Visa to Bulgaria

Bulgaria, a former country of the socialist bloc, is located in the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula. During the period when the European state was under the influence of the USSR, not everyone dreamed of vacationing at the famous resort of "Golden Sands". After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Bulgaria smoothly embarked on the path of Euro-integration. The Balkan state obtained EU membership as early as 2007, but in terms of economic indicators, Bulgaria is still considered an outsider among European countries. In March 2024, the territory of the Balkan state, along with Romania, partially entered the Schengen zone ("Border control" was abolished only at air and sea borders). For this reason, the question of whether a Schengen visa is needed to enter Bulgaria remains relevant for Russians. Yes, the document is necessary to cross the border of the Balkan state, and it has already been announced in Sofia that it will be issued to compatriots in the foreseeable future.

The mild climate, the ability to quickly overcome the language barrier, favorable environmental conditions, low crime rates, and affordable housing costs are common reasons why Russians consider relocating to Bulgaria.

As in other EU countries, entry into the territory of the Balkan state is permitted with short-term or long-term visas. The first type of document allows a foreign guest to legally stay in Bulgaria for no more than 90 days within a six-month period (visa "C"), while the second type is issued for a longer period exceeding 90 days (visa "D").

A visa to the Balkan state is processed within 7-15 working days from the date of application registration (the period may be extended to 45 working days). Entry permits are issued by the staff of the Embassy of Bulgaria (Moscow, Mosfilmovskaya Street, Building 66).

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10 comments

What questions are asked at the Bulgarian visa interview?

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When interviewing for a Bulgarian visa, various questions may be asked regarding your trip and personal information. First of all, what is the purpose of the visit and the duration of the trip, which cities are you planning to go to, how are you planning to finance the trip, where are you going to live, do you have relatives in Bulgaria, have you visited the country before, etc.

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Good afternoon! Share your experience, what documents will I need when traveling in Bulgaria with pets?

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You will need an international veterinary passport, a certificate of health status, documents on chipping, and a certificate of rabies vaccination. In some cases, permission from the General Veterinary Administration may be required.

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The animal must be chipped - what does this mean?

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This is a procedure in which a small electronic microchip is inserted under the skin of an animal, which contains a unique identification number that allows you to identify the animal and its owner. All animals crossing the Bulgarian border must be chipped. Without this document, you may be denied entry.

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Hello! Please help me. Is it possible to take medications prescribed by a doctor with you to Bulgaria?

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Yes, you can take medications prescribed by your doctor with you to Bulgaria, but there are some important points to consider. It is allowed to import medicines in the amount necessary for personal use for up to three months. It is recommended to have a prescription or medical certificate confirming the need to use these drugs. The import of narcotic drugs and certain other restricted substances is prohibited. Medicines must be in their original packaging with labels so that the name of the drug and the dosage are visible.

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What vaccinations do I need to get before traveling to Bulgaria, are there any specific and mandatory requirements?

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There are no mandatory requirements now (unlike during the pandemic period). But it is recommended to have vaccinations against hepatitis A and B, typhoid fever, diphtheria-tetanus, rabies.

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