India passport → Bulgaria

Bulgaria visa for citizens of India

Q: Where do I apply?

On the official site: https://vfsglobal.com/bulgaria

Embassy / VFSSchengen C-type short-stay visa (Bulgaria)

Citizens of India 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 · Schengen C-type short-stay visa (Bulgaria)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 90 days
Processing time	15–45 days
Government fee	€90
Passport validity	At least 3 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Recent bank statements showing sufficient means for the stay

How to apply

1
Determine visa type and jurisdiction
Apply for a short-stay Schengen C visa at the Bulgarian embassy/VFS centre covering your state of residence.
2
Complete the application form
Fill the Schengen visa application form accurately and print signed copies.
3
Book an appointment
Schedule an in-person appointment at the visa application centre via VFS Global.
4
Prepare documents
Gather passport, photos, insurance, bookings, financial and employment proof per checklist.
5
Attend appointment in person
Submit documents, pay fees, and enroll biometrics (fingerprints) at the centre.
6
Track application and collect passport
Monitor status online and collect the passport with visa, or opt for courier return.

Documents checklist

Identity

Passport (valid 3+ months beyond return, issued <10 years ago, 2 blank pages)
Copy of all pages including previous visas also required.
Completed Schengen visa application form
Signed by the applicant; minors need parental signature.
Two recent biometric passport photos
35x45 mm, white background, taken within last 6 months.

Travel

Travel medical insurance
Minimum EUR 30,000 coverage valid across all Schengen states.
Flight reservation (round trip)
Confirmed itinerary; onward/return ticket required.
Hotel booking / proof of accommodation
Covering entire stay in Bulgaria/Schengen area.

Financial

Bank statements (last 3–6 months)
Stamped by bank, showing sufficient funds.
Income tax returns (ITR)
Last 3 years' acknowledgements commonly requested.

Employment

Employer letter / proof of employment
Leave approval, salary slips, or business registration for self-employed.

Supporting

Cover letter stating purpose of visit
Detailing itinerary and trip purpose.
Cover letter / sponsorship letter if invited
Optional
For visits to family/friends in Bulgaria.
Marriage/birth certificates for minors or dependents
Optional
Notarised if applying for family members.

Proof of funds

Bank statements (3–6 months)
Income tax returns
Salary slips
Sponsorship letter

Funds should reasonably cover accommodation and living costs for the entire stay.

Good to know

Biometric fingerprints are valid 59 months; re-submission may be waived if recently enrolled.
Since Bulgaria joined Schengen, a valid Bulgarian C visa or a multiple-entry Schengen visa (already used) permits entry.
Processing can extend to 45 days in peak season — apply well in advance.
No official source text was provided; fees and timelines follow standard Schengen rules and should be verified with the embassy/VFS.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient funds or unclear financial history

Provide stamped bank statements with steady balances and ITRs.

Invalid or missing travel insurance

Buy Schengen-compliant insurance with EUR 30,000+ medical coverage.

Unclear purpose of visit or weak ties to India

Include a detailed cover letter, itinerary, and employment/leave proof.

Passport validity or blank page issues

Renew passport if under 3 months validity beyond return or fewer than 2 blank pages.

FAQ

Do citizens of India need a visa for Bulgaria?

Citizens of India need a visa for Bulgaria and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Schengen C-type short-stay visa (Bulgaria).

How long can citizens of India stay in Bulgaria?

Up to 90 days.

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

Government fee: €90.

How long does Bulgaria visa processing take?

Typically 15–45 days.

What documents do citizens of India need for Bulgaria?

Passport (valid 3+ months beyond return, issued <10 years ago, 2 blank pages); Completed Schengen visa application form; Two recent biometric passport photos; Travel medical insurance; Flight reservation (round trip); Hotel booking / proof of accommodation; and 6 more.

How long must my passport be valid for Bulgaria?

At least 3 months.

Where do I apply?