Schengen Visa for Bulgaria | Book Bulgarian Visa Appointment in the UK

Schengen Visa for Bulgaria | Book Bulgarian Visa Appointment in the UK

Schengen Visa for Bulgaria
Schengen Visa for Bulgaria

Dec 29, 2024

Dec 29, 2024

Notification service available

Information about the required documents can be found on the website

The status of the application can be tracked at the link

Who Can Apply from the UK?

Do you need a visa? 

Applicant must at least meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to submit a Bulgaria visa application:

  1. holding a valid travel document and a valid UK residence permit. In case applicant holds a short stay visa for the UK, a C type visa (see example here), then applicant needs to apply for a visa from his/her residence country.

  2. applying for a short term visa to Bulgaria: for Tourism (including minors), Private Visit, Business, Study/Conference/Seminat, EEA/EU and Swiss national family member, or for other short stay purposes.

Visa Types

Short Stay Visa:

  • Tourist Visit

  • Business Visit

  • Private (family, friends) Visit

  • Other short stay visit (Medical Treatment/ Sports/Cultural/Artistic Purpose)

  • Airport Transit Visa

  • Family member of EU/EEA citizen EXCLUDING FAMILY MEMBERS OF BULGARIAN CITIZENS

  • Transit Visa

Documents Required

Documents to be submitted with the visa application:

  1. Application form & Photograph (Download Visa Application Form): fully completed in English and signed in two places by the applicant (field no 37 and last field) along with one recent colour passport photograph.(For Minors under age of 18 - by signatures by both parents / guardian-s) & (only family members of the family European Union citizens shall fill in fields of the visa application form which indicate their family relationship)

  2. Original Passport; Passport must be valid at least three months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria or in case of multiple visits - after the last scheduled date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, containing at least two empty pages, issued within the previous 10 years.

  3. Photocopies - of the data pages of Passport & current and previous expired visas

  4. UK Residence permit - Endorsed in the passport or issued as a Biometrics card and/or digital proof of immigration status issued by UK Home Office (share code), must be valid for at least 1 month beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area; C type visitor visa (see here) is not acceptable.

  5. Proof of employment / Proof of student status (Original):

    Recent, official and signed letter from employer (headed letter with name, position of signatory and date of issue, address, recent telephone number and registration number in the United Kingdom) and pay slips for the last 3 months.

    If Self-employed:

    • Recent letter from accountant, banker or solicitor (official headed letter with name, date of issue, address, recent telephone number and position of signatory and registration number in the United Kingdom) stating self-employment or business ownership in the United Kingdom.

    • letter from the tax authorities.

    If Student:

    Original Recent, official and signed letter from United Kingdom school, college or university stating date of issue, name of the applicant and type of studies and number of lessons (hours) per week and attendance record.

  6. Proof of sufficient funds: Three months bank statement and Possession of the required financial resources for subsistence amounting or equivalent to EUR 50 per day of the stay requested with the visa application or their equivalent in another convertible currency but at least EUR 500 or their equivalent in another convertible currency.

  7. Travel Medical Insurance: valid for Bulgaria and all EU member states for the whole period of the trip, covering all costs for repatriation and for urgent medical care and emergency hospital treatment for the period of the stay indicated in the visa. The minimum coverage shall be EUR 30 000.

  8. **Means of transportation: All Confirmed paid travel tickets of Entry to Bulgaria from UK and departure to the UK (for air/surface/sea transport).**If travelling by car: Provide driving licence, car registration, car insurance, confirmed tickets (ferry or Euro tunnel) mentioning the car’s registration number and driver’s driving licence. If applicant is not the driver, then driver’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming joint travel with applicant and travel dates and proof of official ID (passport and driving licence)

  9. **Proof of accommodation:**Hotel booking, or other accommodation/AirBnB, Booking.com, etc. (guaranteed and confirmed on applicant’s name), real estate title deed or lease, proof of ownership or lease of a boat etc.

