canivisit.com
Beta — verify with official sources⌘K
Home/from/India/to/Bulgaria
🇮🇳India
🇧🇬BulgariaIN-BG

India to Bulgaria visa requirements

Yes, you need a visa. Indian ordinary passport holders must obtain a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa before traveling to Bulgaria, which has been a full Schengen Area member since 1 January 2025. Bulgaria became a full member of the Schengen Area on 1 January 2025, so it now applies common Schengen visa rules. Indian citizens holding an ordinary passport are NOT visa-exempt and must apply for a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa before travel for tourism. The visa permits stays of up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area. Applications are filed through VFS Global on behalf of the Bulgarian Embassy/Consulates in India, with biometrics collected at the visa application centre. The standard adult visa fee is EUR 80, rising to EUR 90 effective 11 June 2026, plus a non-refundable VFS service charge. Mandatory documents include a passport valid at least 3 months beyond departure (6 months recommended) with two blank pages, travel medical insurance of at least EUR 30,000, proof of accommodation, return flights, and sufficient funds. Note: ETIAS does NOT apply to Indian passport holders — ETIAS is only for visa-exempt nationalities, so Indians always need a full Schengen visa, not an ETIAS authorisation. Indian diplomatic and official passport holders are exempt from the visa requirement.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
Policy alertWatch this route for rule changesSave this passport and destination for email summaries and optional browser notifications.Subscribe →
/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) — Bulgaria is a full Schengen member since 1 Jan 2025
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period (across the whole Schengen Area)
per entry
Entries
Single, double, or multiple entry (as granted on the visa sticker)
from issue date
Visa fee
EUR 80 (rising to EUR 90 from 11 June 2026) + VFS service charge
consular fee only
Processing time
Typically 15 calendar days; can extend to 30-45 days in busy periods
standard track
Validity
Visa valid for the dates granted; passport must be valid 3+ months beyond intended departure (6 months recommended)
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm you need a Schengen Type C visa
As an Indian ordinary passport holder you are not visa-exempt for Bulgaria. ETIAS does not apply to you — you must obtain a full Schengen short-stay visa before travel.
· Schengen since Jan 2025· No ETIAS for Indians
/02
Gather required documents
Prepare a valid passport, completed application form, photos, travel medical insurance (min EUR 30,000), flight reservations, hotel/accommodation proof, bank statements and cover letter.
· Insurance EUR 30,000· 2 blank pages
/03
Book an appointment at VFS Global
Bulgaria visa applications in India are processed via VFS Global on behalf of the Bulgarian Embassy/Consulate. Book an appointment online at the centre nearest you (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad).
· VFS Global· Online booking
/04
Attend the appointment and give biometrics
Submit your documents in person and provide fingerprints and a photo (biometrics), unless you have valid biometrics on file from a Schengen visa issued in the last 59 months.
· Biometrics· In person
/05
Pay the visa fee and service charge
Pay the EUR 80 consular fee (EUR 90 from 11 June 2026) plus the VFS service charge, payable in INR equivalent at the centre.
· EUR 80 / EUR 90· + VFS charge
/06
Collect your passport and verify the visa
Track your application online. On collection, check the visa sticker for correct dates, number of entries and duration of stay before you travel.
· Track online· Check sticker
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items
Personalized checklist
India -> Bulgaria · Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) — Bulgaria is a full Schengen member since 1 Jan 2025
0 / 12 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RecommendedPassport valid at least 3 months beyond departure (6 months recommended), issued within last 10 years, with 2+ blank pages
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredCompleted and signed Schengen visa application form
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
required
RequiredTwo recent passport-size photos (35x45mm, light background)
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
required
RequiredTravel medical insurance covering minimum EUR 30,000, valid across Schengen
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredConfirmed round-trip flight reservation
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredProof of accommodation (hotel bookings or host invitation) for the whole stay
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RequiredBank statements for last 3-6 months showing sufficient funds
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
required
RecommendedCover letter explaining purpose and itinerary of the trip
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
recommended
RecommendedEmployment proof / leave letter, or business/student documents
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RecommendedIncome tax returns (ITR) for the last 2-3 years
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
RecommendedTravel medical insurance
Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates
Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.
Official sourcesEmbassy of India, Sofia — Information about Visas for BulgariaMinistry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria — Visa for BulgariaVFS Global — Bulgaria Visa Information (India)
Application link included: Embassy of India, Sofia — Information about Visas for Bulgaria
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Schengen short-stay visa fee (adult)EUR 80Increases to EUR 90 from 11 June 2026; payable in INR equivalent
Schengen visa fee (child 6-11 years)EUR 40Increases to EUR 45 from 11 June 2026; under 6 free
VFS Global service charge~INR 1,800-2,500Per applicant, non-refundable; varies by centre
Travel medical insurance~INR 1,000-3,000For min EUR 30,000 coverage, depends on trip length
Total estimateEUR 80 + ~INR 2,800 (approx INR 10,000 total) — EUR 90 + ~INR 5,500 (approx INR 14,000 total)incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard processing via VFS Global
15 calendar days (up to 30-45 in peak season)
Apply at least 15 days before travel; recommended to apply up to 3 months ahead, especially in summer.
Early application (peak season)
Apply 4-8 weeks ahead
During summer and holiday periods appointment slots and processing can take significantly longer.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Bulgaria is a full Schengen Area member (since 1 Jan 2025)
Bulgaria applies common Schengen visa policy, under which Indian ordinary passport holders require a visa.
High
/02
India is on the EU's visa-required (Annex I) list
Indian nationals are not visa-exempt for the Schengen Area, so a Type C visa must be obtained before travel.
High
/03
ETIAS does not apply to Indian passport holders
ETIAS is only for visa-exempt nationalities; Indians need a full Schengen visa, not an ETIAS authorisation.
Medium
/04
Tourism falls under short-stay (Type C) category
Holiday and short visits up to 90 days are covered by the short-stay visa, not a long-stay D visa.
Medium
/05
Diplomatic/official passport exemption only
Only Indian diplomatic and official passport holders are visa-exempt; ordinary passports are not.
Low
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-30 · major
India to Bulgaria route verified
Confirmed Bulgaria is a full Schengen member (since 1 Jan 2025); Indian ordinary passport holders require a Schengen Type C visa. Noted Schengen fee rise from EUR 80 to EUR 90 effective 11 June 2026, and that ETIAS does not apply to Indian nationals.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Indian citizens need a visa to visit Bulgaria?—
Yes. Indian ordinary passport holders need a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa obtained before travel. Bulgaria has been a full Schengen member since 1 January 2025.
Can I use ETIAS to visit Bulgaria instead of a visa?+
How long can I stay in Bulgaria on a tourist visa?+
Can I travel to other Schengen countries with a Bulgaria-issued Schengen visa?+
How much does the Bulgaria Schengen visa cost?+
Where do I apply for the Bulgaria visa in India?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the India passport

🇮🇳⇄
Compare the India passport
Stack it up against another passport→
🇮🇳◐
India visa-free map
See where this passport goes visa-free→
🇮🇳▤
India passport power
Global rank and destination breakdown→
See something wrong on this page?
Policies change. If something looks off, tell us — we review every report within 48 hours.