Information on Bulgarian Entry Requirements and Extensions of Stay

Last Updated: October 9, 2008

As of September 1, 2006, American citizens do not need a visa for Bulgaria for tourist stays of up to ninety (90) days and are admitted on the basis of a valid U.S. passport. American citizen tourists may remain in Bulgaria for up to ninety (90) days during any six-month period from the date of the first entry. Bulgarian visas are required for holders of U.S. diplomatic and official passports.  Americans who intend to stay in Bulgaria long-term (more than 90 days within six months) need to obtain a D visa before arriving in the country. As of July 2008, U.S. citizens must apply for a D-visa at a Bulgarian Embassy/Consulate in the United States or if not residents in the United States, in their country of legal residence.  U.S. citizens are also advised that if their purpose of stay in Bulgaria changes (ie, work or marriage status), they must leave Bulgaria and apply again for a D-visa.

Bulgarian immigration authorities ask all foreigners to declare the purpose of their visit at the border and to provide their intended address. All foreigners receive an entry stamp in their passports. Foreigners who do not have an entry stamp in their passports will encounter difficulties when they try to leave Bulgaria. When entering Bulgaria by car, if the vehicle has been recorded on the passport, the owner may not leave the country without the automobile. Sometimes vehicles are erroneously recorded on the passport of passengers in the car, who then have problems trying to leave the country without the vehicle.

You may find additional information on entry requirements and stay in Bulgaria in the Country Specific Information for Bulgaria.