Bulgaria is a Southeast European country that is somewhat unknown by most Filipinos. However, we have already seen a glimpse of Bulgaria through Hollywood films like the Expendables and 300 Rise of an Empire. For arts or church lovers, you would absolutely love the gorgeous buildings and museums in this country. You could do fun adventures like skiing or relax in the mineral spring found in Bulgaria. Here’s a Bulgaria Tourist Visa Guide.

This is my 107th country and I went to Sofia, Bulgaria. It is one of my favorite cities to walk around. The buildings are very interesting as the architecture makes you in awe. The people were lovely there as I made a friend in my hotel. I also went to the Rila Monastery which is free and it was stunning. I enjoyed my time there, and so would you.

Bulgaria has 7 UNESCO sites from religious sites to nature preservers. It is surrounded by Greece, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Serbia, Romania, Ukraine, and Turkey. It also has shores for the Black sea.

Bulgaria is a breathtaking country and getting a Bulgaria Tourist Visa is quite easy too! We will teach you how to get one with your Philippine Passport.

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Quick Facts About Bulgaria Tourist Visa

Validity: short stay for up to 90 days within a 6 month period

Number of Entries: Single, Double, Multiple Entry

Processing Time: 15 days

How and Where to Apply: Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Hanoi
Address: No. 5 Nui Truc str., Van Phuc Hanoi, Vietnam
Contact Number:+84 24 3845 2908
Email Address: Embassy.Hanoi@mfa.bg

Exemptions: Holders of valid Schengen, Croatia, Cyprus or Romania Visa

Bulgaria Tourist Visa Requirements

1. Duly filled up visa application form

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2. One colored Photo - 3.5 x 4.5 cm with white background

3. Valid Passport and photocopy - Passport must be 3 months valid after departure from Bulgaria and with at least 2 blank pages. Photocopy of the first page, previous valid or expired visas like Schengen, UK, and the US.

4. Travel Insurance - It must be valid for EU member states and is at least EURO 30,000. I recommend SafetyWing.

5. Means of Subsistence - Funds equivalent to EURO 500 and a minimum of EURO 50 per day. If you have 5 days, you need at least EURO 500. However, if you stay for 11 days, you need at least EURO 550. Submit Bank Statement and Pay Slips for the last three months.

6. Hotel Booking - Hotel Booking or Reservation for your whole stay in Bulgaria. If you have organized a tour, you can also submit the voucher.

7. Air ticket reservation - You can make your flight reservation for $30. However, your funds should show at least EURO 100 to cover your flight

8. Payment of Consular Fee - EURO 60, for 6-12 EURO 35, and for below 6 free.

Additional Requirements

For Employed

Letter from employer stating that you can go to Bulgaria for an intended period.

For Minors

Birth Certificate
Marriage Certificate of Parents
Both parents must be there during the application as well as sign the form. If the parents or one can’t go there then a notarized declaration that the child be issued a Bulgaria Tourist Visa should be passed

Step-by-Step Guide on getting a Bulgaria Tourist Visa

STEP 1: Gather all the documents required.

STEP 2: You scan and send your documents to Embassy.Hanoi@mfa.bg. This is to check if your requirements are complete and that you can proceed. Ask for the bank details of the embassy’s bank account too.

STEP 3: Go to the bank to pay for your visa fee to the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Hanoi.

STEP 4: Go to the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Hanoi with all your documents for your application as well as interview and getting your biometrics.

STEP 5: Wait for the approval of your visa.

STEP 6: Claim your visa after its approval.

FAQS in Applying for Bulgaria Tourist Visa

1. How much is the visa fee?

The visa fee is EURO 60. However, for children between 6 to 12 years old, it is only EURO 35 and free for those 5 years old and below.

2. Where do I pay?

You can pay at your bank at the Embassy’s bank account.

3. Can I pay in cash?

No, Embassy cannot accept cash payment.

4. Is personal appearance mandatory?

Yes, it is needed unless you are applying in a group through a registered tour operator.

5. Is my visa fee refundable?

No, the visa fee is not refundable.

6. Where shall I claim my approved visa?

Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Hanoi

No. 5 Nui Truc str., Van Phuc Hanoi, Vietnam

7. When should I apply?

Since the processing time is about 15 days and you need to get it in Vietnam, then 4-5 weeks before your departure would be okay.

FAQS about Bulgaria

1. What is the language in Bulgaria?

The official language is Bulgarian. In most big cities, you can meet people who can speak English. You can also learn a bit of the Cyrillic alphabet to get by.

2. What is the currency in Bulgaria?

Bulgaria uses the Lev. 1 Bulgarian Lev is about Php 30.00.

3. When to visit Bulgaria?

June to August are the hottest months with the highest average temperature being 28 degrees and also peak tourist season. November to March go as low as an average of -3 degrees. So by weather, April, May, September, and October are great times to visit. Should you want to ski, then December and January are your dates.

4. Is Bulgaria safe?

Bulgaria is safe for tourists. However, please be mindful of your things as thieves and pickpockets are found all over the world.

5. How to get to Bulgaria?

For those coming from the Philippines, there is a one-stop flight via Turkey and Qatar to Sofia, Bulgaria. Besides those, there are stops from European countries.

Those are the steps and requirements for getting a Bulgaria Tourist Visa for Filipinos. Enjoy the history, views, culture, and food in Bulgaria. I hope you get to meet a Bulgarian friend too. Bulgaria is an amazing country you won’t regret visiting.