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Bulgaria Visa for Afghanistan Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Afghan citizens need a Bulgarian short-stay visa (Tourist or Business) to travel to Bulgaria — apply via the Bulgarian embassy/consulate or official MFA portal; visa fee for adults is 80 EUR (approx 156 BGN, ~USD 88), processing typically 7–15 working days.

Guide last updated September 5, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned date of departure from Bulgaria and have at least two blank pages.
  • Completed visa application form: one completed and signed form per applicant (filled in Latin letters).
  • Photographs: two recent passport-style photos (35 x 45 mm) with a white background; faces clearly visible; no head coverings unless required for religious reasons.
  • Travel health insurance: travel medical insurance valid in Bulgaria for the entire stay with minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR, including medical emergency repatriation.
  • Financial proof: bank statements or other proof of funds covering the duration of stay; no published fixed amount by the Bulgarian authorities, but you should demonstrate sufficient funds for accommodation and living costs.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: proof of accommodation for the entire stay (hotel bookings or invitation letter with host address) and a round-trip or onward travel reservation.
  • Biometrics: biometric data collection is required; submit at the visa application centre or embassy/consulate as instructed (appointment required).
  • Documentation supporting purpose of stay (eg, itinerary for tourism, invitation letter for business, university acceptance letter for study, work contract for employment).
  • Additional documents may be requested by the mission depending on category and personal circumstances.

Visa types

  • Tourist visa (Short-stay, Type C): for tourism; maximum stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period; single or multiple entry; official fee: 80 EUR.
  • Business visa (Short-stay, Type C): for business meetings or conferences; maximum stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period; single or multiple entry; official fee: 80 EUR.
  • Student visa (Long-stay, Type D): for study; validity typically up to the duration of the course (often up to 12 months or longer with renewal); multiple entries possible; official fee: 80 EUR.
  • Work visa (Long-stay, Type D): for employment; validity up to 12 months (subject to renewal) and multiple entries; requires prior work permit; official fee: 80 EUR.
  • Family reunification/long-stay visa (Type D): for family reunification or other long-stay purposes; validity usually up to 12 months with possibility of extension; multiple entries; official fee: 80 EUR.
  • Other long-stay categories may apply depending on personal circumstances; check the official MFA guidance for the exact category and requirements.

How to apply (Sticker visa)

  • How to apply: Use the official Bulgarian MFA information and the mission’s local instructions at https://www.mfa.bg/ to confirm current submission routes and required documents.
  • How to apply: Complete the visa application form, collect all required documents listed under “What you need,” and submit them to the Bulgarian diplomatic mission that handles Afghanistan residents (embassy/consulate or approved visa centre). An appointment may be required.
  • How to apply: Pay the visa fee (80 EUR for adults; 40 EUR for children 6–12; free under 6) and, if applicable, the visa service centre fee.
  • How to apply: You will likely provide biometrics at the time of submission or when visiting the visa centre/embassy; follow the appointment instructions.
  • How to apply: In some cases an interview may be requested by the consular officer.
  • How to apply: You will be informed of the decision by the mission; if approved, your passport with the visa sticker will be returned to you.
  • Service centres: If a visa service provider (eg, VAC) is used, there may be an additional service fee (check the mission’s page for current charges); always verify the exact process through the official MFA site and the Bulgarian mission in your region.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: 80 EUR for adults; 40 EUR for children aged 6–12; free for children under 6.
  • Local currency equivalent: approximately 156 BGN for adults and 78 BGN for children (rates vary with exchange); USD equivalent is about 88 USD for adults and 44 USD for children.
  • If applicable, visa service centre fee: typically around 25 EUR (approx 28 USD) per applicant.
  • Total estimated cost for an adult: 105 EUR (80 EUR visa fee + 25 EUR service fee) ≈ 205 BGN ≈ 116 USD (subject to current exchange rates).
  • Processing time: standard processing is approximately 7–15 working days from the date of application; in exceptional cases it can extend up to 30 days.
  • Express/priority processing: may be available at an additional cost; exact timing and fees depend on the mission and service provider; check with the Bulgarian mission for availability.

Tips for Afghanistan travelers

  • Plan ahead: start the visa application process at least 8–12 weeks before planned travel to account for document gathering, appointment availability, and potential delays.
  • Common rejection reasons (Afghanistan applicants): incomplete or inconsistent documents, insufficient proof of funds, missing travel health insurance, lack of a clear itinerary or host invitation, discrepancies between the application and supporting documents, or prior visa refusals without satisfactory explanation.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy: verify whether the mission uses a direct embassy process or an external service provider; if a service centre is used, be mindful of additional service fees and longer processing times; follow the official MFA guidance and the mission’s instructions.
  • Travel advisories: regularly check the Bulgarian MFA website and the EU’s official travel advisories for updates before applying and before travel; follow any bilateral notes or changes in visa policy.
  • Extensions inside Bulgaria: a 90-day short-stay visa cannot be extended for stay beyond 90 days in most cases; for longer stays, apply for a long-stay visa (Type D) or a temporary residence permit through Bulgarian authorities before the expiry of the short-stay visa or upon arrival if eligible, in line with local immigration rules.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.