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Bulgaria Visa for Afghanistan Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Afghanistan citizens need a short-stay Schengen visa (Type C) for Bulgaria, applied at the Embassy of Bulgaria in Islamabad, Pakistan; fee is EUR 80, processing typically 15 working days.

Guide last updated June 20, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • To apply for a visa to Bulgaria, Afghanistan citizens must submit the following documents:
  • Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen area, issued within the last 10 years, and contain at least two blank pages.
  • Specific forms: A fully completed and signed Uniform Schengen Visa Application Form.
  • Financial proof: Original bank statements for the last 3 to 6 months, showing sufficient funds to cover your stay (e.g., EUR 50-100 per day). Other proofs can include salary slips, tax returns, or a formal sponsorship letter from a host in Bulgaria along with their financial documents.
  • Accommodation: Confirmed hotel reservation for the entire duration of your stay in Bulgaria. Alternatively, if staying with a host, an invitation letter certified by the Bulgarian authorities.
  • Return ticket: Confirmed round-trip flight reservation from Afghanistan to Bulgaria and back.
  • Photo spec: Two recent passport-sized photographs (3.5x4.5 cm), in color, with a white background. The photos must be taken within the last 6 months, show a frontal view of the face, and have no head covering (unless for religious reasons).
  • Biometrics: Yes, fingerprints and a digital photograph are collected at the time of application submission. All applicants aged 12 and above must provide biometrics.
  • Travel health insurance: Mandatory. It must cover medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation expenses, with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000. The insurance policy must be valid for the entire period of your intended stay in the Schengen area.

Visa types

  • For Afghanistan citizens traveling to Bulgaria, the primary visa type for short stays is the Short-stay Visa (Type C):
  • Short-stay Visa (Type C)
  • Official name: Schengen Visa - Short-stay
  • Validity: Up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
  • Max stay: 90 days.
  • Entry: Can be granted as single, double, or multiple entry, depending on the discretion of the consular officer and the applicant's travel history/needs.
  • Approximate fee: EUR 80.
  • Purpose: This visa type covers purposes such as tourism, business trips, visiting family or friends, attending cultural or sports events, or short-term training/courses.

How to apply

  • As Bulgaria does not have a diplomatic mission in Afghanistan, Afghanistan citizens must apply for a Bulgarian visa at the Embassy of Bulgaria in Islamabad, Pakistan. The application process involves the following steps:
  • 1. Determine your visa type: Identify the appropriate visa category, typically a Short-stay Visa (Type C) for most travel purposes.
  • 2. Gather required documents: Collect all necessary documents as per the detailed checklist provided by the Embassy of Bulgaria in Islamabad. Ensure all documents are complete and valid.
  • 3. Complete the application form: Fill out the Uniform Schengen Visa Application Form accurately and completely. Sign the form.
  • 4. Schedule an appointment: Contact the Embassy of Bulgaria in Islamabad, Pakistan (Address: House No. 10, St. 17, F-7/2, Islamabad, Pakistan) to book an appointment for visa submission. This will require travel to Pakistan.
  • 5. Submit your application: Attend your scheduled appointment in person. Submit your completed application form along with all supporting documents. Provide your biometric data (fingerprints and digital photo).
  • 6. Pay the visa fee: Pay the applicable visa fee at the consular section during your appointment. Payment details will be provided by the Embassy, typically in local currency (PKR).
  • 7. Attend an interview: Be prepared for a short interview with a consular officer regarding your travel plans and intentions.
  • 8. Collect your passport: Once your application has been processed, you will be notified to collect your passport from the Embassy.

Fees & processing time

  • The fees and processing times for a Bulgarian visa for Afghanistan citizens are as follows:
  • Visa fee: The standard visa fee for a Short-stay (Type C) Schengen visa is EUR 80. This is approximately USD 87 (subject to current exchange rates).
  • VFS/BLS service fee: Not applicable, as applications are submitted directly to the Embassy of Bulgaria in Islamabad, Pakistan.
  • Total cost estimate: The total cost for the visa itself is EUR 80. Please note that this does not include costs for travel to Pakistan, accommodation, document translation/notarization, or courier services.
  • Standard processing time: The typical processing time for a Schengen visa is 15 working days from the date of application submission. In some cases, especially if further documentation or detailed checks are required, the processing time can extend up to 45 working days.
  • Express/priority option: An express or priority processing service is generally not available for Schengen visa applications from this embassy.

Tips for Afghanistan travelers

  • Consider these tips to facilitate your Bulgarian visa application:
  • How far in advance to apply: It is highly recommended to apply for your visa at least 3 to 4 weeks (21-30 days) before your intended travel date. Given that you must travel to Islamabad, Pakistan, for the application, allow ample time for logistical arrangements, including any necessary visa for Pakistan itself.
  • Common rejection reasons for Afghanistan applicants specifically:
  • Incomplete or fraudulent documentation.
  • Insufficient proof of funds to cover the entire stay.
  • Failure to demonstrate strong ties to Afghanistan (e.g., family, property, stable employment) which might suggest an intention not to return.
  • Unclear or inconsistent purpose of travel.
  • Previous visa overstays or violations in any Schengen country.
  • Invalid travel health insurance.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: For Afghanistan citizens, the application must be made directly at the Embassy of Bulgaria in Islamabad, Pakistan, as there is no VFS/BLS center or Bulgarian diplomatic mission in Afghanistan for visa applications.
  • Any current travel advisories or bilateral notes: The Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends exercising caution due to the general security situation in Afghanistan. Travelers should also be aware of any travel restrictions or entry requirements for Pakistan when planning their visa application trip.
  • Extension options inside Bulgaria: Short-stay (Type C) visas are generally not extendable in Bulgaria, except under very exceptional circumstances such as a serious illness, force majeure, or humanitarian reasons. Any request for extension must be submitted to the Bulgarian migration authorities, and approval is granted on a case-by-case basis and is rare. It is crucial to adhere to your allowed period of stay.

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.