Iran passport → Bulgaria

Bulgaria visa for citizens of Iran

Embassy / VFSSchengen Visa · Tourist (short stay)

Citizens of Iran 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 Visa · Tourist (short stay)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 90 days
Visa validity	90 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Processing time	5–45 days
Government fee	€90 + €35 service fee
Passport validity	At least 3 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Bank statement for last 3 months showing sufficient funds (~50 EUR/day)

How to apply

1
Determine visa type & check requirements
Visit the Bulgarian embassy or VFS Global website for Iranians.
2
Gather required documents
Assemble all items listed above (passport, photos, insurance, bank statements, itinerary, cover letter).
3
Book an appointment at the embassy/VAC
Appointment is mandatory for biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
4
Fill out and print the visa application form
Complete the Schengen visa application form online or manually.
5
Attend appointment and submit documents
Bring all original documents, pay the visa fee, and provide biometrics.
6
Wait for processing (5–15 days)
Embassy/VAC reviews application; may request additional documents.
7
Collect passport (either in person or by courier)
If approved, visa sticker is affixed to passport.

Documents checklist

Travel

Valid passport (issued within last 10 years, at least 2 blank pages)
Must be valid for at least 3 months after intended departure
Travel itinerary (flight bookings, hotel reservations)
Include proof of accommodation for entire stay
Round-trip flight reservation (or detailed travel plan)
Not necessarily paid ticket; a reservation is sufficient
Passport copy (biodata page)
Include previous Schengen visas if any

Financial

Travel health insurance (minimum 30,000 EUR coverage for Schengen area)
Valid for entire stay and repatriation
Proof of sufficient funds (bank statement, sponsorship letter, etc.)
Typically ~50 EUR per day of stay

Employment

Proof of employment or student status (if applicable)
Optional
Employment letter with salary details or student card

Supporting

Completed visa application form
Download and sign from the embassy website
Two recent passport-sized photographs (35x45 mm, white background)
Must meet Schengen photo standards
Proof of legal residence in country of application (if not home country)
Optional
Residence permit or visa for that country
Cover letter explaining purpose of travel and itinerary
Optional
Optional but recommended for clarity

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: ~50 EUR per day of stay

Bank statements (last 3 months)
Sponsorship letter with sponsor's bank statement
Prepaid accommodation proof

Sufficient funds must cover accommodation, food, and daily expenses.

Good to know

Biometrics are required and valid for 59 months; schedule appointment early.
Visa fee must be paid in cash or card as per VAC regulations (non-refundable).
Processing may take longer if additional checks are needed; apply at least 3 weeks before travel.

Common refusal reasons

Incomplete or incorrect application form

Double-check all fields and sign the form.

Insufficient travel insurance coverage

Purchase insurance that meets the 30,000 EUR Schengen minimum.

Lack of proof of sufficient funds or employment

Provide clear bank statements and an employment letter.

Criminal record or previous immigration violations

Disclose any issues truthfully; seek legal advice if needed.

FAQ

Do citizens of Iran need a visa for Bulgaria?

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

How long can citizens of Iran stay in Bulgaria?

Up to 90 days.

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

Government fee: €90 + €35 service fee.

How long does Bulgaria visa processing take?

Typically 5–45 days.

What documents do citizens of Iran need for Bulgaria?

Valid passport (issued within last 10 years, at least 2 blank pages); Completed visa application form; Two recent passport-sized photographs (35x45 mm, white background); Travel itinerary (flight bookings, hotel reservations); Travel health insurance (minimum 30,000 EUR coverage for Schengen area); Proof of sufficient funds (bank statement, sponsorship letter, etc.); and 5 more.

How long must my passport be valid for Bulgaria?

At least 3 months.

Where do I apply?

Applications go through https://www.mfa.bg/en/services-travel/visas. Check that you are on the government's site before you pay.

Sources

mfa.bg

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