Visa Requirements for Bulgarian Citizens (November 2026)
Julkar Nain
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· 3 min read
Bulgarian citizens have seen their travel freedom grow steadily since the country joined the European Union in 2007. Today, a Bulgarian passport gives visa-free or simplified access to around 180 countries and territories. The biggest recent change came in 2025, when Bulgaria became a full member of the Schengen Area.
Full Schengen membership
Bulgaria joined Schengen for air and sea travel in March 2024 and removed internal land border checks from 1 January 2025. Bulgarian citizens can now travel across the Schengen Area without systematic border controls, using a passport or a valid national ID card. As EU citizens, they can also live, work and study anywhere in the EU and EEA, plus Switzerland.
United States
Bulgaria is not yet part of the US Visa Waiver Program. Bulgarian citizens need a B1/B2 visa to visit the US for tourism or business. That means completing the DS-160, paying a fee and attending an interview at the US Embassy in Sofia. Bulgaria has been working towards meeting the programme's criteria, including a low visa refusal rate, so check whether its status has changed before you apply.
United Kingdom
Bulgarian citizens need a passport to enter the UK, as ID cards are no longer accepted for most visitors. An Electronic Travel Authorisation is required for visits of up to six months. Bulgarians with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme have different rights.
Canada, Australia and New Zealand
- Canada: visa-free with an eTA for air travel.
- Australia: free eVisitor visa.
- New Zealand: visa-free with an NZeTA.
Neighbouring countries
Bulgarians can travel to Turkey, Serbia, North Macedonia and Albania with a national ID card in most cases, making regional trips easy. Turkey is a particularly popular destination for shopping and holidays.
Asia and the Middle East
Bulgarians can visit Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand without a visa for tourism. China has extended short-stay visa-free entry to Bulgarian citizens. The UAE offers visa-free entry. India and Vietnam offer e-visas.
Where visas are still required
Russia, several African countries and parts of Central Asia require advance visas from Bulgarians. Many offer online e-visa systems.
Travel tips
- Check that your ID card is valid and in good condition if using it for travel.
- Keep at least six months of passport validity for non-EU destinations.
- Carry your European Health Insurance Card in the EU.
- Check the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs travel advice before departure.
- Apply early for US visas, as interview slots can fill quickly.
Frequently asked questions
Do Bulgarians need ETIAS?
No. ETIAS applies only to non-EU visa-exempt travellers.
Can Bulgarians work in the UK?
Only with the right visa, unless they have status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
How to check the rules yourself
Entry rules connected to Bulgarian Citizens can change with little notice, and third-party websites are often months out of date. The most reliable approach is to check three sources in order: the official immigration or visa portal of the country you are visiting, the website of its embassy or consulate in your country of residence, and your airline's travel document checker, which uses the same database airport staff rely on at check-in. If the three disagree, follow the strictest one and contact the embassy directly. Do this two to three weeks before departure, then once more a few days before you fly.
Final word
Bulgarian citizens can travel widely with little paperwork. The US remains the main destination needing a visa. Check official sources for any changes before booking.