🇧🇬 Bulgaria visa requirements

US, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens get 90 days in any 180-day period visa-free. That's the Schengen rule, and Bulgaria follows it. For most other nationalities, you'll need to apply for a visa beforehand.

Who walks in visa-free?

If your passport is from the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, or any EU/EEA country, you can enter Bulgaria for short stays without a visa. This falls under the Schengen Area rules, which Bulgaria adheres to. Your allowance is 90 days within any 180-day period. This means you can’t just reset the clock by leaving for a day; you need to track your days carefully.

For citizens of countries like Russia, Turkey, or Ukraine, it's a bit different. You can generally enter visa-free for shorter tourist stays, often around 30 days. Always double-check the specific agreement for your nationality before booking flights, as these can change. For everyone else, or if you plan to stay longer than the visa-free allowance permits, you'll need to secure a Bulgarian visa from an embassy or consulate in your home country or country of residence. Applying for a tourist visa typically requires proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and sufficient funds.

How long can you actually stay?

The standard visa-free allowance for many nationalities is 90 days within a 180-day period. This is not a rolling 90 days. It's a cumulative count. If you enter on January 1st, you can stay until March 31st. After that, you must leave and cannot re-enter for another 90 days. Missing an exit stamp at a land border is a common way people accidentally overstay or lose track.

Penalties for overstaying can be steep. While exact fines vary and can depend on how long you've overstayed, expect daily fines starting around 50 BGN (approx. €25) per day for minor infringements. More serious overstays can lead to deportation and a ban from entering Bulgaria and the Schengen Area for several years. Don't risk it; keep a clear record of your entry and exit dates.

Working remotely on a tourist stamp

This is where things get blurry. Officially, working while on a tourist visa or visa-free entry is generally not permitted in most countries, including Bulgaria. You're supposed to be a tourist. However, the reality on the ground is often less strict, especially for digital nomads. Border guards and police are usually more concerned with whether you're overstaying your allowed time or engaging in formal employment within Bulgaria.

Authorities are unlikely to actively hunt down remote workers who are simply connected to Wi-Fi and doing their jobs for foreign companies. The risk increases significantly if you're trying to work for a Bulgarian company or if your activities draw attention. The safest approach is to understand that you're operating in a grey area. If you plan to stay long-term, look into specific digital nomad visas or other long-stay options.

What's new with Bulgarian visas?

Bulgaria is in the process of joining the Schengen Area for air and sea borders, with full implementation expected later in 2024†. This means that for air travel, Schengen visa rules now apply. The country has also been working on digitizing its application processes.

While there isn't a specific "digital nomad visa" yet, Bulgaria has been discussing potential pathways for remote workers. Keep an eye on official Bulgarian government immigration websites for announcements. For now, the standard tourist visa or visa-free entry remains the primary route for short-term stays. Fees and specific requirements for visa applications can fluctuate, so always consult the Bulgarian embassy or consulate closest to you for the most up-to-date information.