Are you planning to travel abroad with a Bulgarian passport? Understanding the specific travel requirements is crucial to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey. This guide provides comprehensive information on the necessary documents, visa requirements, and other essential regulations for Bulgarian passport holders. Whether you’re traveling to a Schengen country, the UK, or beyond, make sure you’re well-prepared.
Travel Requirements for Passport Holders from Bulgaria
Table of Contents
Introduction to Travel Requirements for Bulgarian Passport Holders
Understanding the Schengen Area
The Schengen Area is a region comprising 27 European countries that have abolished passports and other types of border control at their mutual borders. Bulgaria follows Schengen area rules, allowing for free movement within these countries.
General Passport Requirements
To travel internationally, Bulgarian passport holders must meet specific passport requirements. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay. Ensure the ‘date of issue’ is less than 10 years before your arrival date. Moreover, it is essential to get your passport stamped on entry and exit to avoid any complications.
Visa-Free Travel and Limitations
Bulgarian passport holders enjoy visa-free access to many countries, especially within the Schengen area. However, staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period requires a visa or work permit. Always check the specific entry requirements for your destination to ensure compliance with local regulations.
Traveling to Schengen Countries
Countries in the Schengen Area
The Schengen Area includes numerous countries, offering significant travel convenience. Some key countries are:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Passport Stamping and Documentation
When entering and exiting Schengen countries, ensure your passport is stamped. If your passport is missing a stamp, you may need to show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area. Additionally, be prepared to present proof of accommodation, travel insurance, a return or onward ticket, and sufficient funds.
Medical and Health Requirements
Medical Entry Requirements
Before traveling, check the medical entry requirements for your destination. Some countries may require specific vaccinations or health checks. Ensure you comply with these conditions to avoid entry denial.
Recommended Vaccinations
Certain destinations may recommend vaccinations to protect against local diseases. It’s crucial to consult with healthcare providers or check authoritative sources for recommended vaccinations. This helps in ensuring your health and safety during your travels.
Travel Safety and Advisories
Travel Warnings and Advisories from the U.S. Department of State
Stay informed about travel warnings and advisories issued by the U.S. Department of State. Such alerts can provide vital information on potential risks like terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or other safety concerns. Always stay updated to ensure a safe travel experience.
Health and Medical Concerns from the CDC
The CDC offers guidelines on health and medical concerns for travelers. Consult these guidelines to stay informed about potential health risks and recommended precautions. This is especially important when traveling to regions with known health issues.
Food and Drug Safety Information
When traveling, be cautious about food and drug safety. Ensure you consume food and medications from reputable sources. The Food and Drug Administration provides valuable information on this topic. Staying informed helps in preventing health issues during your trip.
Additional Travel Information and Assistance
Role of the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a critical resource for travelers. They provide essential travel information, updates, and assistance in case of emergencies. Always check their guidelines before your trip.
Role of the U.S. Embassy in Sofia
The U.S. Embassy in Sofia offers various services for U.S. citizens traveling abroad. They provide emergency assistance, travel advisories, and other consular services. Keeping their contact information handy can be beneficial during your travels.
Seeking Consular Protection and Assistance
If you encounter issues while traveling, seek assistance from your country’s embassy or consulate. Embassies can provide support in emergencies, including legal issues, lost passports, or other urgent needs. Always know where your nearest consulate is located.
Traveling Between EU and Schengen Countries
EU Nationals Traveling in the Schengen Area
EU nationals, including Bulgarians, enjoy the right to travel freely within the Schengen area. Always carry a valid passport or ID card when crossing borders. This ensures smooth and hassle-free travel between member countries.
Temporary Border Controls and Document Requirements
Occasionally, countries within the Schengen Area may implement temporary border controls. During such times, you will need to show a valid passport or ID card. Ensure you stay informed about any temporary measures to avoid travel disruptions.
Traveling Between Schengen Countries and Cyprus or Ireland
Traveling between Schengen countries and non-Schengen EU countries like Cyprus or Ireland requires a valid passport or ID card. Authorities can refuse entry if you do not have the necessary travel documents. Always carry the required identification to ensure smooth travel.
