Bulgaria is one of the latest countries to join the Schengen zone, on January 1, 2025. Its long, exciting history and rich heritage, sprinkled with picture-perfect natural beauty, make it one of Europe’s most charming destinations. From enlightening museums and national monuments to ancient fortresses and bustling markets, there are many interesting sights that abound in its iconic capital, Sofia, and other cities, such as Plovdiv, Ruse, Varna, and Burgas. The good news is that it’s still one of the best-kept secrets. So it’s the right time to get your Schengen visa from Dubai to explore Bulgaria’s endless attractions and experiences.

What is a Bulgaria Visa?

A Bulgaria visa is a permit that lets you enter the country. As Bulgaria now falls under the Schengen area, it is issued as a Schengen visa. Nationals of about 60 countries are eligible for a visa-free entry into Bulgaria, including Albania, Argentina, Australia, Hong Kong, the UAE, and the UK. All other citizens must obtain a Schengen visa to travel to Bulgaria.

Bulgaria Visa Types

Depending on the purpose and duration of your Belgium visit, you can apply for a visa in four basic categories, such as business, student, work, and short-stay.

A short-stay Schengen visa, also known as a Type C visa, is one of the most preferred options for those traveling to Bulgaria for tourism or visiting friends or family members. It allows you to stay in the country for up to three months (90 days) in a 180-day period.

If you have to travel to Bulgaria or the Schengen frequently, consider applying for a multiple-entry Schengen visa. It lets you travel in and out of the country multiple times during the visa’s validity period.

If you are traveling to a destination with a transit in Bulgaria or a Schengen country, you must obtain a dedicated transit visa.

Bulgaria Visa Document Requirements

• Application Form: You must accurately fill out your Schengen visa application form, duly signed and ensuring all the details provided are genuine.
• Photographs: Submit two recent, color photographs taken against a white background. Your face must be clearly visible and adhere to the Schengen visa photograph requirements in terms of its size and details. When it comes to minors, their photographs shouldn’t include any part of adults who hold them.
• Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months from your intended Schengen departure date. Moreover, it should have at least two blank pages.
• Financial Proof: Attach the copies of your last three months’ bank statement, which should state that you have adequate fund in your account to fund your Bulgaria visit.
• Supporting Documents: You must provide additional documents like your travel itinerary, flight details, accommodation proof, and invitation letter from your family members of friends. Subject to the purpose of your visit, you will also be required to submit additional documents, mainly an invitation letter from the company (for attending meetings, conferences, etc.), a NOC letter from your employer, and a copy of trade licenses (only if applicable). /li>

Applying for a Schengen Visa for Bulgaria

The steps involved in a Schengen visa can be complex, so it is highly recommended apply through a trusted source, with a dedicated team of Schengen visa specialists. They will help you choose the right visa, complete the Schengen application form, schedule appointment, and provide all the assistance until you receive your Schengen visa on time.

Schengen Visa Application Steps

A Schengen visa application process mostly includes the following steps:

Step 1: Select the Right Schengen Visa for Bulgaria

Foremost of the steps in a Schengen visa processing is choosing the right visa for your Bulgaria trip. You will require a short-term visa, valid for 90 days, if you are traveling to the country for sightseeing, visiting family or friends, or attending meetings, events, conferences, etc.

Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form

This is one of the crucial steps when applying for a Schengen visa, as any error, typo, missing details, or inadequate information in your application can be causative for its rejection. So be sure to complete this step with the utmost accuracy and the most bona fide details, thus elevating the chances of your Schengen visa approval.

Step 3: Compile All the Essential Documents You must submit the following documents for your Schengen visa application:

• A valid passport
• Recently taken passport-size photographs captured on a white background
• Travel itinerary with flight details and accommodation proof
• Financial proof, including copies of the last three months’ bank statements
• Invitation letter and other support documents like NOCs, employment contract details, etc. (as per your travel purpose and duration)

Step 4: Schedule the Appointment with the Consulate of the Republic of Bulgaria

Once all the documents are gathered and the visa payment is made, the next step is to schedule an appointment with the consulate of the Republic of Bulgaria in the UAE.

Step 5: Attend the Interview

Make sure you attend the interview on the pre-scheduled date, time, and venue. Answer all the questions sincerely, which will be mostly based on the purpose of your visit, duration, etc. You will also provide your biometric details, including facial recognition and fingerprints, before the interview ends.

Step 6: Receive Your Schengen Visa

The successful completion of all the steps allows you to receive your Schengen visa on time. Be sure to carefully review all the details mentioned in your Schengen visa, such as whether it’s single-entry or multiple-entry and your stay’s duration.

Bulgaria Visa Fees

Visa fees for a Bulgaria visa are charged based on your visa type and other aspects like number of days you plan to stay in the country or the Schengen zone.

Bulgaria Visa Processing Time

Depending on your visa type, it takes 15 to 30 working days for the processing of your Bulgaria visa application.

Bulgaria Visa Insurance

You must mandatorily obtain travel insurance for your Bulgaria visit. It must offer a medical coverage of at least €30,000 and be valid to use in other Schengen area or countries.

Bulgaria Visa Extension

It’s not possible to extend a Bulgaria visa upon its expiry. Though you can apply for a new visa, you can do it only after exiting from Bulgaria or the Schengen region. That said, authorities may consider you for a visa extension in rare circumstances like war, force majeure, or family emergency. But conditions apply in this case, and you must submit your application for visa extension well in advance.

Bulgaria Visa Rejection

If your Schengen visa application is rejected, you will mostly be informed of the reasons for its rejection and provided with instructions on how to appeal or reapply.

Top Tips to Successfully Apply for a Schengen Visa

• Create a checklist of all the essential documents and other requirements for a Schengen visa.
• Get the assistance of an expert and dedicated Schengen visa provider to increase the chances of your visa approval.
• Be sure to submit your Schengen application well in advance; you can submit your application as early as three months before your travel date or the latest by three weeks before your travel date.
• Provide only genuine details while completing your Schengen visa application; it’s also important to miss out any field.
• Get your insurance for Schengen visa and submit all the essential documents.