Bulgaria entry requirements for Romania passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 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
Romanian passport holders can travel to Bulgaria without a visa for short stays, as both countries are EU members. Since 2024, you can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period. 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 Romanian passport only needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Bulgaria. Airlines rarely check beyond that, but carry a copy of your passport data page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Bulgaria | Immigration officers at Sofia and Burgas airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — a bus or train ticket to another Schengen country works too. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A hotel confirmation or a signed letter from a friend in Bulgaria covers this. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Bulgaria doesn't enforce a fixed minimum, but having around 100 BGN (€50) per day in cash or a card statement avoids any questions. ATMs are widely available in cities. | Recommended |
EU freedom of movement
As a Romanian citizen, you benefit from EU freedom of movement. You can enter, live, and work in Bulgaria without a visa, but you must register with local authorities if staying longer than 90 days.
No visa needed
Romanian passport holders do not need a visa for Bulgaria for short stays up to 90 days. Just ensure your passport is valid for 6+ months from entry.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before leaving, check your passport validity (6+ months from entry). Print or save digital copies of your return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. If you want a local SIM, buy an eSIM online beforehand.
2
Arrive at the airport
At Sofia Airport or any Bulgarian border crossing, join the EU/EEA queue. Have your passport ready. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation proof — keep them easily accessible.
3
Passport control
Hand over your passport. The officer will stamp it with your entry date. They might ask how long you're staying and where. Answer clearly. No visa is needed, so this usually takes under 2 minutes.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim (if you checked bags), then exit through customs. No additional forms needed.
Download Bulgaria Entry Checklist
PDF · Romania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 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 date
Cost~€35 (approx. $38 USD)
Apply at Bulgarian embassy in Bucharest; allows one entry for up to 90 days.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months to 1 year
Cost~€70 (approx. $77 USD)
For frequent travellers; must show strong ties to Romania.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship and additional documents.
work visa
Bulgarian Work Visa (D Visa)
1 year, renewable
~€100 (approx. $110 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer from a Bulgarian employer. Requires work permit approval and proof of qualifications. Allows residency and work.
student visa
Bulgarian Student Visa (D Visa)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~€100 (approx. $110 USD) application fee
For enrolment in a Bulgarian university or accredited institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial means.
retirement visa
Bulgarian Long-Stay Visa for Retirees (D Visa)
1 year, renewable
~€100 (approx. $110 USD) application fee
For retirees with sufficient income (pension or savings) and health insurance. No age limit, but must show stable monthly income above €500.
investor visa
Bulgarian Investor Visa (D Visa)
1 year, renewable; permanent residence after 5 years
~€500 (approx. $550 USD) application fee plus investment
For investors who invest at least €250,000 in Bulgarian businesses or government bonds. Requires proof of funds and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayFines are assessed at the border upon departure; maximum cap may apply. | ~€10 per day (approx. $11 USD) |
| Overstay fine maximum capFor serious overstays, fines may be higher and could include a ban. | ~€500 (approx. $550 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
Romanian citizens do not need a transit visa to change planes in Bulgaria, as they are visa-free for short stays. However, if you plan to leave the airport or stay overnight, you must meet standard visa-free entry conditions.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsSofia Airport (SOF) · Burgas Airport (BOJ) · Varna Airport (VAR)
Health & vaccines for Bulgaria
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Present in forested areas, especially in spring and summer; consider vaccination if hiking or camping.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Spread by ticks in rural and wooded areas; use 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 – Sofia
47, Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd, 1202 Sofia
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
2, Ivan Vazov St, 4000 Plovdiv
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles extensions and registration for southern Bulgaria.
Practical information for RO 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. Romania and Bulgaria are both EU member states, so Romanian citizens can enter Bulgaria visa-free for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
You can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This is the standard EU short-stay rule. For longer stays, apply for a residence permit or long-stay visa.
You will likely be denied entry. Bulgarian immigration requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, you still need a return or onward ticket. Immigration wants proof you'll leave. If staying with family, a letter of invitation plus their ID copy can help, but the ticket is still required.
No, the 90-day visa-free stay cannot be extended. For longer stays, apply for a long-stay visa or residence permit at the Bulgarian Migration Directorate before your 90 days expire.
No, it's not mandatory for Romanian citizens. But it's strongly recommended — medical costs in Bulgaria can be high, and insurance covers emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.
The Bulgarian Lev (BGN). Credit cards are widely accepted in cities, but carry some cash for smaller shops and rural areas. ATMs are common.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.