Bulgaria Visa for Indians: Complete Guide to Apply for a Tourist Visa

Bulgaria, set in the heart of Eastern Europe, is quickly winning over Indian holidaymakers with its breathtaking mountains, charming old towns, sunny Black Sea shores and lively festivals. Whether you want to marvel at Sofia’s art-nouveau buildings, trek around Rila Lake, or sip coffee along Varna’s promenade, the right visa opens every corner of this hidden gem. 

This piece offers a step-by-step, up-to-date road map for applying for that visa, zeroing in on the tourist permit most Indians need for a short getaway. Well show you the main visa categories, the papers you must gather, where and how to hand in your request, the usual wait times, plus smart tips to boost your chances of approval. 

Quick Look at Bulgaria and Its Visa Rules 

Although Bulgaria is in the EU, it has not yet joined the Schengen zone. Because of this, holding a Schengen visa does not let you cross the border; you will still need a separate Bulgarian stamp unless you own a multiple-entry Schengen visa or a residence card from another EU state (and even there, a few exceptions can come into play). 

For all trips, whether for tourism, work, study or anything else, Indian passport holders still need to secure a visa of some kind before boarding their flight to Bulgaria.

Types of Bulgaria Visas for Indians

Depending on what you plan to do in Bulgaria, you can pick from several visa options:

1. Short-Stay Visa (Type C) – Tourist Visa

– Duration: Up to 90 days within 180 days

– Purpose: Tourism, business trips, short-term studies, conferences

– Most common visa for Indian travelers

2. Transit Visa (Type A)

– valid only while passing through a Bulgarian airport

– not needed if you stay inside the international transit zone

3. Long-Stay Visa (Type D)

– for anyone staying longer than 90 days

– covers study, work, family reunification, and residency

This article will focus on the Bulgaria tourist visa for Indian citizens (Type C). 

Bulgaria Tourist Visa for Indian Citizens 

The Bulgaria tourist visa lets Indian citizens visit for leisure, sightseeing, or seeing friends and family. Because it is a short-term visa, holders must not take paid employment during their stay.

Bulgaria Tourist Visa Requirements for Indians

If you are an Indian planning a short holiday in Bulgaria, here is the paperwork you will usually need to gather.

✅ Mandatory Documents:

1. Completed Visa Application Form

o             The form must be signed by you, the applicant.

2. Valid Passport

o             Its validity should extend at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from Bulgaria.

o             Two empty pages are needed for visa stamps.

3. Recent Passport-size Photographs

o             You will submit 2 colour photos on white background, sized 35×45 mm.

4. Covering Letter

o             The letter should explain why you are visiting and how long you will stay.

5. Travel Itinerary

o             Include round-trip flight reservations.

6. Hotel Reservations

o             Provide proof that you have a place to stay for every night of your visit.

7. Travel Insurance

o             The policy must cover you in Bulgaria and show at least €30,000 in medical costs.

8. Proof of Financial Means

o             Send bank statements for the last 3 months.

o             Embassy suggests having about €50 per day of travel in your account.

9. Income Tax Returns (ITR)

o             Attach your returns for the past 2 to 3 years.

10. Employment Proof

• If employed, include a No Objection Certificate and recent pay slips.

• If self-employed, send business registration docs plus your founding certificate.

• If you are a student, provide a letter from your school and a copy of your ID.

Remember, the Bulgarian embassy or consulate may ask for any extra papers they think are needed.

Where to Apply for a Bulgaria Visa from India?

Because Bulgaria has only a small diplomatic office in India, most people choose to go through the VFS Global centres. These centres accept visas on the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgarias behalf in New Delhi.

VFS Global Locations in India:

– New Delhi

– Mumbai

– Kolkata

– Chennai

– Bengaluru

For the latest document list and to book your appointment, visit the official VFS Bulgaria page.

Bulgaria Visa Application Process for Indians

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Book an Appointment with VFS

   – Head to the VFS Global website.

2. Fill the Visa Application Form

   – Download the form, complete it online or by hand, then print it out.

3. Prepare All Documents

   – Arrange papers according to the checklist you downloaded.

4. Attend the Appointment

   – Go to the VFS centre, hand in your file, and get your fingerprints taken.

5. Pay the Visa Fees

   – The charge changes based on the visa type and how long you want to stay.

6. Wait for Processing

   – Use the online tracker to see how far your application has moved.

7. Collect Your Passport

   – Pick it up with the visa sticker inside, if your request is granted.

💰 Bulgaria Tourist Visa Fees for Indian Citizens

Note: Fees are non-refundable even if the visa is rejected.

Bulgaria Visa Processing Time for Indians

– Standard processing time: 10-15 working days

– It may take longer during high travel seasons or if additional documents are required.

Its advisable to apply at least 3-4 weeks before your travel date.

Practical Tips for Indian Citizens Applying for a Bulgaria Tourist Visa

1. Write an honest, straightforward cover letter explaining your trip.

2. Show clear evidence youll return, like a job letter or family ties.

3. Skip fake reservations; book a refundable hold or use a trusted dummy service.

4. If the steps feel confusing, hire a professional visa agent for peace of mind.

5. Give your form and papers one last look to catch any small errors.

Can You Enter Bulgaria with a Schengen Visa?

Yes, Bulgaria welcomes travelers holding these visas:

• A multiple-entry Schengen visa

• A valid visa or residence permit from Romania, Cyprus, or Croatia

Keep in mind, this permission is for short stays only and is not absolute. For certainty, Indian tourists are better off applying for the specific Bulgaria visa.

Best Time to Visit Bulgari

– Spring (April-June): Normally you get pleasant temperatures and still fewer people around than in midsummer.

– Summer (July-August): The beach resorts are buzzing and the sea is warm, but be ready to share the space with lots of fellow travelers.

– Autumn (September-October): Days stay mild while leaves turn golden-red, making hiking and sightseeing particularly lovely.

– Winter (December-February): Snowy peaks draw skiers to Bansko and a few other mountain spots, so gear up for powder days.

Top Tourist Attractions in Bulgaria

If a Bulgaria tourist visa is on your list, pencil in these sights before you book the flights:

1. Sofia: The capital mixes Roman ruins, sprawling parks, and a lively evening scene.
2. Plovdiv: Walk past ancient theaters and cobblestone streets in one of Europe’s oldest towns.
3. Rila Monastery: This colorful, fresco-covered sanctuary is a must-see UNESCO gem in the mountains.
4. Veliko Tarnovo: The hillside town crowned by Tsarevets Fortress tells stories of Bulgarian kings.
5. Varna & Sunny Beach: Golden beaches and seaside resorts line the Black Sea for sun-seekers.
6. Bansko: Winters here are all about skiing and tasty après-ski food.
7. Seven Rila Lakes: In warm months, well-marked trails lead to glittering glacial lakes framed by peaks.

Bulgaria Visa for Indians: Summary Table

Final Thoughts

Bulgarias mix of stunning scenery, rich history, and laid-back European vibe comes at a fraction of the price you pay in the West. For Indian passport holders, the visa journey is clear-cut as long as you stick to the rules. Whether you’re after sun-soaked beaches or lively city sights, nailing that tourist visa is the jumping-off point. Gather your papers, apply early, and you could soon be wandering through one of Europes best-kept secrets.