Bulgaria | Immigration officers at Sofia Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking showing you leave within 90 days. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation, Airbnb receipt, or a letter from your host with their address and contact info. Border officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough money for your stay. Bulgaria does not publish a minimum amount, but around €50 per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Bulgaria is not yet in Schengen
Although Bulgaria is on track to join the Schengen Area, it currently operates its own visa policy. Your 90-day visa-free stay in Bulgaria is separate from the Schengen 90/180 rule — but if you also visit Schengen countries, the combined stay may be limited. Check the latest rules before traveling.
Overstaying is serious
Overstaying your 90-day visa-free period can result in fines up to 500 BGN, deportation, and a re-entry ban. If you need to stay longer, apply for a long-stay visa before your trip.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, gather your passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Save digital copies on your phone and print backups.
2
Arrive at a Bulgarian port of entry
You can enter via any international airport (Sofia, Burgas, Varna, Plovdiv) or land border crossing from Romania, Greece, Turkey, Serbia, or North Macedonia.
3
Go through passport control
Join the queue for non-EU/EEA passports. Hand over your passport and be ready to show your return ticket and accommodation booking if asked. The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date and allowed stay.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, proceed to baggage claim (if you checked luggage), then walk through customs. There is usually no customs declaration for personal items.
Download Bulgaria Entry Checklist
PDF · Brazil Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 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
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
For stays beyond 90 days or if visa-free entry is not used.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; must not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€100–€200 (approx. $109–$218 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Bulgarian Work Visa (D Visa)
1 year, renewable
€100–€200 (approx. $109–$218 USD)
For employment with a Bulgarian company. Requires a work permit and job offer. Allows long-term residence and access to social benefits.
student visa
Bulgarian Student Visa (D Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
€100–€200 (approx. $109–$218 USD)
For full-time study at a Bulgarian university. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Bulgarian Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
€500–€1,000 (approx. $545–$1,090 USD) plus investment
For investors who invest at least €500,000 in Bulgarian business or government bonds. Leads to permanent residence after 5 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays beyond 90 days or if visa is required. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayFine depends on overstay duration; maximum cap may apply. | €10–€50 per day (approx. $11–$54 USD) |
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 Bulgaria
No transit visa needed
Brazil passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Bulgarian airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsSofia Airport (SOF) · Burgas Airport (BOJ) · Varna Airport (VAR)
Health & vaccines for Bulgaria
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, as per WHO guidelines.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially in spring and summer; vaccination recommended for rural travel.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in rural and wooded areas; use insect repellent and check for ticks.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions sufficient; tap water is generally safe in cities.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Sofia
Migration Directorate – Sofia
ul. 'Knyaz Boris I' 136, 1000 Sofia
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa and residence permit issues; bring all original documents.
Plovdiv
Regional Migration Office – Plovdiv
ul. 'Ivan Vazov' 2, 4000 Plovdiv
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles extensions and registration for southern Bulgaria.
Practical information for BR travellers
Country basics
CapitalSofia
LanguageBulgarian
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 6 months; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyBulgarian Lev (BGN)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.68 BGN
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C (Europlug) and Type F (Schuko) plugs are used.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is generally safe to drink in major cities, but bottled water is recommended in rural areas.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. Visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and family visits only. You cannot take up employment or freelance work. For work, you need a work visa or residence permit arranged before travel.
You can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The 180-day window is rolling — count back 180 days from any day you are in Bulgaria to check you haven't exceeded 90 days total.
No, the visa-free stay cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a long-stay visa (type D) at a Bulgarian embassy before traveling. Overstaying can result in fines up to 500 BGN and a re-entry ban.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced at all Bulgarian ports of entry.
No, if you are transiting through a Bulgarian airport and staying airside (not passing through passport control), you do not need a visa. If you need to enter Bulgaria (e.g., to switch airports or stay overnight), the visa-free rules apply.
Carry your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and proof of accommodation for your first night. Travel insurance is not mandatory but recommended. Keep digital copies of everything in case of loss.
Yes, but note that Bulgaria is not yet a full Schengen member (though it is in the process). You can enter from any Schengen country, but the 90-day limit applies to your entire stay in the Schengen area plus Bulgaria combined. Keep track of your days.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.