Bulgaria entry requirements for Turkey passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Turkish passport holders need a visa to enter Bulgaria in 2026. Apply at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate before your trip — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for Turkish citizens.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply before travel | 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 3 to 6 months before departure. Use the official portal at mfa.bg to find the application form and required documents.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 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 page separately — Bulgarian border officers occasionally ask for it. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Sofia Airport and land borders check for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they may ask to see it before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a notarized invitation letter from a Bulgarian host ready. Officers at the border rarely ask for it, but airlines may check before boarding. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient means for your stay | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing at least 50 EUR per day of your stay. Border officers rarely check this for short visits, but having proof avoids delays. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Bulgarian visa processing takes 10–15 working days. Do not book non-refundable flights or hotels until your visa is approved. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your trip.
Schengen visa holders can enter Bulgaria
If you hold a valid Schengen visa (from any Schengen country), you can enter Bulgaria without a separate Bulgarian visa for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. This applies to Turkish passport holders.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a Bulgarian visa
Visit the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in Ankara, Istanbul, or Izmir. Submit your application, passport, photos, travel insurance, flight and hotel bookings, and proof of funds. Pay the visa fee (approximately €80 for adults). Processing takes 10–15 working days.
2
Collect your passport with visa
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check the validity dates — they match your intended stay.
3
Arrive at a Bulgarian port of entry
Fly into Sofia Airport or any other Bulgarian airport, or cross by land from a neighboring country. At immigration, present your passport with the valid visa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation proof. Have them ready on your phone or printed.
4
Receive entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with the date of entry and the allowed stay (usually up to 90 days within 180 days, as per the visa). Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when leaving.
Download Bulgaria Entry Checklist
PDF · Turkey Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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 (~$87 USD)
Requires application at Bulgarian embassy/consulate; processing 10-15 days.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Same fee as single; allows multiple visits within validity.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (~$109 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires additional permits.
work visa
Bulgarian Work Visa (Type D)
1 year, renewable
€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For employment with a Bulgarian company. Requires work permit from the Employment Agency. Allows family reunification.
student visa
Bulgarian Student Visa (Type D)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For full-time study at a recognized Bulgarian institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Bulgarian Investor Visa
1 year, renewable; permanent residence after 5 years
€500 (~$545 USD) application fee plus investment
For investors with a minimum investment of BGN 1,000,000 (~€511,000) in Bulgarian government bonds or company shares. Fast-track to permanent residence.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for short-term visit, valid up to 90 days. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplies to visa-free or visa overstay; pay at border or immigration office. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day, max €500 (~$545 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
Turkey holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at 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
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Present in forested areas; vaccination recommended for hikers or campers.
Lyme diseaseLow risk
Transmitted by ticks in rural areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions advised; tap water is generally safe.
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 all original documents.
Plovdiv
Regional Migration Office – Plovdiv
1, Ivan Vazov St, Plovdiv 4000
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles extensions for visitors in southern Bulgaria.
Practical information for TR 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. Turkish passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for Bulgaria. Apply at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in Turkey.
Standard processing takes 10–15 working days. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your planned departure to allow for any delays. Expedited processing may be available for an extra fee — check with the embassy.
The visa fee is approximately €80 for adults, plus a service fee if you apply through a visa application center. Fees are subject to change — check the embassy website for current rates.
Yes, travel medical insurance covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses is mandatory for the visa application. Your insurance must be valid for the entire stay in Bulgaria.
Extensions are not possible for short-stay visas. You must leave before your visa expires. If you need to stay longer, apply for a long-stay visa or residence permit before your short-stay visa runs out.
Have your passport with the valid visa, return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter) ready. Immigration officers may ask for any of these. Keep them easily accessible.
Not yet, but it is in the process of joining. For now, a Bulgarian visa is separate from a Schengen visa. However, if you hold a valid Schengen visa, you may enter Bulgaria without a separate Bulgarian visa for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.