Bulgarian type C (short-stay) visa
Bulgaria's type C visa is for a short stay or transit and, since 31 March 2024, it is a uniform (Schengen) visa valid across the Schengen area, allowing up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This is not legal advice; fees and rules may change.
Visas and residence · Last reviewed: 2026-10-07
This is not legal or financial advice
Visa types and when they are needed
| Type | Purpose | Note |
|---|---|---|
| A | Airport transit | The Ministry page has a separate information file. |
| C | Transit or a planned short stay | Up to 90 days in any 180 in the Schengen area. |
| D | Long stay | Personal interview mandatory; see our separate article. |
Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 decides whose nationals need a visa: nationals of countries in Annex I need one, and those in Annex II may enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180. In the text published in 2018, Türkiye appears in Annex I; check the current consolidated text for later changes. National short-stay visas issued by Bulgaria before 31 March 2024 remain valid only for Bulgaria, Romania and Cyprus.
Fee and exemptions
- A fee of EUR 90 is collected for an airport transit or short-stay visa application, unless law, an international treaty or an EU act provides otherwise.
- According to the Ministry's fees page, children aged 6 to under 12 are exempt from the visa fee; the visa page adds that those under 6 are exempt from the application processing fee.
- Family members of Bulgarian and EU citizens are exempt. Fees collected are not refunded on refusal.
Documents and filing
Timing and manner
Apply no earlier than 3 months before the trip, in person or through an authorised agent; names are written in Latin letters as in the passport, and the applicant signs personally.Documents
A copy of the passport's first page, recent Bulgarian/Schengen visas, a 3.5 × 4.5 cm photo, EU-valid health insurance of at least EUR 30,000, and tickets or sufficient funds. For children travelling without parents, a birth certificate and a notarised authorisation.If refused
A refusal can be appealed to the higher authority, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or to the Administrative Court Sofia-city (see our appeals article).
The 90 days are a Schengen-wide total
Frequently asked questions
How much is the type C visa fee?
The Ministry's fees page states EUR 90 for a short-stay or airport transit visa; exceptions and exemptions are on the same page. Confirm the current amount before applying.
Can I use a Bulgarian C visa to visit other Schengen countries?
A uniform visa issued by Bulgaria after 31 March 2024 is valid across Schengen under the 90/180 rule; older national visas are valid only for Bulgaria, Romania and Cyprus.
Sources
The information on this page is based on the official sources listed below. Legislation changes — open the links and verify the current position.
- Министерство на външните работи — Виза за България (Visa for Bulgaria) — https://www.mfa.bg/en/services-travel/consular-services/travel-bulgaria/visa-bulgaria · 2026-10-07
- Министерство на външните работи — Консулски такси (Fees) — https://www.mfa.bg/en/services-travel/consular-services/fees · 2026-10-07
- EUR-Lex — Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 (vize zorunluluğu olan ve olmayan ülkeler) — https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32018R1806 · 2026-10-07
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