Last Updated 05 October 2026

Bulgaria Visit Visa from India: Schengen Type C Guide, €90 Fee & Application Process

• Explore ancient Roman ruins, medieval monasteries, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Rila Monastery and Nessebar.
• Budget-friendly accommodation and extensive local transport.
• No internal border checks when traveling across Schengen countries.
• Visa can be issued for single, double, or multi-entry within 180 days.
• Engage in lively city walks, regional festivals, and local cuisine in cities like Sofia and Plovdiv.

The Bulgaria visit visa (Schengen Type C) allows Indian nationals to visit Bulgaria and all 29 Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6 to 11. Apply through VFS Global India. Decisions are normally made within 15 calendar days. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) now registers visitors' fingerprints and facial image at Bulgarian borders.

KEY FACT: Bulgaria is a full member of the 29-country Schengen Area. The Bulgaria Type C tourist visa IS a Schengen visa — valid to visit all 29 Schengen countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Greece, with no additional visa required.

Bulgaria Visa for Indians

Indians planning to travel to Bulgaria for tourism, business, or leisure must apply for a Bulgaria visit visa, officially known as the Schengen Type C short-stay visa. As Bulgaria is a full member of the Schengen Area, a single Bulgaria visit visa allows Indians to travel freely across all 29 Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. With proper preparation and assistance from Y-Axis, applying for a Bulgaria Tourist Visa for Indians can be a smooth process.

Types of Bulgaria Visit Visa

• Type A Visa: Airport Transit Visa A Type A Airport Transit Visa is for foreign nationals who need to pass through the international transit zone of a Bulgarian airport during a stopover or change of flights. Nationals of certain countries are required to obtain a Type A visa even for transit purposes. This visa must be applied for in advance, as it cannot be granted at the border or upon arrival. The Type A visa permits the holder to remain only in the international transit zone and does not allow entry into Bulgarian territory.
• Type C Visa: Short-Stay Schengen Visa Type C is the standard short-stay visa for Bulgaria. With a Type C visa, you can stay in Bulgaria for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, calculated from the date of first entry into the Schengen area. As Bulgaria is a full Schengen member, the Type C visa is a uniform Schengen visa, allowing you to travel freely across all 29 Schengen countries during the visa validity.

Benefits of a Visit Visa to Bulgaria

• Simplified Global Access: Travel freely within all 29 Schengen countries with no internal border checks, using a single Bulgaria Schengen visit visa.
• Flexible Travel: Visit Bulgaria for a short-term stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period, calculated from the date of first entry into the Schengen area.
• Business and Networking: Visitors can participate in commercial activities, conferences, business gatherings, and trade opportunities during their stay.
• Extended Validity: Frequent travellers with a good Schengen travel history may be issued multiple-entry visas valid for longer periods (2 years, then up to 5 years, under the Schengen visa cascade rules for Indian nationals), allowing repeated stays of up to 90 days within every 180-day period.
• Multi-entry Access: Apply for a single- or multi-entry visa based on your travel needs and the frequency of your visits.

Note: First-time applicants usually receive a visa valid only for their specific travel dates. Visa validity is at the discretion of the consular officer, so do not book non-refundable travel expecting a multi-year visa.

*Want to apply for a visit visa? Let Y-Axis guide you with the steps. 

Top 5 Best Places to Visit in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is one of the most captivating destinations in Europe, known for its rich ancient history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant cultural heritage. Bulgaria is one of the best tourist destinations for those seeking a unique blend of history, nature, and budget-friendly travel.

Here are the top 5 places to visit in Bulgaria:

• Sofia: This vibrant city is the capital of Bulgaria and is widely known for its diverse architecture and deep cultural roots dating back over 2,500 years. Sofia is home to landmarks such as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the ancient Serdica Fort, and the Boyana Church. You can visit the National Historical Museum and the National Gallery if you are an art and history enthusiast. Sofia is also known for its lively cafe culture, affordable nightlife, and easy access to the nearby Vitosha Mountain, which offers hiking and skiing within minutes of the city center.
• Plovdiv: This city is famous for being the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe, with a history spanning over 8,000 years. Some of the must-visit spots in Plovdiv include the Ancient Roman Theatre, one of the best-preserved ancient theatres in the world, and the cobblestoned Old Town, which reflects the city's rich National Revival architecture. You can also explore the Kapana District, known for its vibrant street art, wine bars, and craft beer culture.
• Rila Monastery: This iconic monastery is nestled in the Rila Mountains and is one of Bulgaria's most visited and spiritually significant landmarks. Rila Monastery is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its striking black-and-white arched architecture, irreplaceable medieval murals, and an onsite library housing over 250 manuscripts dating back to the 11th century. The surrounding Rila Mountains also offer spectacular hiking trails and access to the famous Seven Rila Lakes.
• Veliko Tarnovo: This historic city served as the medieval capital of Bulgaria and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the country. Located above the Yantra River, it is home to the impressive Tsarevets Fortress, which stands 206 meters above sea level and once served as the seat of the Bulgarian Tsars. You can also explore the cobbled streets of the Asenova Quarter and visit the medieval Forty Martyrs Church and the Church of Sts Peter and Paul.
• Varna: This sophisticated seaside city is Bulgaria's third-largest city and its most prominent destination on the Black Sea coast. Varna is home to the largest Roman Baths in Bulgaria and the Varna Archaeological Museum, which houses exhibits featuring the world's oldest processed gold. You can enjoy the stunning beaches along the Black Sea, explore the city's historic landmarks, and experience the lively seaside promenade that makes Varna a year-round destination for travellers.

