Bulgaria entry requirements for Israel passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Israeli passport holders can visit Bulgaria for tourism or business for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. This applies through 2026, so no embassy visits or visa fees are needed.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Bulgaria. Bulgaria is part of the Schengen zone, so the 90-day limit applies across all Schengen countries combined — not per country. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Bulgaria or Schengen area | Immigration officers at Sofia Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave within 90 days. Have a printed or digital copy ready — budget airlines check this at check-in too. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation, Airbnb booking, or a letter from your host with their address and contact details. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing access to around €50 per day of your stay. Officers almost never check this for Israeli passport holders, but it's good to have ready. | Recommended |
90-day limit applies across all Schengen and non-Schengen countries
Your 90-day visa-free stay in Bulgaria counts separately from the 90-day Schengen limit. You can spend 90 days in Bulgaria and another 90 days in Schengen countries, but track each separately.
Border officers can still deny entry
Even without a visa, you can be refused entry if you can't show a return ticket, proof of accommodation, or sufficient funds (roughly 50 EUR per day). Always carry these documents.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bulgarian border
Whether you fly into Sofia Airport (SOF), Varna, or Burgas, or arrive by land from a neighboring country, you'll go through passport control. Have your passport ready.
2
Present your passport
Hand over your passport to the border officer. They will check your validity, look for blank pages, and may ask about your trip purpose and length of stay.
3
Answer questions if asked
Be ready to state your hotel address, how long you're staying, and show your return ticket if requested. Keep it brief and honest.
4
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date. This stamp determines your 90-day allowance. Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when leaving.
Download Bulgaria Entry Checklist
PDF · Israel Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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
Cost€80 (approx. $88 USD)
For stays beyond 90 days or if visa-free not applicable. Apply at Bulgarian embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€160 (approx. $176 USD)
Allows multiple entries within validity. Useful for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (Type D)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsorship and additional documents.
work visa
Bulgarian Work Visa (Type D)
1 year, renewable
€100 (approx. $110 USD) application fee
For employment with a Bulgarian company. Requires a work permit and job offer. Allows residence and work rights.
student visa
Bulgarian Student Visa (Type D)
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (approx. $110 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a recognized Bulgarian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Bulgarian Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
€500 (approx. $550 USD) application fee
For investors with a minimum investment of BGN 1,000,000 (approx. $550,000 USD) in Bulgarian business or government bonds. Fast-track to permanent residence.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €500 (approx. $550 USD). Pay at immigration office before departure. | €10 per day (approx. $11 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
Israeli 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
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially spring to autumn. Consider vaccination if hiking or camping.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions recommended; 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
47, Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd, Sofia 1202
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Plovdiv
Regional Migration Office – Plovdiv
1, Bulgaria Blvd, Plovdiv 4000
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles extensions and registration for southern Bulgaria.
Practical information for IL 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. The 90-day visa-free stay is for tourism, business meetings, or family visits only. You cannot take paid employment or start a business. For work, you need a separate work visa or residence permit.
You cannot extend the visa-free stay. You must leave Bulgaria before day 90. For longer stays, apply for a long-stay visa (type D) at the Bulgarian embassy in Tel Aviv before traveling.
If you stay in a hotel, they handle registration automatically. If staying in a private home, your host must register you with the local police within 3 days of arrival.
Bulgaria is not yet in the Schengen Area, but it accepts valid Schengen visas for entry. However, as an Israeli passport holder, you don't need any visa — your passport alone is enough.
Overstaying can result in a fine (typically around 100-200 BGN), a ban from re-entering Bulgaria, or both. Always track your days carefully.
No. The 90-day visa-free allowance applies per 180-day period. You can enter and exit multiple times as long as your total stay doesn't exceed 90 days in any 180-day window.
No. Israeli passport holders can transit through Bulgaria without a visa, even if you stay in the airport's international zone. The same passport validity rules apply.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.