Travel Requirements for Passport Holders from Bulgaria – Countries list
Afghanistan - visa required
Albania - visa-free/90 days
Algeria - visa required
Andorra - visa-free
Angola - visa-free/30 days
Antigua and Barbuda - visa-free/180 days
Argentina - visa-free/90 days
Armenia - visa-free/180 days
Australia - eVisitors/90 days
Austria - visa-free
Azerbaijan - eVisa/30 days
Bahamas - visa-free/90 days
Bahrain - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Bangladesh - visa on arrival/30 days
Barbados - visa-free/90 days
Belarus - visa-free/30 days
Belgium - visa-free
Belize - visa-free
Benin - eVisa
Bhutan - eVisa
Bolivia - visa on arrival / eVisa/90 days
Bosnia and Herzegovina - visa-free/90 days
Botswana - visa-free/90 days
Brazil - visa-free/90 days
Brunei - visa-free/90 days
Burkina Faso - visa on arrival / eVisa/90 days
Burundi - visa on arrival/30 days
Cambodia - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Cameroon - eVisa
Canada - eTA/180 days
Cape Verde - visa-free (EASE)/30 days
Central African Republic - visa required
Chad - visa required
Chile - visa-free/90 days
China - visa required
Colombia - visa-free/90 days
Comoros - visa on arrival/45 days
Congo - visa required
Congo (Dem. Rep.) - eVisa/90 days
Costa Rica - visa-free/180 days
Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) - pre-enrollment/90 days
Croatia - visa-free
Cuba - tourist card/90 days
Cyprus - visa-free
Czech Republic - visa-free
Denmark - visa-free
Djibouti - visa on arrival / eVisa/90 days
Dominica - visa-free/180 days
Dominican Republic - E-Ticket/30 days
Ecuador - visa-free/90 days
Egypt - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
El Salvador - visa-free/180 days
Equatorial Guinea - eVisa
Eritrea - visa required
Estonia - visa-free
Eswatini - visa required
Ethiopia - visa on arrival / eVisa/90 days
Fiji - visa-free/120 days
Finland - visa-free
France - visa-free
Gabon - eVisa/90 days
Gambia - visa-free/90 days
Georgia - visa-free/360 days
Germany - visa-free
Ghana - visa required
Greece - visa-free
Grenada - visa-free/90 days
Guatemala - visa-free/90 days
Guinea - eVisa/90 days
Guinea-Bissau - visa on arrival/90 days
Guyana - visa required
Haiti - visa-free/90 days
Honduras - visa-free/90 days
Hong Kong - visa-free/90 days
Hungary - visa-free
Iceland - visa-free
India - eVisa/30 days
Indonesia - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Iran - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Iraq - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Ireland - visa-free
Israel - visa-free/90 days
Italy - visa-free
Jamaica - visa on arrival/30 days
Japan - visa-free/90 days
Jordan - visa on arrival / eVisa
Kazakhstan - visa-free/30 days
Kenya - eTA/90 days
Kiribati - visa-free/90 days
Kosovo - visa-free/90 days
Kuwait - visa on arrival / eVisa/90 days
Kyrgyzstan - visa-free/60 days
Laos - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Latvia - visa-free
Lebanon - visa on arrival/30 days
Lesotho - eVisa/14 days
Liberia - visa required
Libya - eVisa
Liechtenstein - visa-free
Lithuania - visa-free
Luxembourg - visa-free
Macao - visa-free/90 days
Madagascar - visa on arrival / eVisa/90 days
Malawi - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Malaysia - visa-free/90 days
Maldives - visa on arrival/30 days
Mali - visa required
Malta - visa-free
Marshall Islands - visa-free/90 days
Mauritania - visa on arrival
Mauritius - visa-free/90 days
Mexico - visa-free/180 days
Micronesia - visa-free/90 days
Moldova - visa-free/90 days
Monaco - visa-free
Mongolia - visa-free/30 days
Montenegro - visa-free/90 days
Morocco - visa-free/90 days
Mozambique - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Myanmar - eVisa
Namibia - visa on arrival/90 days
Nauru - visa required
Nepal - visa on arrival / eVisa/150 days
Netherlands - visa-free
New Zealand - eTA/90 days
Nicaragua - visa-free/90 days
Niger - visa required
Nigeria - eVisa/90 days
North Korea - visa required
North Macedonia - visa-free/90 days
Norway - visa-free
Oman - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Pakistan - eVisa
Palau - visa-free/90 days
Palestinian Territories - visa-free
Panama - visa-free/90 days
Papua New Guinea - eVisitors/60 days
Paraguay - visa-free/90 days
Peru - visa-free/90 days
Philippines - visa-free/30 days
Poland - visa-free
Portugal - visa-free
Qatar - free visa on arrival/90 days
Romania - visa-free
Russian Federation - eVisa/15 days
Rwanda - visa-free/30 days
Saint Kitts and Nevis - visa-free/90 days
Saint Lucia - visa-free/90 days
Samoa - visa-free/90 days
San Marino - visa-free
Sao Tome and Principe - visa-free/15 days
Saudi Arabia - visa on arrival / eVisa/90 days
Senegal - visa-free/90 days
Serbia - visa-free/90 days
Seychelles - tourist registration/90 days
Sierra Leone - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
Singapore - visa-free/90 days
Slovakia - visa-free
Slovenia - visa-free
Solomon Islands - visa-free/90 days
Somalia - visa on arrival/30 days
South Africa - eVisa
South Korea - visa-free/90 days
South Sudan - eVisa
Spain - visa-free
Sri Lanka - eTA/30 days
St. Vincent and the Grenadines - visa-free/90 days
Sudan - visa required
Suriname - tourist card/90 days
Sweden - visa-free
Switzerland - visa-free
Syria - eVisa
Taiwan - visa-free/90 days
Tajikistan - visa-free/30 days
Tanzania - visa on arrival / eVisa
Thailand - visa-free/60 days
Timor-Leste - visa-free/90 days
Togo - eVisa/15 days
Tonga - visa-free/90 days
Trinidad and Tobago - visa-free/90 days
Tunisia - visa-free/60 days
Turkmenistan - visa required
Tuvalu - visa-free/90 days
Türkiye - visa-free/90 days
Uganda - eVisa
Ukraine - visa-free/90 days
United Arab Emirates - visa-free/90 days
United Kingdom - visa-free/180 days
United States of America - visa required
Uruguay - visa-free/90 days
Uzbekistan - visa-free/30 days
Vanuatu - visa-free/120 days
Vatican City - visa-free
Venezuela - visa-free/90 days
Viet Nam - eVisa/90 days
Yemen - visa required
Zambia - visa-free/90 days
Zimbabwe - visa on arrival / eVisa/90 days
| Information | Description |
|---|---|
| Passport Validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay. |
| Visa-Free Travel | You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. |
| Passport Stamping | Ensure your passport is stamped on entry and exit. |
| Proof of Funds | You may need to show sufficient funds for your stay. |
| Accommodation Proof | Be prepared to show proof of accommodation. |
| Travel Insurance | Having travel insurance is advisable. |
| Customs Regulations | Be aware of goods you can take out of the country. |
| Currency Declaration | Declare cash or traveler’s checks if the value is 10,000 euros or more. |
| Medical Requirements | Check specific medical entry requirements and vaccinations. |
| Consular Assistance | Know where your nearest embassy or consulate is located. |
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