Sofia Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, welcomes international travelers through Sofia Airport (SOF) and various land border crossings. As Bulgaria is a member of the European Union but not yet part of the Schengen Area, it maintains its own border controls while following EU immigration principles. Most visitors find the entry process straightforward, with immigration procedures typically taking 15-30 minutes depending on arrival time and passenger volume. Travelers should be prepared to present valid travel documents, proof of accommodation, and evidence of sufficient funds for their stay. Bulgaria has visa-free arrangements with numerous countries, allowing tourism and business visits of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The immigration process at Sofia Airport is generally efficient, with English-speaking officers available to assist international visitors. Before traveling to Sofia, ensure your passport has at least six months validity beyond your intended departure date and contains blank pages for entry stamps. While Bulgaria is working toward Schengen membership, current entry requirements differ slightly from Schengen countries, so verification of specific requirements based on your nationality is essential.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Bulgaria's visa policy allows visa-free entry for citizens of EU/EEA countries, as well as many other nations for short-term stays. Non-EU visitors can typically stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism or business purposes.

Visa-Free Entry

90 days within any 180-day period

Citizens of these countries can enter Bulgaria without a visa for short stays

Includes

All EU/EEA member states United States United Kingdom Canada Australia New Zealand Japan South Korea Singapore Israel United Arab Emirates Brazil Argentina Chile Mexico Switzerland Norway Iceland

EU/EEA citizens have freedom of movement and can stay indefinitely. Non-EU nationals must not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay.

Schengen Visa Holders

Up to 90 days within 180-day period, or duration of Schengen visa if shorter

Holders of valid Schengen visas or residence permits can enter Bulgaria

Includes

Any nationality holding a valid Schengen Type C visa (double or multiple entry) Holders of Schengen residence permits

How to Apply: No separate application needed - valid Schengen visa or residence permit serves as entry authorization for Bulgaria
Cost: No additional cost beyond existing Schengen visa

The Schengen visa must be a double or multiple-entry visa and still valid. Single-entry Schengen visas do not permit entry to Bulgaria. Time spent in Bulgaria counts toward the 90/180 day Schengen calculation.

Visa Required

Typically 90 days for tourist visas, varies by visa type

Nationals of countries not listed above must obtain a visa before traveling to Bulgaria

How to Apply: Apply at Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Applications typically require completed form, passport photos, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, financial means, and return ticket. Processing time is usually 15 calendar days but can take up to 30 days.

Visa fees vary by nationality and visa type (approximately €35-60 for short-stay visas). Some nationalities may be eligible for expedited processing. Always apply well in advance of intended travel dates.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at Sofia Airport or land border crossing, all travelers must pass through immigration control. The process is generally efficient, with separate lanes for EU/EEA citizens and non-EU nationals. Have your documents ready and be prepared to answer brief questions about your visit.

Document Check

Present your passport and any required visa or entry authorization to the immigration officer. They will verify your documents and check validity.

Immigration Interview

Answer brief questions about the purpose of your visit, duration of stay, and accommodation details. This is typically a short, straightforward conversation.

Passport Stamping

Your passport will be stamped with entry date. Non-EU nationals should verify the stamp is clear and legible, as you'll need it to prove legal entry.

Baggage Claim

Collect your checked luggage from the designated carousel. Sofia Airport has clear signage in Bulgarian and English.

Customs Declaration

Pass through customs control. Use the green channel (nothing to declare) or red channel (goods to declare) as appropriate. Random checks may occur.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date with at least 2 blank pages for stamps

Visa or Entry Authorization

If required for your nationality. EU/EEA citizens need only a valid national ID card or passport

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservation, rental agreement, or invitation letter from host. May be requested by immigration officers

Return or Onward Ticket

Proof of your intention to leave Bulgaria within the permitted timeframe

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Bank statements, credit cards, or cash to demonstrate ability to support yourself during stay (approximately €50 per day recommended)

Travel Insurance

While not always checked, insurance covering medical expenses of at least €30,000 is strongly recommended and may be required for visa applicants

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all documents easily accessible in a travel folder rather than buried in luggage - this speeds up the process significantly

Print copies of hotel reservations and return tickets even if you have digital versions, as internet access may be limited at immigration

Keep approximately €100-200 in cash accessible to demonstrate sufficient funds if asked, though credit cards are also accepted as proof

Be honest and concise in your answers to immigration questions - overthinking or providing excessive detail can raise unnecessary concerns

If traveling for business, have an invitation letter from the Bulgarian company and be clear about the nature of your business activities

EU/EEA citizens can use the faster EU lanes at immigration - look for blue signage with yellow stars

Arrive with patience during peak travel times (early morning and evening flights) when queues can be longer

Customs & Duty-Free

Bulgaria follows EU customs regulations with some specific national provisions. Travelers arriving from non-EU countries must pass through customs control and may need to declare certain items. Those arriving from EU countries typically face fewer restrictions but must still comply with duty-free limits if arriving from outside the EU customs area.

Alcohol

1 liter of spirits (over 22% alcohol) OR 2 liters of fortified/sparkling wine, plus 4 liters of still wine, plus 16 liters of beer

Only for travelers aged 18 and over. These allowances apply to travelers arriving from non-EU countries.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes OR 100 cigarillos OR 50 cigars OR 250g of tobacco

Only for travelers aged 18 and over. These allowances apply when arriving from non-EU countries. Can combine products proportionally.

Currency

€10,000 or equivalent in other currencies

Amounts of €10,000 or more (or equivalent) must be declared in writing upon entry or exit. This includes cash, checks, traveler's checks, and money orders. Failure to declare can result in fines and confiscation.

