Gambia passport → Bulgaria

Bulgaria visa for citizens of the Gambia

Embassy / VFSUniform Visa (Type C) · Tourist · 90 days

Citizens of the Gambia need a visa for Bulgaria and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · Uniform Visa (Type C) · Tourist · 90 days
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 90 days
Visa validity	1825 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Processing time	15–45 days
Government fee	€90
Passport validity	At least 9 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Bank statements for last 3 months showing sufficient funds

How to apply

1
Complete visa application form
Fill out the Bulgarian uniform visa (Schengen) application form online or manually.
2
Book appointment at embassy or visa centre
Schedule an appointment at the Bulgarian embassy or authorised visa centre (e.g. BLS).
3
Gather required documents
Collect all documents as per the checklist above.
4
Attend appointment in person
Present yourself at the appointment with all documents and original passport; provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
5
Pay visa fee
Pay the visa fee (€80 for adults) at the centre; keep receipt.
6
Wait for processing
Processing normally takes 15–30 calendar days.
7
Collect passport with visa
If approved, pick up your passport from the centre (or courier if available).

Documents checklist

Identity

Visa application form (signed)
Passport (valid for at least 9 months, with at least 2 blank pages)
Passport-size photographs (2, recent, 35x45mm, white background)

Travel

Round-trip flight reservation
Travel health insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage, Schengen-wide)
Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter)

Financial

Bank statements (last 3 months)

Employment

Proof of employment / leave approval
If employed; else proof of self-employment or student status

Supporting

Cover letter explaining purpose of visit
Travel itinerary / detailed plan

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: Equivalent of €50 per day of stay

Bank statements
Sponsorship letter if sponsored

Bank statements must be from last 3 months and show sufficient funds.

Good to know

Applicants from Gambia may face heightened scrutiny; ensure all documents are genuine and complete.
Visa does not guarantee entry; border officials may deny entry even with valid visa.

Common refusal reasons

Incomplete or inconsistent documentation

Double-check application form and documents for completeness and consistency.

Insufficient financial means

Provide clear evidence of sufficient funds (bank statements, sponsor letter).

Doubts about intention to return

Show strong ties to home country (employment, property, family).

FAQ

Do citizens of the Gambia need a visa for Bulgaria?

Citizens of the Gambia need a visa for Bulgaria and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Uniform Visa (Type C) · Tourist · 90 days.

How long can citizens of the Gambia stay in Bulgaria?

Up to 90 days.

How much does the Bulgaria visa cost for citizens of the Gambia?

Government fee: €90.

How long does Bulgaria visa processing take?

Typically 15–45 days.

What documents do citizens of the Gambia need for Bulgaria?

Visa application form (signed); Passport (valid for at least 9 months, with at least 2 blank pages); Passport-size photographs (2, recent, 35x45mm, white background); Cover letter explaining purpose of visit; Round-trip flight reservation; Travel health insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage, Schengen-wide); and 4 more.

How long must my passport be valid for Bulgaria?

At least 9 months.

Plan your trip to Bulgaria

Nowah is an AI travel agent that books flights, hotels and eSIMs in one conversation and keeps track of your visa paperwork along the way. Need data on arrival? See the Nowah eSIM guide for Bulgaria.

Plan the trip in Nowah All visa guides