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Bulgaria Visa for China Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Chinese citizens need a Schengen short-stay visa to visit Bulgaria, which became a full Schengen member in January 2025; the visa is applied for through VFS Global or the Bulgarian consulate, fee EUR 90, standard processing 15 calendar days.

Guide last updated October 3, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned departure date, with at least 2 blank pages
  • Completed and signed Schengen visa application form
  • Proof of travel medical insurance covering at least EUR 30,000, valid across the Schengen area
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter) for the full trip
  • Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements for the last 3 months)
  • Round-trip flight reservation/itinerary
  • Two recent passport photos (35x45mm, white background)
  • Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) required for first-time Schengen applicants
  • Travel health insurance is mandatory

Visa types

  • Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) - Tourist/Visit, single or multiple entry, up to 90 days in any 180-day period, fee EUR 90
  • Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) - Business, requires an invitation letter from the host company
  • National Long-Stay Visa (Type D) - for work, study or long-term stays exceeding 90 days, requires a separate residence permit application

How to apply

  • Book an appointment and submit the application through VFS Global or the Bulgarian embassy/consulate in China (Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou)
  • Submit the completed form, passport, photos, insurance, and supporting documents checklist in person
  • Pay the visa fee (EUR 90) plus any application centre service fee at submission
  • Processing time is typically 15 calendar days from a complete application, up to 30-45 days in complex cases
  • Since Bulgaria joined the Schengen area fully in January 2025, a Bulgarian Schengen visa now permits travel throughout the Schengen zone

Fees & processing time

  • Schengen visa fee: EUR 90 (adults), EUR 45 (children 6-12), free for children under 6
  • VFS Global/consulate service fee: approximately EUR 25-30
  • Total estimated cost: approximately EUR 115-120
  • Standard processing time: 15 calendar days from a complete application
  • No official express option; apply at least 3-4 weeks before travel

Tips for China travelers

  • Apply at least 3-4 weeks before travel, and no earlier than 6 months before the trip
  • Common rejection reasons: insufficient funds, unclear travel purpose, incomplete documentation
  • If Bulgaria is not your main Schengen destination, apply at the consulate of the country where you will spend the most time or first enter
  • Use the official VFS Global centre or the Bulgarian consulate directly rather than unauthorized agents
  • Since Bulgaria's full Schengen accession in 2025, land border checks within the Schengen area have been phased out for most crossings

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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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.