Bulgarian consulates in Türkiye: visas and procedure
Bulgarian visas are issued by Bulgaria's diplomatic and consular missions; in Türkiye those are the embassy in Ankara, the consulates general in Istanbul and Edirne and the consular office in Bursa. The Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Министерство на външните работи, МВнР) explains the conditions in detail, while fees sit on a separate page.
Official documents and institutions · Last reviewed: 2026-10-07
This is not legal or financial advice
Visa types and Schengen
According to the МВнР page, since 31 March 2024 uniform (Schengen) visas issued by Bulgaria are valid throughout the Schengen area, with a short stay of at most 90 days in any 180-day period. Three types are listed: A (airport transit), C (short stay for transit or planned stay) and D (long stay). Which nationals need a visa is set by the annexes of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 — check your own case there and on the mission's page.
What to know before applying
- Applications are submitted no earlier than three months before the trip, in person or through an authorised agent (humanitarian cases excepted).
- The travel document must remain valid at least three months after the planned departure from Bulgaria, have at least two blank pages and have been issued within the last ten years.
- For a type D visa a personal interview is mandatory; the page states no exception is made.
- Minors travelling without parents need a copy of the birth certificate and a notarised consent from both parents or from one of them.
Step by step
Pick the right mission
The embassy in Ankara and the consulates in Istanbul, Bursa and Edirne serve different provinces. See the article on consulate addresses for locations and districts.Prepare the form and documents
Fields are filled in legibly with Latin letters as spelled in the passport; the rest in English or Bulgarian. The page lists a copy of the passport's first page, a 3.5 × 4.5 cm colour photo and medical insurance valid in EU states; for the insured sum it mentions a minimum of 30 thousand euro.Check the fee on the official page
Consular fees are published on the МВнР fees page and change; we give no amounts here.Submit the application
How to submit (appointment, online services) is described on the mission's page and on the МВнР e-services portal; opening times differ by mission.
Scope
Frequently asked questions
Where do I apply for a Bulgarian visa in Türkiye?
At Bulgaria's diplomatic and consular missions: the embassy in Ankara, the consulates general in Istanbul and Edirne and the consular office in Bursa.
Is an interview required for a long-stay visa?
Yes. According to МВнР, a personal interview is mandatory for a type D visa, with no exceptions.
How much does a visa cost?
We give no amounts; current fees are on the МВнР fees page.
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 (МВнР) — Visa for Bulgaria — https://www.mfa.bg/en/services-travel/consular-services/travel-bulgaria/visa-bulgaria · 2026-10-07
- Министерство на външните работи (МВнР) — Türkiye: temsilcilikler ve seyahat bilgisi — https://www.mfa.bg/en/embassyinfo/t%C3%BCrkiye · 2026-10-07
- Министерство на външните работи (МВнР) — Konsolosluk ücretleri sayfası — https://www.mfa.bg/en/services-travel/consular-services/fees · 2026-10-07
- Министерство на външните работи (МВнР) — Çevrimiçi hizmetler — https://e-services.mfa.bg/ · 2026-10-07
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