Bulgaria
Eastern Europe · Schengen area
Do US citizens need a visa? No — up to 90 days
US citizens do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) in Bulgaria for tourism/business, per Bulgaria's Schengen-associated short-stay visa waiver policy. Long-stay purposes (work, study) require a national D visa regardless of nationality's visa-free status.
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Fees & exemptions
- Standard short-stay tourist (Schengen C) visa€90
Fee set at EUR 90 under Tariff No. 4 for short-stay visas.
Where to apply
VFS Global Bulgaria Visa Application Centre (USA)
Appointment system
Book online through the VFS Global Bulgaria USA portal at the VAC matching the applicant's state of consular jurisdiction.
Required documents
- Valid passport
- Completed and signed application form
- 2 recent photos
- US residence proof
- Proof of jurisdiction
- Proof of employment/enrollment
- Proof of sufficient financial means (min. EUR 50/day, min. EUR 500)
- Flight itinerary
- Prepaid accommodation or invitation-declaration
- Travel medical insurance (min. EUR 30,000)
- Travel itinerary if visiting multiple Schengen countries
Editor tips
Book appointments well in advance, especially in peak travel season.
Country-specific quirks
If visiting other Schengen states too, apply at the country that is main destination or where you spend the most days.
Who can apply where
Your nationality decides whether you need a visa; where you legally live decides where you apply. Applications for Bulgaria are handled by its embassy, consulate or visa centre covering your country of residence — you cannot normally apply in a country you are only visiting.
- If you are not a citizen of the country you apply from, bring your residence permit or long-stay visa — it usually has to stay valid for at least 3 months after your return.
- Visiting several Schengen countries? Apply to your main destination, or — if you split time evenly — to the country you enter first.
- Some passports are visa-exempt for short stays and only need ETIAS travel authorisation instead of a visa; long-stay and work permits are still required for everyone.
- Fees, document lists and appointment systems are set per consulate, so the local Bulgaria mission for your region always overrides anything on this page.
Where to submit if you apply from the US
Addresses where applicants of any nationality living in the United States hand in Bulgaria visa documents and give biometrics. Applying from elsewhere? Use the official links below to find the Bulgaria mission covering your country of residence.
- Washington, DCEmbassy of Bulgaria
1621 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
Address not independently re-verified this pass
Official page - Multiple (see VFS site)VFS GlobalVFS Global Visa Application Centers (Bulgaria)
Various — see VFS site for exact addresses
Official outsourced partner for Bulgaria visa applications in the USA
Official page
Always cross-check requirements on the official page for your jurisdiction — details can vary by country of residence.
Where to apply
VFS Global Bulgaria Visa Application Centre (USA)
Appointment system
Book online through the VFS Global Bulgaria USA portal at the VAC matching the applicant's state of consular jurisdiction.
Who can apply where
Your nationality decides whether you need a visa; where you legally live decides where you apply. Applications for Bulgaria are handled by its embassy, consulate or visa centre covering your country of residence.
Applicants of any nationality living in the United States hand in Bulgaria visa documents and give biometrics at these addresses.
- Washington, DCEmbassy of Bulgaria
1621 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
Address not independently re-verified this pass
Official page - Multiple (see VFS site)VFS GlobalVFS Global Visa Application Centers (Bulgaria)
Various — see VFS site for exact addresses
Official outsourced partner for Bulgaria visa applications in the USA
Official page
Book your travel to use for supporting documents for Bulgaria
Most consulates ask for a flight itinerary and confirmed accommodation. Search Sofia and attach the confirmations to your application.
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