Bulgaria entry requirements for Chile passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed July 3, 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
Chilean passport holders can enter Bulgaria visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This covers tourism, business meetings, and family visits. As of 2026, no visa is needed for short stays.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa requirementYou can enter Bulgaria without applying for a visa in advance. Visa-free entry | Chilean passport holders do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days in Bulgaria. | Not required |
| Passport validityBorder officials check that your passport won't expire soon after your trip. 6 months beyond stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Bulgaria. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for the border officer to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketCarry a printed or digital copy of your flight booking to avoid delays at immigration. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket confirming departure from Bulgaria within the 90-day visa-free period. | Recommended |
| Proof of sufficient fundsHaving proof of funds helps show you can support yourself during the trip. Financial means | You may be required to demonstrate sufficient funds for your stay, such as cash, credit cards, or bank statements. No specific minimum amount is set by Bulgarian authorities. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any special arrival form. Not required | No arrival declaration form is required for Chilean citizens entering Bulgaria. | Not required |
| Travel insuranceInsurance protects you from unexpected medical costs abroad. Recommended | While not mandatory, travel insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation is strongly recommended for all visitors. | Recommended |
Overstaying is serious
Overstaying even by a day can result in a fine of 50-200 BGN (about 25-100 EUR) and a ban from entering Bulgaria or the Schengen area for up to 3 years. Set a calendar reminder to leave on time.
Bulgaria is not yet in the Schengen zone
Your 90-day visa-free stay in Bulgaria is separate from the Schengen 90/180 rule. However, time spent in Bulgaria counts toward the Schengen limit if you later enter a Schengen country. Keep track of your total days in the EU/Schengen area.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bulgarian border
At Sofia Airport or any land border, join the 'All Passports' queue. Have your passport and any supporting documents ready.
2
Present documents to border officer
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask about your trip purpose, length of stay, and accommodation. Answer clearly and briefly.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date and allowed stay. Check the stamp before leaving the counter.
4
Collect luggage and proceed
After passport control, collect your bags from the carousel and head through customs. No additional forms needed.
Download Bulgaria Entry Checklist
PDF · Chile Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated July 3, 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:
Long-stay visa (type D)
Max stay180 days
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€100
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
Residence permit
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost€50 application fee
For employment, self-employment, or family reunification; apply after arrival.
digital nomad
Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa (Type D)
Up to 1 year
€100
For remote workers earning income outside Bulgaria; requires proof of employment and health insurance.
Apply at Bulgarian embassy Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Long-stay visa (type D)For stays over 90 days; apply at Bulgarian embassy in Chile. | €100 |
| Residence permit applicationFor extensions beyond 90 days; paid at local immigration office. | €50 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds for stay30%
Missing return or onward ticket25%
Previous overstay in Schengen/Bulgaria20%
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
Chilean passport holders do not need a transit visa for Bulgaria, even for airside transfers.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsSofia Airport (SOF) · Burgas Airport (BOJ) · Varna Airport (VAR)
Health & vaccines for Bulgaria
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Present in forested areas; vaccination recommended for rural travel.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Spread by ticks in rural and wooded areas.
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
Plovdiv
Regional Migration Office – Plovdiv
ul. 'Ivan Vazov' 2, 4000 Plovdiv
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Practical information for CL 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 = 1.71 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. To work, you need a work visa or residence permit arranged before travel.
No, the 90-day visa-free stay cannot be extended. You must leave Bulgaria (or the Schengen area) before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines and future entry bans.
If you stay longer than 90 days, you must register with the local migration office. For stays under 90 days, no registration is required.
You must have a valid passport for the entire stay. If it expires, you'll need to renew it at the Chilean embassy in Sofia and then leave Bulgaria. Overstaying due to an expired passport is still an overstay.
Yes, Bulgaria accepts valid Schengen visas for short stays. But since Chileans are visa-free, this is only relevant if you're entering from a Schengen country and your visa-free period has been used up.
Yes. For stays over 90 days, you need a long-stay visa (type D) or a residence permit. Apply at the Bulgarian embassy in Santiago before travel. Processing takes 2-4 weeks.
Always carry your passport (or a certified copy) and a printed copy of your travel insurance. Police can ask for ID at any time. Keep originals in your hotel safe.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on July 3, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.