Bulgaria entry requirements for Lithuania passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 2026·View sources
No 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
Lithuanian passport holders can enter Bulgaria without a visa for short stays. From 2026, you just need your passport to stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This covers tourism, business, or visiting family.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Lithuanian passport needs to be valid for your entire stay in Bulgaria. Bulgaria does not require 6 months of validity beyond your departure date, but airlines may still enforce this — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Bulgaria | Immigration officers at Sofia Airport and land borders routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight, bus, or train booking leaving Bulgaria within 90 days. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officers may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel confirmation, Airbnb receipt, or a letter from your host ready. A printed copy works best if your phone battery dies. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Bulgaria can ask for proof of sufficient funds — roughly 50 EUR per day of your stay. A bank statement or credit card with available limit works. They rarely check, but have it ready. | Recommended |
90-day rule applies to all Schengen-associated countries
Your 90-day visa-free stay in Bulgaria counts toward the same 90-day limit you have for the entire Schengen area. If you've already spent time in other Schengen countries, that time reduces your available days in Bulgaria.
Overstaying can have consequences
Overstaying even by a day can result in a fine (typically around 500 BGN) and a ban from re-entering Bulgaria or other Schengen countries. Set a reminder to leave before your 90 days are up.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, check your passport is valid for 6+ months from your entry date. Book your return/onward ticket and first night accommodation. Save screenshots of both on your phone. Arrange travel insurance and a local SIM if you want.
2
Arrive at Bulgarian border
At Sofia Airport or any land border, join the queue for EU/EEA passport holders. Have your passport and any supporting documents ready.
3
Present your passport
Hand over your passport. The officer will check your validity, stamp your entry, and may ask about your stay duration, accommodation, or return ticket. Answer clearly and briefly.
4
Receive entry stamp
If everything is in order, you'll get an entry stamp. That stamp marks the start of your 90-day visa-free period. Keep your passport safe.
5
Exit Bulgaria
When you leave, present your passport again. The officer will stamp your exit. Make sure you haven't overstayed the 90-day limit.
Download Bulgaria Entry Checklist
PDF · Lithuania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 2026
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. $87 USD)
For stays longer than 90 days or if visa-free is not suitable.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost€120 (approx. $130 USD)
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (approx. $109 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Bulgarian Work Visa (D Visa)
1 year, renewable
€100 (approx. $109 USD) + employer sponsorship
For employment with a Bulgarian company. Requires a work permit and job offer. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Bulgarian Student Visa (D Visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€100 (approx. $109 USD) + university fees
For full-time study at a Bulgarian institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
retirement visa
Bulgarian Long-Stay Visa for Retirees
1 year, renewable
€100 (approx. $109 USD) + proof of pension
For retirees with sufficient income (minimum €500/month). Allows residence but not work.
digital nomad visa
Bulgaria Digital Nomad Visa (proposed)
1 year, renewable
Not yet established
Bulgaria is considering a digital nomad visa; currently no official program. Check with embassy for updates.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (if applicable)Visa-free stays cannot be extended; must leave and re-enter after 90 days outside Schengen. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are enforced; avoid exceeding 90/180 rule. | ~€10 per day (max €500) |
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
Lithuanian passport holders do not need a transit visa for Bulgaria as they are visa-free for short stays. Airside transit is allowed without passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsSofia Airport (SOF) · Burgas Airport (BOJ) · Varna Airport (VAR)
Health & vaccines for Bulgaria
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Present in forested areas; vaccination recommended for hikers or rural stays.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions suffice; tap water is generally safe in cities.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Urban areas, especially Sofia, can have high particulate levels in winter.
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, 1202 Sofia
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa and residence permit issues; bring all original documents.
Plovdiv
Regional Migration Office – Plovdiv
2, Ivan Vazov St, 4000 Plovdiv
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:30
Handles extensions and registration for southern Bulgaria.
Practical information for LT 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. Lithuania is an EU member, and Bulgaria allows visa-free entry for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. You just need a valid passport.
You can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The count starts from your first entry. Overstaying can result in fines (around 500 BGN) or a ban.
No. The visa-free stay is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a long-stay visa or residence permit before your 90 days expire.
You will likely be denied entry. Renew your passport before travelling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Yes. Any form of onward travel proof works — bus, train, ferry, or flight ticket. The key is showing you will leave Bulgaria within the allowed period.
Your valid passport, return/onward ticket, and proof of first night accommodation. Travel insurance is not mandatory but recommended. Have screenshots on your phone as backup.
Yes. At Sofia Airport and other major entry points, there are separate lanes for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and for non-EU travellers. As a Lithuanian, you can use the EU lane — it's usually faster.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.