Eligibility for a Bulgaria Visit Visa

To be eligible for a Bulgaria visit visa, you must have a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds, medical/travel insurance, confirmed return flight tickets, and proof of accommodation in the country.

The eligibility criteria for a Bulgaria visit visa are as follows:

• Passport: Valid for at least 3 months after the intended date of departure from the Schengen area, issued within the last 10 years, and containing at least 2 blank pages.
• Sufficient Funds: Minimum of €50 per day of stay, or equivalent in another currency, but not less than €500 in total.
• Intent of Visit: A clear and concise documented purpose of visiting Bulgaria.
• Travel Insurance: Mandatory travel insurance coverage of at least €30,000, issued by an EU-licensed insurer.
• Proof of Accommodation: Hotel reservation details or a notarised invitation letter from a friend/family member permanently living in Bulgaria.
• Flight Booking Details: Confirmed round-trip flight bookings.

*Want to apply for a Schengen visa? Let Y-Axis guide you with the process.

Documents Required for a Bulgaria Visit Visa from India

The documents required for a Bulgaria visit visa are given below:

• Valid passport.
• Two recent passport-sized photographs (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm, light background).
• A completed and signed visa application form.
• Cover letter clearly stating your purpose of visit.
• Bank statements for the last 3 to 6 months.
• Salary slips/Income Tax Returns (ITR).
• Proof of hotel bookings or reservations.
• Proof of travel insurance coverage of at least €30,000.
• Proof of sufficient funds for your trip.
• Confirmed flight tickets for the return trip.
• Detailed travel itinerary.

How to Apply for a Bulgaria Visit Visa from India?

The steps to apply for a Bulgaria visit visa are as follows:

Step 1: Check eligibility for a Bulgaria visit visa.

Step 2: Gather the required documents, such as your passport, photographs, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, flight bookings and financial documents.

Step 3: Complete and sign the Bulgaria Schengen visa application form.

Step 4: Book your appointment at visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/bgr and pay the €90 visa fee plus the VFS service fee when booking or at the VFS centre — the fee must be paid before your application is submitted.

Step 5: Attend your VFS appointment on the scheduled date to submit your documents and give your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph).

Step 6: Track your application status online using your VFS reference number.

Step 7: Collect your passport from VFS or receive it by courier once a decision is made.

Step 8: Travel to Bulgaria and complete EES biometric registration at your first Schengen border crossing.

*Need assistance with Schengen visa appointments? Get in touch with experts at Y-Axis to help you with the process. 

Bulgaria Visit Visa Processing Time

A decision on a Bulgaria visit visa application is normally made within 15 calendar days of submission, as set out in Article 23 of the Schengen Visa Code. In individual cases that need further examination, this can be extended up to a maximum of 45 calendar days. You can apply up to six months before your trip and no later than 15 calendar days before departure. There can also be delays in visa approvals due to incomplete documentation, peak travel periods such as summer holidays and festive seasons, or the need for additional verification by the Bulgarian consulate.

Bulgaria Visit Visa Fees

The Bulgaria Schengen visit visa fee for Indian citizens is €90 (approximately ₹9,900*) for adults aged 12 and above and €45 (approximately ₹4,950*) for children aged 6 to 11. Children under 6 are exempt. This is the fixed standard Schengen visa fee set by the European Commission. An additional VFS Global India service fee of approximately ₹1,933–₹3,111 applies.

Also, read...

Bulgaria launches long-term visa applications for Indians from Nov 1. Apply early!

EU Border Update: EU Entry/Exit System (EES) at Bulgarian Borders

The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully operational at all Schengen external borders, including Bulgaria's airports (Sofia, Varna, Burgas and Plovdiv) and its land and sea border crossings. At your first entry, border officers record your fingerprints (except for children under 12) and take a facial image. This replaces passport stamps.

Your 90-day Schengen allowance within any 180-day period is now tracked electronically across all 29 Schengen countries, so overstays are detected automatically. Allow extra time at the border for first-time registration. Later entries are faster.

Does ETIAS apply to Indians?

No, ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will apply only to nationalities that can visit the Schengen Area without a visa. Indian passport holders who need a Schengen visa do not need ETIAS.

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

Y-Axis is one of the world’s leading visa and immigration consultancies. Our experience and expertise in the Schengen visa process makes us your partner of choice for your visa application.

Our teams will help you with:

• Immigration documents checklist
• Complete application processing
• Forms, documentation & application filing
• Assistance with booking appointments for Interviews 
• Preparing the client to face the Interview at the Consulate
• Updates & Follow-up