--- title: Bulgaria visa for citizens of India description: "Citizens of India need a visa for Bulgaria and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 90 days. Fee: €90. Processing: 15–45 days. Documents checklist and application steps." canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/bulgaria/india lastModified: 2026-09-05 --- # Bulgaria visa for citizens of India 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.* Official application site: https://vfsglobal.com/bulgaria ## 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 - **Passport (valid 3+ months beyond return, issued <10 years ago, 2 blank pages)** (Identity): Copy of all pages including previous visas also required. - **Completed Schengen visa application form** (Identity): Signed by the applicant; minors need parental signature. - **Two recent biometric passport photos** (Identity): 35x45 mm, white background, taken within last 6 months. - **Travel medical insurance** (Travel): Minimum EUR 30,000 coverage valid across all Schengen states. - **Flight reservation (round trip)** (Travel): Confirmed itinerary; onward/return ticket required. - **Hotel booking / proof of accommodation** (Travel): Covering entire stay in Bulgaria/Schengen area. - **Bank statements (last 3–6 months)** (Financial): Stamped by bank, showing sufficient funds. - **Cover letter stating purpose of visit** (Supporting): Detailing itinerary and trip purpose. - **Employer letter / proof of employment** (Employment): Leave approval, salary slips, or business registration for self-employed. - **Income tax returns (ITR)** (Financial): Last 3 years' acknowledgements commonly requested. - **Cover letter / sponsorship letter if invited** (Supporting, optional): For visits to family/friends in Bulgaria. - **Marriage/birth certificates for minors or dependents** (Supporting, 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. ## FAQs ### 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? On the official site: https://vfsglobal.com/bulgaria ## Sources - [Apply for a visa | vfsglobal](https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/bgr/apply-visa) - [Visa Information - vfsglobal](https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/bgr/visa-type) - Bulgaria Visa for Indians: Fees, Requirements & Process (2026) | BTW (btwvisas.com, third-party site) - [vfsglobal.com](https://vfsglobal.com/bulgaria) ## More - [Bulgaria visa for every passport](/visa/bulgaria) - [Every destination for India passport holders](/visa/passport/india)