Gifts/Goods

€430 per person by air/sea travel (€300 by land travel, €150 for travelers under 15)

Total value of all goods (excluding tobacco and alcohol allowances) brought from non-EU countries. Keep receipts to prove value if questioned.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics -严strict penalties including imprisonment
Counterfeit goods and pirated media - subject to confiscation and fines
Weapons and ammunition without proper authorization - requires special permits
Endangered species products (ivory, certain furs, exotic animals) - protected under CITES regulations
Meat and dairy products from non-EU countries - strict EU biosecurity rules apply
Plants and plant products without phytosanitary certificates - agricultural protection measures

Restricted Items

Prescription medications - bring only personal quantities with doctor's prescription and original packaging; certain controlled substances require special authorization
Firearms for hunting or sport - require advance permit from Bulgarian authorities and proper documentation
Cultural artifacts and antiques - items over 50 years old require export certificate to leave Bulgaria
Professional equipment - cameras, laptops, and professional tools may need temporary import documentation if valuable
Drones and radio-controlled devices - restrictions apply; check with aviation authority before bringing
Pets and animals - require EU pet passport or health certificate, rabies vaccination, and microchip (see special situations section)

Health Requirements

Bulgaria generally has minimal mandatory health requirements for entry, but travelers should ensure routine vaccinations are up to date. Health precautions are recommended based on season and planned activities.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - only if arriving from or having transited through a yellow fever endemic area within 6 days prior to arrival

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations - MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus), polio, and influenza
Hepatitis A - recommended for all travelers due to potential food/water contamination risk
Hepatitis B - recommended for travelers who may have medical procedures or intimate contact
Rabies - for travelers planning extensive outdoor activities or working with animals
Tick-borne encephalitis - recommended for travelers visiting rural/forested areas, especially March-November

Health Insurance

While not always checked at entry, comprehensive travel health insurance is strongly recommended and is mandatory for visa applicants. EU citizens should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for access to state healthcare, though supplementary insurance is advisable. Non-EU travelers should ensure coverage of at least €30,000 for medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and repatriation.

Current Health Requirements: COVID-19 and other health requirements may change rapidly. Check the Bulgarian Ministry of Health website and your government's travel advisory for current entry requirements regarding testing, vaccination certificates, quarantine, or health declarations. As of late 2024, most COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, but this should be verified before travel.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in Sofia for citizen services and emergency assistance

Most embassies are located in central Sofia. Register with your embassy's travel notification system before arrival. Check your government's foreign affairs website for specific contact details.

Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Official source for visa and entry requirement information: www.mfa.bg

Consular services and visa application information available in English. For visa questions, contact the Bulgarian embassy in your country of residence.

Emergency Services

Dial 112 for all emergencies (police, ambulance, fire brigade)

112 is the universal emergency number in Bulgaria and throughout the EU. Operators typically speak English. For non-emergencies, police: 166, ambulance: 150, fire: 160.

Sofia Airport Information

Sofia Airport (SOF) information: +359 2 937 2211 or www.sofia-airport.bg

For flight information, lost luggage, and airport services. Information desks located in both terminals with English-speaking staff.

Border Police

General Directorate Border Police: +359 2 982 5602

For questions about entry requirements, border procedures, and immigration matters. Business hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00-17:00.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport (or be included in parent's passport if issued before 2012, though separate passports are recommended). Minors (under 18) traveling alone or with one parent should carry a notarized parental consent letter from the non-traveling parent(s) in English and Bulgarian, including contact information and travel details. Divorced or separated parents should carry custody documents. Birth certificates may be requested to prove relationship. Children are subject to the same visa requirements as adults.

Traveling with Pets

Pets entering Bulgaria from EU countries need an EU pet passport, microchip identification (ISO 11784/11785 compliant), and valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel). Pets from non-EU countries require a health certificate issued by an official veterinarian (within 10 days of travel), microchip, rabies vaccination, and rabies antibody titration test (at least 30 days after vaccination, 3 months before travel). Maximum 5 pets per person for non-commercial travel. Certain breeds may face restrictions. Airlines have specific pet travel requirements. Consider using the red customs channel when arriving with pets.

Extended Stays and Residence

EU/EEA citizens can stay indefinitely but must register at the local municipality if staying over 90 days. Non-EU nationals wishing to stay beyond the 90-day tourist period must apply for a long-stay visa (Type D) before arrival, or a residence permit from within Bulgaria in exceptional cases. Options include work permits, student visas, family reunification, or retirement residence. Applications are submitted to Bulgarian embassies abroad or the Migration Directorate in Bulgaria. Processing takes 1-3 months. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and entry bans.

Business Travelers

Business visitors can enter on tourist visas/visa-free arrangements for meetings, conferences, and negotiations but cannot engage in paid employment. Bring invitation letter from Bulgarian company, business cards, and documentation of business purpose. If conducting work or providing services, a work permit and Type D visa may be required. EU citizens can work freely but must register business activities. Temporary import of professional equipment may require ATA Carnet or customs documentation.

Students and Researchers

Students accepted to Bulgarian universities must obtain a Type D student visa before arrival. Requirements include acceptance letter from recognized institution, proof of accommodation, health insurance, financial means (approximately €400/month), and clean criminal record. Applications submitted at Bulgarian embassy in home country. Processing takes 30-60 days. Upon arrival, register with university and local migration office within 7 days. Student residence permits are typically valid for one academic year and renewable.

Transit Passengers

Passengers transiting through Sofia Airport without leaving the international zone do not need a visa regardless of nationality, provided they continue their journey within 24 hours. If leaving the airport or staying overnight in Bulgaria, normal entry requirements apply. Transit visas are rarely required but check if you have a long layover and plan to enter Bulgaria. Ensure you have valid documents for your final destination.