ETIAS Visa Waiver for Bulgaria

ETIAS (Europe Travel Information and Authorisation System) is the Schengen Area's new travel authorisation system. It is an electronic process that will be mandatory for all travellers from visa-exempt non-EU countries entering the Schengen area.

The ETIAS visa waiver for Bulgaria will be fully operational in 2025.

The new immigration system will allow Bulgaria to pre-screen travellers who are coming into Europe and make sure they are safe when they arrive.

This page outlines:

  • Who will need ETIAS
  • Requirements for ETIAS
  • How to apply for ETIAS Bulgaria
  • Useful travel information

Bulgaria, in the process of joining the Schengen Area

Bulgaria is a member of the European Union (EU). Prior to 2024, it was not part of the Schengen Area.

However, the country is currently in the process of joining the borderless travel zone. It will become partially integrated into Schengen from March 31, 2024, when border checks for flights and sea travel will be lifted.

Regardless of whether Bulgaria is a fully integrated Schengen country, ETIAS will still be applied to its immigration policy starting in 2025. The Bulgaria ETIAS will become a requirement, even if the nation is still not a full member when the travel authorisation is introduced.

Who needs ETIAS to travel to Bulgaria?

ETIAS is a pre-travel authorisation that you should apply for if you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country. This will apply to over 50 nations who can enter the Schengen Area without a visa, making up around 18% of the world’s population.

etias-bulgaria

The ETIAS for Bulgaria is only for citizens of countries that do not require a visa to travel to Bulgaria. If your country requires a visa, you will need to apply for one at a Bulgarian embassy before travelling.

Passport and document requirements for the Bulgaria ETIAS

You must meet the ETIAS requirements to apply for an ETIAS for Bulgaria. You need to prepare the following before starting your application:

  • Valid passport from an eligible country
  • Debit or credit card
  • Email address

An email address is necessary to receive all updates related to your application. Applicants also receive their approved Bulgaria ETIAS by email.

Passport requirements for ETIAS Bulgaria

In addition to the items listed above, all applicants must meet the passport requirements.

To qualify for an ETIAS Bulgaria, your passport must be issued by one of the 50+ visa waiver countries.

You must also use the same passport during the application process and when entering Bulgaria. The ETIAS visa waiver for Bulgaria will be electronically linked to the traveller’s passport, which is scanned on arrival to confirm the approved visa waiver.

Applying for ETIAS for Bulgaria

To apply for ETIAS, you will need to fill out the online application form. The Bulgarian ETIAS application is very similar to the process used by other EU countries and only takes a few minutes to complete.

You must provide information including the following:

  • Name
  • Date of birth
  • Place of birth
  • Country of citizenship
  • Current address
  • Email address
  • Phone number

The form also asks the applicant to answer some questions relating to security. When you have entered all the required information and paid the ETIAS Bulgaria processing fee, you can submit your request.

Travel information about Bulgaria

ETIAS Bulgaria will be valid for entry into the country at all border checkpoints, including airports, border crossings, and seaports.

Many non-EU citizens will choose to travel to Bulgaria with ETIAS by air. You will be able to enter any of Bulgaria’s airports with a valid ETIAS.

The 4 biggest airports in Bulgaria are:

  • Sofia Airport
  • Burgas Airport
  • Varna Airport
  • Plovdiv International Airport

The ETIAS system will offer a simple and convenient way to travel to Bulgaria. Passengers will simply show their passport and ETIAS to the immigration officer, who will scan and validate the visa waiver.