Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) - Tourist
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- 15 calendar days (may extend to 30 or 45 days in exceptional cases)
- Fee
- EUR 90 (adults), EUR 45 (children 6-11), free (children under 6)
- Validity
- 90 days in any 180-day period
- Entry
- Single entry
Standard Schengen short-stay visa for tourism. Required for nationals of Annex I countries. Processing may extend to 30 or 45 days in exceptional cases. Children aged 6-11 pay EUR 45. Children under 6 are exempt. Application submitted no earlier than 3 months before intended travel. Bulgaria issues uniform Schengen visas valid throughout the Schengen area since March 31, 2024.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Nationals of countries listed in Annex I of EU Regulation 2018/1806 must obtain a Schengen visa before travel
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Financial
Must demonstrate minimum EUR 50 per day of stay, with a minimum of EUR 500 total
Minimum funds: EUR 500
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: 35mm x 45mm, color, light background, face covering 70-80% of photo, taken within last 6 months
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements, credit card statements, traveler's cheques, cash declaration; Minimum amount: EUR 50 per day, minimum EUR 500 total
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Travel insurance
Coverage area: All EU/Schengen member states; Minimum coverage: EUR 30,000
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Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Accepted types: Hotel booking confirmation, rental agreement, or invitation letter from host; Must cover full stay: Yes
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Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Schengen Visa Application Form; Form url: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/are/en/bgr/
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Travel itinerary
Provide an itinerary showing travel dates, destinations and planned accommodation.
Must include addresses: Yes; Must include dates: Yes
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash, bank transfer; Amount: EUR 90
How to apply
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Online application
Fill in the standard Schengen visa application form online or in paper format
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Document gathering
Collect passport, photos, travel insurance, proof of funds, accommodation proof, flight reservation, and travel itinerary
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Fee payment
Pay EUR 90 visa fee (EUR 45 for children 6-11). Fee is non-refundable even if visa is refused.
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Appointment booking
Schedule an appointment at the nearest VFS Global visa application center or Bulgarian consulate. Applications accepted no earlier than 3 months before travel.
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Document submission
Attend appointment and submit all documents. Applications submitted through VFS Global offices or directly at Bulgarian consular offices.
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Biometrics
Fingerprints and digital photograph taken at the visa application center if not already in the VIS system (valid for 59 months)
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Processing wait
Standard processing time is 15 calendar days. May be extended to 30 or 45 days in exceptional cases.
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Visa collection
Collect passport with visa sticker from VFS Global center or consulate, or receive by courier if arranged