Up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period across all Schengen states combined, including time spent in Bulgaria.

🇸🇦Saudi Arabia

🇧🇬BulgariaSA-BG

Saudi Arabia to Bulgaria visa requirements

Q: Does my Bulgaria visa work in other Schengen countries?

Yes. Since Bulgaria fully joined Schengen on 1 January 2025, a uniform Schengen visa issued by Bulgaria is valid throughout the entire Schengen Area, subject to the 90/180-day rule.

Q: Can I get a visa on arrival or an eVisa for Bulgaria?

No. Bulgaria does not offer visa-on-arrival or eVisa to Saudi nationals. You must apply in advance at the embassy/consulate or VFS Global center.

Q: Does ETIAS apply to me?

No. ETIAS is only for visa-exempt travelers. Because Saudi passport holders need a Schengen visa, ETIAS is not an option for them.

Q: Where do I apply in Saudi Arabia?

Through the Bulgarian Embassy/Consulate in Riyadh or its authorized VFS Global visa application center, where you submit documents and biometrics.

Saudi Arabia ordinary passport holders need a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa to visit Bulgaria for tourism. Bulgaria became a full Schengen member on 1 January 2025 and issues uniform Schengen visas valid across the whole area. Bulgaria fully joined the Schengen Area on 1 January 2025 (it began issuing uniform Schengen visas on 31 March 2024). Saudi Arabia is an Annex I (visa-required) nationality under EU Regulation 2018/1806, so holders of an ordinary Saudi passport must obtain a Schengen Type C short-stay visa before traveling. The visa permits stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area, and time spent in Bulgaria now counts toward that allowance. Applications are submitted through the Bulgarian embassy/consulate in Riyadh or its outsourced visa application center (VFS Global) in Saudi Arabia. The standard adult visa fee is EUR 90 plus a VFS service charge. There is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa channel for Bulgaria, and ETIAS does not apply to Saudi nationals because they are not visa-exempt. Travelers should apply well in advance, as appointments and processing can take several weeks.

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.

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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

Schengen short-stay visa (Type C / uniform Schengen visa)

Maximum stay

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period (Schengen-wide)

per entry

Entries

Single, double, or multiple entry (as issued)

from issue date

Visa fee

EUR 90 visa fee + VFS service charge (approx. SAR 360 base visa fee equivalent)

consular fee only

Processing time

Typically 15 calendar days; up to 45 days in complex cases

standard track

Validity

Per visa sticker; multiple-entry visas may be valid up to 5 years with the 90/180 limit

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm visa type and gather documents

You need a Schengen Type C tourist visa. Prepare a passport valid at least 3 months beyond departure with 2 blank pages, recent biometric photos, and proof of travel purpose.

· Type C· Tourism

/02

Book travel and supporting bookings

Arrange round-trip flight reservations, confirmed accommodation for the full stay, and a detailed day-by-day itinerary as supporting evidence.

· Flights· Hotels

/03

Buy Schengen travel insurance

Obtain travel medical insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage valid throughout the Schengen Area for the entire trip.

· EUR 30,000 cover

/04

Complete the application and book an appointment

Fill in the Schengen application form and schedule a biometrics appointment at the Bulgarian embassy/consulate in Riyadh or the VFS Global center.

· Online form· Appointment

/05

Submit application and give biometrics

Attend in person to submit documents, pay the visa and service fees, and provide fingerprints and a photo (unless on file from a recent Schengen visa).

· Biometrics· In person

/06

Collect passport and verify the visa

Track the application and collect your passport. Check the validity dates, number of entries, and duration of stay on the visa sticker before traveling.

· Track· Collect

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items

Personalized checklist

Saudi Arabia -> Bulgaria · Schengen short-stay visa (Type C / uniform Schengen visa)

0 / 12 complete

Visa typeTravel date

Deadline reminderAdd a date before export

RequiredPassport valid 3+ months beyond return, 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

RequiredRound-trip flight reservation

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

required

RequiredConfirmed hotel bookings for entire stay

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

required

RequiredTravel medical insurance with min EUR 30,000 coverage

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

required

RequiredProof of sufficient funds (bank statements, last 3-6 months)

Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances

required

RecommendedProof of employment/income or business registration

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

recommended

RecommendedCover letter explaining purpose and itinerary

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

recommended

ConditionalSaudi residency/Iqama proof if non-citizen resident applying locally

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

conditional

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 Bulgaria VFS Global - Bulgaria Visa Information (Saudi Arabia)European Commission - Bulgaria and Romania join the Schengen Area (Jan 2025)

Application link included: Bulgaria Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Visa for Bulgaria

Open link

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

Schengen visa fee (adult)EUR 90Standard short-stay Type C fee; non-refundable even if refused

Schengen visa fee (child 6-11)EUR 45Reduced fee; children under 6 are exempt

VFS Global service chargeApprox. SAR 145-180Per application when applying through the outsourced center

Travel medical insuranceApprox. SAR 100-250Mandatory; varies by provider and trip length

Total estimateEUR 90 + approx. SAR 245 — EUR 90 + approx. SAR 430incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard processing

15 calendar days

Typical decision time after the appointment for most complete applications.

Extended review

Up to 30-45 days

Applies when additional documents or further scrutiny are required.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

Saudi Arabia is a visa-required (Annex I) nationality

Under EU Regulation 2018/1806, Saudi ordinary passport holders are not visa-exempt for the Schengen Area, so a visa must be obtained before travel.

High

/02

Bulgaria is now a full Schengen member

Since 1 January 2025 Bulgaria applies the common Schengen visa policy and issues uniform Schengen visas, so the Schengen Type C visa applies.

High

/03

No visa-on-arrival or eVisa for Bulgaria

Bulgaria does not offer arrival or electronic visas to Saudi nationals; the application must be lodged in advance.

Medium

/04

ETIAS does not apply to Saudi nationals

ETIAS is only for visa-exempt travelers; because Saudi passport holders need a visa, ETIAS is not an alternative.

Medium

/05

EU-Saudi visa waiver not yet in force

The EU is discussing future visa facilitation for Saudi citizens, but no waiver is implemented as of 2026.

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

Saudi Arabia to Bulgaria route verified

Confirmed via Bulgaria MFA and EU sources that Bulgaria is a full Schengen member (since Jan 2025) and that Saudi ordinary passport holders require a Schengen Type C visa. No eVisa, VOA, or ETIAS channel available.

/09 — The questions