Bulgaria Tourist Visa - Definitive Guide

There are different kinds of visa to Bulgaria. The most common type a tourist visa. It is a visa that is issued for the travellers who are looking forward to visiting the country for tourism. A Bulgaria tourist visa will allow you to stay in the country for about 90 days. The visa does not permit multiple entries to the country on one visa, you can visit only once and probably be ab;e to travel to neighbouring European countries as well.

In order to get a tourist visa, you will have to apply online for the visa. Although, prior to the application of visa, you need to make sure what kind of permit you need. You can apply online by visiting the official website of the Embassy. The step by step procedure for the application is given as follows:

1. Apply online by filling out the Bulgarian tourist visa application form on - https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/
2. Fill the details and attach a recent photograph. 
3. After the completion of the above process, print out the form and the payment receipt
4. You can then mail the application form along with the required documents to the embassy.

When you are submitting the documents, you need to make sure that you submit the genuine and original documents as the submission of the false documents could have consequences, you may have to go through visa refusal. The visa rejection will even affect your future visa applications, which of course does not mean that you will have to lie on the next visa application.

At the time of applying for the tourist visa, you will have to make sure that you match the eligibility criteria. There are certain parameters that you need to mind before filling out the application form. The eligibility criteria are as follows:

• You must possess proof of purpose of visit
1. If you are visiting your acquaintances, you must have an invitation letter from the resident in Bulgaria.
2. You must visit for tourism only, or visiting acquaintances and not searching for or taking up any kind of employment.
• You must meet the health requirements
1. You must be healthy enough to travel to Bulgaria.
2. You must perform a medical test before travelling to the country and provide a relevant documentary proof.
3. You must be within the age limit to be able to apply for a work permit.
• You must meet the character requirements
1. You must be of good character and have genuine intentions behind working in Bulgaria.
2. You need to provide a relevant documentary proof for the same as well (if asked) in the form of a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
• You must have sufficient funds
1. You must possess or have access to sufficient funds to be able to cover your stay and other expenses in Bulgaria.
2. Bank statement or any equivalent document is to be submitted as well as proof of the same.

There are several documents required as per the type and the requirements. The Bulgaria tourist visa requirements are as follows:

• Original passport with a validity of up to 6 months ahead of the date of journey
• Printed visa application form with the applicant’s signature
• Two coloured photographs as per the photo specifications
• A detailed cover letter
• Confirmed flight tickets
• Proof of accommodation - invitation letter, hotel reservation, etc.
• Visa fee in cash and in Bulgarian Leva only
• Income Tax Returns proof
• Proof of identification - PAN card, Adhaar card

• Two copies must be provided
• Photo size: 35 mm x 45 mm.
• Coloured copy must be provided
• The head must be about 30 mm in the photo frame. 
• Head should well-centred.
• The picture must not be older than 6 months.
• The background must be white
• Neutral expressions
• Glasses are not permitted.
• Headgear is not allowed except for religious reasons.
• Clothing shouldn’t match the background.

The time required for the processing of documents and the visa depends upon several factors. These include the type of visa, the number of entries, the workload at the embassy, the biometric and others. It is generally processed within the next 8 to 10 business days. The time span may increase or decrease depending upon the factors previously mentioned.

Generally, the fee for the visa is paid to the embassy in cash at the time when you are submitting the application form. There are service charges, biometric charges, processing fee and other aspects as well that affect the visa fee. The fee will vary if you have applied for the urgent requirement of the visa.

When the process of application is completed, the documents are then submitted. After submission -

• If there are any other requirements to be fulfilled or if there are any mistakes in the application, the embassy or the agency must be informed.
• If there are any changes related to the application, for instance, change in marital status or birth of a child, you must inform the embassy/agency.
• You can even check the status of the application and the processing in the meantime. 
• If there is a change of plans, you can withdraw the application.
• The visa fee is generally not refundable.

In order to check the status of your visa, you may visit the website of the visa agency through which you have applied or the visa application centre website. Alternatively, you can even do it offline by calling the embassy with the visa application number and enquire about the status.

There are certain pointers that you need to take care of as because of inappropriate activities, your visa may even get cancelled. There are rules and regulations that are to be followed in order to do so. Some pointers are as follows:

• Before you travel
1. Make a note of the visa expiry date, as well as the number of entries permitted. You must not stay in the country beyond this period.
2. You should travel to Bulgaria within the validity of your visa.
3. Make sure to carry a copy of your passport and other travel documents while you are in the country.
4. Issue health insurance and travel Insurance from a certified company.
• At the Border
1. Get your documents checked and your passport verified.
2. Obtain the entry stamp on your passport.
3. Consult the airport authorities for any kind of assistance required.
4. Check your visa copy for other guidelines and rules to be followed.
• When you enter Bulgaria
• 1. Ensure not to get involved in any kind of employment. You can, however, do volunteer work.
  2. The tourist prohibited areas must be stayed out of.
  3. Make sure you don’t overstay and apply for a visa extension in time.