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Bulgaria Visa for Antigua And Barbuda Citizens 2026

Visa Free

Antigua and Barbuda citizens require a visa for Bulgaria for stays exceeding 90 days within a 180-day period; apply for a Schengen visa (Type C) at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in their country of residence.

Guide last updated August 27, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport: Must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay in the Schengen area, issued within the last 10 years, and have at least two blank pages.
  • Visa Application Form: Completed and signed Schengen visa application form. Obtainable from the Bulgarian embassy/consulate website or VFS Global.
  • Passport-sized Photos: Two recent biometric photos, 35x45mm, with a white background, neutral facial expression, and looking directly at the camera.
  • Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements for the last 3-6 months showing sufficient funds to cover your stay (minimum of €50 per day of stay, or equivalent in a convertible currency).
  • Accommodation Proof: Hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a host if staying with friends/family.
  • Return Ticket: Confirmed return flight or travel ticket.
  • Travel Health Insurance: Mandatory for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen area, covering a minimum of €30,000 for medical expenses and repatriation.
  • Other Documents: Depending on the visa type, this may include employment letter, business registration, student enrollment, etc.
  • Biometrics: Fingerprints and digital photograph will be collected at the visa application center (e.g., VFS Global) or the embassy/consulate.
  • Visa Fee: Payable at the time of application.

Visa types

  • Tourist Visa (Schengen Type C, Short-stay):
  • Validity: Up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
  • Max Stay: 90 days.
  • Entry: Single, double, or multiple entry.
  • Fee: Approximately €80 (subject to change).
  • Business Visa (Schengen Type C, Short-stay):
  • Validity: Up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
  • Max Stay: 90 days.
  • Entry: Single, double, or multiple entry.
  • Fee: Approximately €80 (subject to change).
  • Other Short-Stay Visas (e.g., Visiting Family/Friends):
  • Similar to Tourist and Business visas, requiring specific supporting documents.
  • Long-Stay Visa (Type D):
  • For stays longer than 90 days (e.g., work, study, family reunification).
  • Requires application directly at the Bulgarian embassy/consulate and separate processing.
  • Validity and Max Stay: Varies based on the purpose of stay.
  • Fee: Varies, typically higher than Type C visas.
  • Note: Antigua and Barbuda citizens typically need to apply for this type at the Bulgarian Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence, or a designated Schengen country's embassy if Bulgaria has no representation there.

How to apply

  • Visit the official website of the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (mfa.bg) to find the nearest Bulgarian embassy or consulate. If no Bulgarian mission is available in Antigua and Barbuda, you will likely need to apply through a Bulgarian mission in another country, or through a VFS Global center if appointed by Bulgaria.
  • Download and complete the Schengen Visa Application Form.
  • Gather all required supporting documents as per the visa type.
  • Schedule an appointment at the embassy, consulate, or VFS Global center.
  • Attend the appointment to submit your application, supporting documents, passport, and provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo).
  • Pay the visa fee and any applicable service fees.
  • Await the decision on your visa application. Processing times can vary.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa Fee (Schengen Type C): Approximately €80 (around $85 USD). This fee is standard for most Schengen countries and can be subject to change. Children aged 6-12 pay approximately €40. Children under 6 are exempt.
  • VFS Global Service Fee (if applicable): If using VFS Global, expect an additional service fee, typically around €30-€40 per application.
  • Total Cost Estimate: For a short-stay visa, expect a total cost of approximately €110-€120 ($120-$130 USD).
  • Standard Processing Time: Typically 15 calendar days. This can be extended up to 30 or 45 days in specific cases.
  • Express/Priority Option: Not always available. If offered, it might expedite processing to a few working days for an additional fee.

Tips for Antigua and Barbuda travelers

  • Apply well in advance: It is recommended to apply at least 1-2 months before your intended travel date, especially during peak seasons.
  • Accuracy is key: Ensure all information provided in the application form and supporting documents is accurate and consistent. Mismatched details are a common reason for rejection.
  • Proof of ties to home country: Since Antigua and Barbuda is not part of the Schengen Area, applicants may need to provide stronger evidence of their intention to return to their home country after the trip, such as proof of employment, property ownership, or family ties.
  • Financial solvency: Clearly demonstrate sufficient funds for your stay and return. Understating your financial capacity is a frequent cause for visa refusal.
  • Travel Insurance: Ensure your travel insurance meets all Schengen requirements, including the minimum coverage amount and validity period.
  • Embassy/Consulate Research: Confirm the specific requirements and application procedures of the Bulgarian embassy or consulate responsible for processing applications from Antigua and Barbuda, as procedures can vary.
  • Extension Options: Extensions of stay for short-stay Schengen visas are rarely granted and are only permissible in exceptional, unforeseen circumstances. Applying for an extension is not a guarantee. Long-stay visas are processed separately.

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.