canivisit.com
Beta — verify with official sources⌘K
Home/from/Russian Federation/to/Bulgaria
🇷🇺Russian Federation
🇧🇬BulgariaRU-BG

Russian Federation to Bulgaria visa requirements

Russian ordinary passport holders need a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa to visit Bulgaria for tourism. Bulgaria has been a full Schengen member since 1 January 2025, so a Bulgarian Schengen visa allows travel across the whole Schengen area under the 90-days-in-180 rule. Bulgaria became a full member of the Schengen Area on 1 January 2025 (internal air and sea controls lifted 31 March 2024, land border controls lifted 1 January 2025). Russia is on the EU's mandatory-visa list (Regulation (EU) 2018/1806), so Russian ordinary passport holders must obtain a Schengen Type C short-stay visa before travelling to Bulgaria for tourism. Bulgaria now issues uniform (Schengen) visas valid throughout the Schengen area. Following the EU's full suspension of the 2007 EU-Russia Visa Facilitation Agreement in September 2022, Russian applicants face the standard third-country visa fee of EUR 90, restricted issuance of multiple-entry visas, additional documentation requirements, and longer processing times (frequently 30-45 days rather than the standard 15). ETIAS does not apply to Russian nationals because ETIAS only covers visa-exempt travellers; Russians require a full visa. Applications are lodged at a Bulgarian consulate or authorised visa centre in Russia, typically in person to capture biometrics. There is no visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or eVisa channel for Russian citizens.
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 Type C short-stay visa
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period
per entry
Entries
Single or multiple (multiple-entry restricted for Russian nationals since 2022)
from issue date
Visa fee
EUR 90 (adults); EUR 45 (children 6-12); free under 6
consular fee only
Processing time
15 calendar days standard, often 30-45 days for Russian applicants
standard track
Validity
Validity set per trip; multiple-entry rarely granted to Russians post-2022
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm you need a Schengen C visa
Russian ordinary passport holders are on the EU mandatory-visa list and cannot enter Bulgaria visa-free, via eVisa, or visa-on-arrival. A Schengen Type C visa is required.
· Mandatory· All travellers
/02
Determine the correct consulate
Apply at the Bulgarian Embassy/Consulate or authorised visa application centre responsible for your region of residence in Russia. Bulgaria must be your main destination, otherwise apply to the country where you spend the most time.
· Main destination rule
/03
Complete the Schengen application form
Fill out the harmonised Schengen visa application form (available via the Bulgarian MFA at mfa.bg) in block letters and sign it.
· Online/paper form
/04
Gather supporting documents
Assemble passport, photos, travel medical insurance (min EUR 30,000 cover), round-trip transport, accommodation, and proof of funds. Expect heavier documentation since the EU-Russia facilitation agreement is suspended.
· Heavier scrutiny
/05
Book an appointment and submit biometrics
Schedule an appointment at the consulate/visa centre and attend in person to provide fingerprints and a photo (biometrics valid 59 months across the Schengen area).
· In person· Biometrics
/06
Pay the fee and await a decision
Pay the EUR 90 consular fee (plus any service-centre charge) and wait for processing. Apply at least 3-4 weeks ahead, and up to 6 months before travel.
· EUR 90· Apply early
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items
Personalized checklist
Russian Federation -> Bulgaria · Schengen Type C short-stay visa
0 / 12 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredPassport valid at least 3 months beyond intended departure from Schengen, with 2+ blank pages, issued within last 10 years
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 biometric passport photos (35x45mm)
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
RequiredRound-trip transport booking / itinerary
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RequiredProof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RequiredProof of sufficient financial means (bank statements, sponsor letter)
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
required
RequiredVisa fee EUR 90 (adult)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredBiometrics (fingerprints) provided in person
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RecommendedCopies of any previous Schengen, UK or US visas
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 sourcesBulgaria Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Visa for BulgariaEuropean Commission - Bulgaria and Romania join the Schengen Area (2025)Council of the EU - Full suspension of visa facilitation with Russia
Application link included: Bulgaria Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Visa for Bulgaria
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Schengen C visa consular fee (adult)EUR 90Standard third-country rate for Russian nationals since suspension of the EU-Russia Visa Facilitation Agreement
Schengen C visa fee (child 6-12)EUR 45Children under 6 are exempt
Visa application centre service feeEUR 30-40Charged by outsourced centres (e.g. VFS) where applicable, on top of the consular fee
Travel medical insuranceEUR 20-60Mandatory minimum EUR 30,000 coverage; varies by duration and provider
Total estimateEUR 90 — EUR 190incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard consular processing
15 calendar days
Legal Schengen baseline once a complete application is lodged with biometrics
Extended processing (Russian applicants)
30-45 days
Common in practice due to additional security checks since the facilitation agreement was suspended; can reach 45-60 days in complex cases
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Russia is on the EU mandatory-visa list
Under Regulation (EU) 2018/1806, Russian nationals must hold a visa to cross Schengen external borders; no visa-free option exists.
High
/02
Bulgaria is now a full Schengen member
Since 1 January 2025 Bulgaria issues uniform Schengen visas and applies the common 90/180 short-stay rule.
High
/03
Visa Facilitation Agreement suspended
Since September 2022 Russians pay the EUR 90 standard fee, face restricted multiple-entry issuance, and longer processing.
High
/04
ETIAS does not apply to Russians
ETIAS only covers visa-exempt nationalities; Russian travellers need a full visa instead.
Medium
/05
Biometrics required in person
Fingerprints and photo must be captured at a consulate or visa centre unless valid biometrics were given within the last 59 months.
Medium
/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
Russia to Bulgaria route verified
Confirmed Bulgaria as full Schengen member since 1 Jan 2025; Russian ordinary passport holders require a Schengen Type C visa (EUR 90 standard fee, facilitation agreement suspended, ETIAS not applicable).
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Can Russian citizens visit Bulgaria without a visa?—
No. Russian ordinary passport holders must obtain a Schengen Type C short-stay visa before travelling. There is no visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or eVisa option.
Does a Bulgarian Schengen visa let me travel to other Schengen countries?+
How much does the visa cost for Russian nationals?+
Do Russians need ETIAS for Bulgaria?+
How long does processing take?+
How long can I stay on a short-stay visa?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Russian Federation passport

🇷🇺⇄
Compare the Russian Federation passport
Stack it up against another passport→
🇷🇺◐
Russian Federation visa-free map
See where this passport goes visa-free→
🇷🇺▤
Russian Federation 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.