For Minors (children below 18 years), the following are required in addition to the above

  • Declaration of Consent for Minor children signed by both parents.

  • Original & Copy of both the parents passports

  • OR A power of attotney or court order mentioning the custody in case one of the parents is not present.

  • Original & Copy of Birth Certificate for the child (and certified translation

🚨 The documents may vary depending on the purpose and applicant's details 🚨

Step-by-Step Guide to the Application Process

  • Identify visa type (Choose the right visa for your trip).

  • Begin your application (Get started with your visa application).

    • Once you are ready to apply, you can download the visa application form , complete it, print the complete form and bring it with you to the Bulgaria Visa Application Centre (together with the documents required for the Visa category chosen) for submission.

  • Prepare Documents: Ensure all required documents are ready and properly organized.

  • Book an Appointment: Once you’ve booked your appointment, you’ll receive an appointment confirmation email along with the letter of appointment. If you are part of a family or group, you’ll have to book individual appointments for each member of the family or group.

  • Pay the Fees: Once you have made your application, you will need to pay your visa application fee. If you download the form to print and bring to the Bulgaria Visa Application Centre, payment will be made at the time of your appointment. You can pay the visa fee at the visa application centre

  • Submit Application: Attend the appointment at the visa center, submit your documents, and provide biometrics.

  • Track your application (Stay informed about the progress of your application)

  • Collect your passport: After a visa application decision has been made, you can pick up your passport from the Bulgaria Visa Application Centre or have your passport returned to you by courier for an additional fee.

Processing Time

Applications can be submitted within 3 months prior to departure.

The minimum processing time of a visa application is 15 calendar days.

How to Book an Appointment

Booking a slot for your visa application can be a daunting task, especially during high travel seasons. This is where Visard.io simplifies the process:

Instant Notifications: Receive updates on available appointment slots.

Convenience: Avoid the hassle of manually searching for slots.

Important notes

VFS recommends all customers:

  • to book their appointment as soon as they know they’ll be travelling

  • to ensure that their visa application’s documentation meets the Mission’s requirements

  • to leave enough processing time for the Mission

  • to consider that VFS/Mission’s closures and holidays may extend the visa application processing time.

Notification service available

Information about the required documents can be found on the website

The status of the application can be tracked at the link

Who Can Apply from the UK?

Do you need a visa? 

Applicant must at least meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to submit a Bulgaria visa application:

  1. holding a valid travel document and a valid UK residence permit. In case applicant holds a short stay visa for the UK, a C type visa (see example here), then applicant needs to apply for a visa from his/her residence country.

  2. applying for a short term visa to Bulgaria: for Tourism (including minors), Private Visit, Business, Study/Conference/Seminat, EEA/EU and Swiss national family member, or for other short stay purposes.

Visa Types

Short Stay Visa:

  • Tourist Visit

  • Business Visit

  • Private (family, friends) Visit

  • Other short stay visit (Medical Treatment/ Sports/Cultural/Artistic Purpose)

  • Airport Transit Visa

  • Family member of EU/EEA citizen EXCLUDING FAMILY MEMBERS OF BULGARIAN CITIZENS

  • Transit Visa

Documents Required

Documents to be submitted with the visa application:

  1. Application form & Photograph (Download Visa Application Form): fully completed in English and signed in two places by the applicant (field no 37 and last field) along with one recent colour passport photograph.(For Minors under age of 18 - by signatures by both parents / guardian-s) & (only family members of the family European Union citizens shall fill in fields of the visa application form which indicate their family relationship)

  2. Original Passport; Passport must be valid at least three months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria or in case of multiple visits - after the last scheduled date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria, containing at least two empty pages, issued within the previous 10 years.

  3. Photocopies - of the data pages of Passport & current and previous expired visas

  4. UK Residence permit - Endorsed in the passport or issued as a Biometrics card and/or digital proof of immigration status issued by UK Home Office (share code), must be valid for at least 1 month beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area; C type visitor visa (see here) is not acceptable.

