How Indian passport holders get a visa for Bulgaria: visa type, government fee, processing time, maximum stay, the documents required and where to apply. Government-sourced — always verify on the official site before you travel.
Quick facts
- Visa type: Schengen visa — apply at VFS / embassy before travel
- Government fee: €90 (approx ₹8,200) Schengen fee; VFS service charge approx ₹2,000
- Processing time: 15 calendar days standard; up to 45 days in complex cases
- Maximum stay: Up to 90 days within any 180-day period (Schengen-wide)
- Interview: Not required
- Ease for Indian travellers: 42/100
Documents you'll need
- Passport valid 3+ months beyond return, issued in last 10 years, 2 blank pages
- Completed Schengen visa form
- Recent biometric photo (35×45 mm)
- Confirmed flight booking and hotel reservations
- Bank statements (last 6 months) and ITR (2 years)
- Travel medical insurance (min €30,000 Schengen-wide)
- Cover letter and detailed itinerary
How & where to apply
Bulgaria became a full Schengen member on 1 Jan 2025 (air/sea since 31 Mar 2024). Indians can use a valid multi-entry Schengen visa OR apply for a Bulgarian short-stay (C) Schengen visa at VFS Global India. Bulgaria Visa Application Centre — India (VFS)
Transit & connections
Now part of Schengen — no separate transit visa for Indians holding a valid Schengen visa.
How Bulgaria compares in Schengen Europe
With an ease score of 42/100 this is one of the tougher applications for Indians — expect strict document scrutiny and plan well ahead of travel. Bulgaria requires a full pre-travel application (embassy / visa application centre) for Indian passport holders.
| Country | Visa type | Government fee | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇧🇬 Bulgaria | Schengen visa — apply at VFS / embassy before travel | €90 (approx ₹8,200) Schengen fee; VFS service charge approx ₹2,000 | 15 calendar days standard; up to 45 days in complex cases |
| 🇮🇸 Iceland | Schengen Short-Stay (Type C) visa — via Denmark embassy + VFS in India | €90 short-stay visa fee (in force since 11 June 2024). Children 6–12: €45; under 6: free. VFS Global service charge extra (~₹2,000–2,400). Travel medical insurance (~₹300–1,500/week) is mandatory. | Officially 15 calendar days from receipt at the Royal Danish Embassy New Delhi (which represents Iceland). Realistically 3–5 weeks; up to 8 weeks during the May–September peak. |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | Schengen Short-Stay (Type C) visa — apply via BLS International in India | €90 short-stay visa fee (in force since 11 June 2024) — collected in INR (~₹9,599 for adults; ~₹4,799 for children 6–12; under 6 free). BLS International service charge extra (~₹1,802). Travel medical insurance (~₹300–1,500/week) is mandatory. | Officially 10–15 working days at the Spanish Embassy New Delhi or Consulate General Mumbai. Realistically 2–4 weeks; longer during May–August peak. |
| 🇫🇮 Finland | Schengen Short-Stay (Type C) visa — apply via VFS Global in India | €90 short-stay visa fee. Children 6–12: €45; under 6: free. VFS service charge extra (~₹2,000–2,400). Travel medical insurance mandatory. | Officially 15 working days. Realistically 3–5 weeks at Indian VFS centres; up to 8 weeks in May–August aurora and summer peak. |
| 🇩🇰 Denmark | Schengen Short-Stay (Type C) visa — apply via VFS Global in India | €90 short-stay visa fee. Children 6–12: €45. VFS service charge ~₹2,000–2,400. Travel insurance mandatory. | Officially 15 calendar days from receipt at the Danish Embassy New Delhi. Realistically 3–5 weeks at Indian VFS centres; allow 4 weeks minimum in March–September peak. |
| 🇳🇴 Norway | Schengen Short-Stay (Type C) visa — apply via VFS Global in India | €90 short-stay visa fee. Children 6–12: €45. VFS service charge (~₹2,000 / €20). Travel insurance mandatory. | Officially 15 working days. Realistically 3–5 weeks; up to 45 working days in peak. Add 2 days courier from Delhi, 4–6 days from other cities. |
| 🇸🇪 Sweden | Schengen Short-Stay (Type C) visa — apply via VFS Global in India | €90 short-stay visa fee. Children 6–12: €45. VFS service charge ~€19 / ~₹1,800–2,000. Travel insurance mandatory. | Officially 15 calendar days. Realistically 3–5 weeks at Indian VFS centres. |
Fees and processing times are indicative and change with exchange rates and season — always confirm on each country's official source before applying.
Good to know
Joined Schengen air/sea on 31 Mar 2024 and land borders on 1 Jan 2025. A valid multi-entry Schengen visa now allows entry without a separate Bulgarian visa. Visa rules change often — confirm on the official government source: https://www.indembsofia.gov.in/page/information-about-visas-for-bulgaria/
Frequently asked questions
Do Indians need a visa for Bulgaria?
Schengen visa — apply at VFS / embassy before travel. Joined Schengen air/sea on 31 Mar 2024 and land borders on 1 Jan 2025. A valid multi-entry Schengen visa now allows entry without a separate Bulgarian visa.
What documents do Indians need for a Bulgaria visa?
Passport valid 3+ months beyond return, issued in last 10 years, 2 blank pages; Completed Schengen visa form; Recent biometric photo (35×45 mm); Confirmed flight booking and hotel reservations; Bank statements (last 6 months) and ITR (2 years); Travel medical insurance (min €30,000 Schengen-wide); Cover letter and detailed itinerary
How long does a Bulgaria visa take and what does it cost?
Processing: 15 calendar days standard; up to 45 days in complex cases. Government fee: €90 (approx ₹8,200) Schengen fee; VFS service charge approx ₹2,000. Maximum stay: Up to 90 days within any 180-day period (Schengen-wide).
How do Indians apply for a Bulgaria visa?
Bulgaria became a full Schengen member on 1 Jan 2025 (air/sea since 31 Mar 2024). Indians can use a valid multi-entry Schengen visa OR apply for a Bulgarian short-stay (C) Schengen visa at VFS Global India. Official source: https://www.indembsofia.gov.in/page/information-about-visas-for-bulgaria/
Is a Bulgaria visa hard to get for Indian citizens?
With an ease score of 42/100 this is one of the tougher applications for Indians — expect strict document scrutiny and plan well ahead of travel. No interview is normally required.
Can Indians get a Bulgaria visa online or on arrival?
Bulgaria requires a full pre-travel application (embassy / visa application centre) for Indian passport holders.
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