Mastering Bulgaria Visa For Indians: Types, Requirements, Application & Fees

Can you not take Plodiv’s amphitheatre or Bansko’s stunning Pirin Mountains out of your mind? Dreaming of Bulgaria as your next travel destination? But does the visa process make you apprehensive? 

Navigating your way through the Bulgaria visa application may seem daunting. So we present this comprehensive guide on Bulgaria visa for Indians to simplify every aspect of the process. Learn about Bulgaria visa types, essential documents, the application process, visa fees, and more. 

Bulgaria’s captivating Black Sea Coast and picturesque villages are waiting for you. Read on!

For Indian citizens intending to visit Bulgaria, several types of Bulgaria visas are available depending on the purpose and duration of the visit. These include:

Start your Bulgaria visa application process well ahead of your planned travel dates. The Bulgarian Embassy requires at least 15 days for processing. However, this timeframe can be extended to 60 days in some cases. So plan ahead and apply early to avoid delays.

A Schengen visa allows you entry into 29 Schengen Region countries. It can become confusing for applicants to know at which Schengen country Embassy they should apply for their visa. 

The below 3 points tell you all the times when you should be applying for your Schengen visa at the Bulgarian Embassy -

For example, You need to apply for your visa at the Bulgarian Consulate, if your primary purpose involves attending a conference in Bulgaria while exploring other Schengen countries.

Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for Bulgarian visa for Indians through VFS Global-

Step 1: Identify Your Visa Type

The first step is to determine the right visa for your trip. Travellers usually need a short-term, Schengen-type ‘C’ visa or ‘tourist visa’ to visit Bulgaria. Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria, and know your documentation requirements, the fee, etc. Also, make sure all your documents are in English. 

Step 2: Fill out Your Visa Application Form

Fill out the Bulgaria Visa Application Form. Collect all the documents required to support your visa application form. The next step would be to book an appointment at the visa application centre to submit these documents and complete the visa application form. 

Step 3: Book Your Appointment for Application Submission

Schedule an appointment at the Bulgaria VFS Visa Application Centre to submit your application. You need to apply in person (this includes babies and children). If you’re travelling in a group, you need to book an individual appointment for each group member. You’ll receive an email confirming your appointment upon successfully scheduling your appointment.

Step 4: Pay Your Fees

It’s time to pay your visa application fee. A Bulgarian visa costs around € 80 for people above 12 years of age. VFS has additional charges for their services. If you download the form to print and bring to the Visa Application Centre, payment will be made at the time of your appointment.

You can pay the visa fee at the visa application centre.

Step 5: Visit the Visa Application Centre

Submit your printed application form and documents at the VFS Visa Application Centre in person. Also, pay the fee (if not paid online). During the appointment, the VFS authorities will also collect your biometrics (fingerprints and a digital live photograph).

Step 6: Collect Your Documents Back 

Once the visa authorities have decided on your visa application, you can collect your documents back from them. You can either collect the documents in person or avail of their courier services at an additional price. 

You will need the Original ICR & Copy of Govt ID Proof for collecting your documents in person.

Your immediate family members (i.e. parents, children, siblings, or spouse) and Representatives of a company can also collect the documents on your behalf. 

Third parties need to carry the following documents-

In case an applicant loses their ICR, they need to come in person for the collection of their passport from the counter.

The visa applicant on a first trip to the Bulgaria / Schengen area must submit his/her application in person. For the next trips to Bulgaria, the applications can be submitted by a representative.

The Bulgarian authorities can take roughly 15 working days to process  your Bulgaria visa application from the day it reaches them. Do note that this time frame typically excludes the date of submission of the application form. Also, this isn’t a rigid timeframe. The authorities may take more than 15 days in some cases such as during peak travel season or when further scrutiny of the application is required, in which case this time can be extended all the way up to 60 calendar days.  

In 5 steps, you can check Bulgaria visa for Indians application status through VFS Global -

You can also write to the VFS office of application or to bgconsuldelhi@yahoo.com for visa status queries. But this will be responded to only after the Bulgaria visa processing time is over, i.e., 15 days after application submission.

Here are some tips for you if you’re applying for a Bulgaria visa from India-

Securing a Bulgarian visa may seem difficult, but with the right guidance and preparation, it becomes pretty straightforward. 

Our comprehensive Bulgaria visa guide navigates you through each application stage, from document collection to scheduling your VFS Centre appointment.

Now that you know what to expect and how to prepare, you're all set to turn your Bulgarian holiday dreams into reality. 

Wishing you safe travels!