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02 maj. 2025

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When do Ukrainians need a visa to Bulgaria and how to apply for it?

Visa
Entry rules
Bulgaria
When do Ukrainians need a visa to Bulgaria and how to apply for it?

Bulgaria is a popular destination for Ukrainians planning a holiday, work or study abroad. However, before travelling, it is important to find out whether you need a visa and how to apply for one. Learn more about the process of obtaining a visa to Bulgaria and important details to make your trip safe and comfortable.

Legal assistance on visa issues for Ukrainians
Legal assistance on visa issues for Ukrainians
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Bulgaria is a popular country among Ukrainians, both for tourist trips and for work or study. If you are planning a trip to this country, it is important to understand whether you need a visa to enter and what documents you need to prepare to obtain it.


When do Ukrainian citizens need a visa to travel to Bulgaria, how to apply for a visa and what documents are required — we will tell you more in this article.


Do you need a visa but don't know where to start?


Get a consultation from the lawyers of Visit Ukraine!





When do Ukrainians need a visa to enter Bulgaria?


For short-term trips to Bulgaria not exceeding 90 days, Ukrainian citizens can stay in the country without a visa, as Bulgaria is part of the Schengen area. However, it is worth remembering that there are cases when a visa is still required:


For long-term trips. If you plan to stay in Bulgaria for more than 90 days, for example, for long-term tourism or work, you must obtain a visa.

For trips for work, study or family reunification. If you plan to work, study or reunite with relatives in Bulgaria, you will also need a special visa.




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How to apply for a visa to enter Bulgaria?


Step 1. Determine the type of visa.

First, you need to understand what type of visa is right for you, depending on the purpose of your trip. It can be a tourist, work, study or family reunion visa.


Step 2. Prepare documents.

Gathering all the necessary documents for a visa application is an important step. These include: passport, photographs, financial documents, medical insurance, confirmation of the purpose of the trip, documents confirming the availability of funds for the stay, etc.


Step 3. Make an appointment to submit documents to the Bulgarian consulate.

You must make an appointment to submit your documents to the consulate or consular section of the Bulgarian embassy. This can be done through the official website of the consulate or visa centre.


Step 4. Submit your application through the visa centre (if necessary).

In some cases, submitting documents through a visa centre may be mandatory. This does not apply to all types of visas, so you need to check the requirements on the consulate's website.


Step 5. Submit your documents and pay the fees.

After making an appointment, you submit your documents and pay the visa fee. The cost of the fee depends on the type of visa and your country of citizenship.


Step 6. Obtaining a visa: processing time and document delivery options.

After submitting your visa application, the processing time is usually 5 to 10 working days. You can choose to have your passport with visa delivered by post or pick it up in person at the consulate.


What documents are required for a visa to Bulgaria?


To apply for a visa to Bulgaria, you must prepare a standard set of documents:


– Valid foreign passport.

– Completed visa application form.

– Passport-size photographs.

– Medical insurance covering the entire period of stay.

– Documents confirming financial solvency for staying in the country (bank statements, invitation from an employer or educational institution).

– Confirmation of the purpose of the trip (e.g. hotel reservation, job invitation, study contracts, etc.).


By the way, you can take out medical insurance for travelling abroad on the Visit Ukraine portal.


The policy meets all Schengen requirements and provides reliable protection during your stay in another country.




How can I avoid mistakes when submitting documents?


Certain difficulties may arise when applying for a visa, especially if you submit an incomplete set of documents or make mistakes in the application form. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid.


– Incorrectly completed application form.

– Lack of necessary supporting documents (e.g. missing copies of passports or documents proving financial solvency).

– Late submission of documents or lack of an appointment at the consulate.

– Errors in paying the visa fee or lack of proof of payment.


To avoid these mistakes, you should carefully check all documents before submission. If in doubt, it is better to consult a professional.


Why should you contact Visit Ukraine lawyers to apply for a visa to Bulgaria?


The lawyers at Visit Ukraine will help you complete all the necessary documents correctly, avoid mistakes when submitting your application and save you time. They can provide professional advice at all stages of the visa application process and resolve any issues that arise during the application.


How can Visit Ukraine lawyers help?


Visit Ukraine lawyers provide the following services:


– Consultations on visa applications for travel to Bulgaria.

– Assistance in completing the visa application form and preparing documents.

– Determining the best type of visa for your trip.

– Submission of documents for a visa through the consulate or visa centre.

– Avoidance of mistakes during the application process and quick visa issuance.


By contacting Visit Ukraine lawyers, you can be sure that the entire visa application process will be completed without any difficulties or delays.


Book a consultation and get quick answers to all your legal questions!




Reminder! When planning to move to Bulgaria, it is important to study all the details and nuances of living in the country in advance. Read here about the conditions for immigration to Bulgaria, the peculiarities of crossing the border, convenient routes and key points that will be useful for Ukrainians when moving.


Photo: iStock


Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.




Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 


Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.




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