  5. Proof of employment / Proof of student status (Original):

    Recent, official and signed letter from employer (headed letter with name, position of signatory and date of issue, address, recent telephone number and registration number in the United Kingdom) and pay slips for the last 3 months.

    If Self-employed:

    • Recent letter from accountant, banker or solicitor (official headed letter with name, date of issue, address, recent telephone number and position of signatory and registration number in the United Kingdom) stating self-employment or business ownership in the United Kingdom.

    • letter from the tax authorities.

    If Student:

    Original Recent, official and signed letter from United Kingdom school, college or university stating date of issue, name of the applicant and type of studies and number of lessons (hours) per week and attendance record.

  6. Proof of sufficient funds: Three months bank statement and Possession of the required financial resources for subsistence amounting or equivalent to EUR 50 per day of the stay requested with the visa application or their equivalent in another convertible currency but at least EUR 500 or their equivalent in another convertible currency.

  7. Travel Medical Insurance: valid for Bulgaria and all EU member states for the whole period of the trip, covering all costs for repatriation and for urgent medical care and emergency hospital treatment for the period of the stay indicated in the visa. The minimum coverage shall be EUR 30 000.

  8. **Means of transportation: All Confirmed paid travel tickets of Entry to Bulgaria from UK and departure to the UK (for air/surface/sea transport).**If travelling by car: Provide driving licence, car registration, car insurance, confirmed tickets (ferry or Euro tunnel) mentioning the car’s registration number and driver’s driving licence. If applicant is not the driver, then driver’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming joint travel with applicant and travel dates and proof of official ID (passport and driving licence)

  9. **Proof of accommodation:**Hotel booking, or other accommodation/AirBnB, Booking.com, etc. (guaranteed and confirmed on applicant’s name), real estate title deed or lease, proof of ownership or lease of a boat etc.

For Minors (children below 18 years), the following are required in addition to the above

  • Declaration of Consent for Minor children signed by both parents.

  • Original & Copy of both the parents passports

  • OR A power of attotney or court order mentioning the custody in case one of the parents is not present.

  • Original & Copy of Birth Certificate for the child (and certified translation

🚨 The documents may vary depending on the purpose and applicant's details 🚨

Step-by-Step Guide to the Application Process

  • Identify visa type (Choose the right visa for your trip).

  • Begin your application (Get started with your visa application).

    • Once you are ready to apply, you can download the visa application form , complete it, print the complete form and bring it with you to the Bulgaria Visa Application Centre (together with the documents required for the Visa category chosen) for submission.

  • Prepare Documents: Ensure all required documents are ready and properly organized.

  • Book an Appointment: Once you’ve booked your appointment, you’ll receive an appointment confirmation email along with the letter of appointment. If you are part of a family or group, you’ll have to book individual appointments for each member of the family or group.

  • Pay the Fees: Once you have made your application, you will need to pay your visa application fee. If you download the form to print and bring to the Bulgaria Visa Application Centre, payment will be made at the time of your appointment. You can pay the visa fee at the visa application centre

  • Submit Application: Attend the appointment at the visa center, submit your documents, and provide biometrics.

  • Track your application (Stay informed about the progress of your application)

  • Collect your passport: After a visa application decision has been made, you can pick up your passport from the Bulgaria Visa Application Centre or have your passport returned to you by courier for an additional fee.

Processing Time

Applications can be submitted within 3 months prior to departure.

The minimum processing time of a visa application is 15 calendar days.

How to Book an Appointment

Booking a slot for your visa application can be a daunting task, especially during high travel seasons. This is where Visard.io simplifies the process:

Instant Notifications: Receive updates on available appointment slots.

Convenience: Avoid the hassle of manually searching for slots.

Important notes

VFS recommends all customers:

  • to book their appointment as soon as they know they’ll be travelling

  • to ensure that their visa application’s documentation meets the Mission’s requirements

  • to leave enough processing time for the Mission

  • to consider that VFS/Mission’s closures and holidays may extend the visa application processing time.