Bulgaria entry requirements for Pakistan passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
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
Pakistan passport holders need a visa to enter Bulgaria in 2026. You must apply at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your home country before you travel. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for Pakistani citizens.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Schengen visa required | Apply for a Schengen visa at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Processing takes at least 15 calendar days — submit your application well before your travel date. The visa allows you to stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period across all Schengen countries.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for your entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from Bulgaria. Carry a copy of the bio-data page separately from your passport. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Border officers will ask for a return or onward ticket out of the Schengen area. Have a printed or digital copy ready — airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Show a confirmed hotel reservation for your entire stay, or a notarized invitation letter from a Bulgarian host. Immigration may ask for this at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient money for your trip | Carry bank statements or cash showing you can cover your stay — roughly €50 per day is a safe benchmark. Credit cards are widely accepted, but having cash in euros or Bulgarian lev helps. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
Pakistan passport holders cannot enter Bulgaria without a pre-approved visa. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa. Plan ahead and apply at least 3 weeks before your trip.
Schengen visa holders can enter
If you already have a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa, you can enter Bulgaria without a separate Bulgarian visa. The visa must be valid for the entire duration of your stay.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: valid passport, completed visa application form, return ticket, hotel booking, travel insurance, bank statements, and passport photos. Make copies of everything.
2
Submit your application
Visit the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your home country (or the authorized visa center). Submit your application in person. Pay the visa fee (around €80 for adults, €40 for children).
3
Wait for processing
Processing usually takes 10-15 working days. You may be called for an interview. Track your application online if the embassy offers it.
4
Collect your visa
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check the visa dates and validity carefully before you travel.
5
Arrive in Bulgaria
At Sofia Airport or any Bulgarian border, present your passport with visa, return ticket, and proof of accommodation. The officer may ask about your plans. Answer clearly and honestly.
Download Bulgaria Entry Checklist
PDF · Pakistan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Requires appointment at Bulgarian embassy/consulate. Must show travel insurance and accommodation.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per entry
Validity6 months to 5 years (depending on applicant history)
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple visits. Requires strong travel history.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year (renewable)
Cost€100 (approx. $109 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsorship and additional documents.
work visa
Bulgarian Work Visa (Type D)
1 year, renewable
€100 (approx. $109 USD) application fee
For employment with a Bulgarian company. Requires a work permit and job offer. Allows residence and work.
student visa
Bulgarian Student Visa (Type D)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€100 (approx. $109 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a Bulgarian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Bulgarian Investor Visa
1 year, renewable; permanent residence after 5 years
€500 (approx. $545 USD) application fee plus investment of at least BGN 1,000,000 (approx. $550,000 USD)
For investors who invest at least BGN 1,000,000 in Bulgarian economy. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for short-stay Schengen visa. | €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 dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | €50 per day (max €500) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Transit visa required
Pakistan passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Bulgaria, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit may transit without a visa.
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Canada visa may transit without a visa.
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 yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially in spring and summer. Consider vaccination if hiking.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in rural areas. Use insect repellent and check for ticks.
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 – Ministry of Interior
6, Aksakov Street, Sofia 1000
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Bring all original documents and copies.
Plovdiv
Regional Migration Office – Plovdiv
2, Ivan Vazov Street, Plovdiv 4000
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles visa-related issues for southern Bulgaria. Appointments recommended.
Practical information for PK 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. Bulgaria does not offer visa on arrival for Pakistani citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Bulgarian embassy or consulate before you travel.
Standard processing takes 10-15 working days. Apply at least 3 weeks before your planned departure to avoid delays.
The visa fee is approximately €80 for adults and €40 for children (6-12 years). Fees may vary slightly by embassy. Check the specific embassy website for exact amounts.
Yes, in most cases you must submit your application in person at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your home country. Some countries have authorized visa centers that can accept applications on behalf of the embassy.
Yes, if you hold a valid Schengen visa (multiple-entry), you can enter Bulgaria for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The visa must be valid for the entire duration of your stay.
You will receive a formal rejection letter stating the reason. You can appeal the decision within 15 days or reapply with corrected documents. Common reasons include insufficient funds, incomplete documents, or doubts about your intention to return.
Yes, travel medical insurance covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses and repatriation is mandatory for a Schengen visa application. Your policy must be valid for the entire Schengen area.
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.