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Bulgaria Visa for Hong Kong Citizens 2026

Visa Free

Hong Kong SAR passport holders can travel to Bulgaria visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, under the same short-stay exemption and upcoming ETIAS requirement that applies across the Schengen area, which Bulgaria joined for air and sea borders in 2024.

Guide last updated October 23, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure, issued within the last 10 years
  • No visa or application form for short stays - only an ETIAS travel authorisation once it becomes mandatory (rollout expected from late 2026)
  • Proof of funds for the stay and a return/onward ticket
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host's invitation letter)
  • Travel/medical insurance covering at least EUR 30,000 is recommended
  • No biometrics required beyond the EU's Entry/Exit System checks being phased in at Schengen borders for all travellers

Visa types

  • Visa-free short-stay entry - up to 90 days per 180-day period, no application needed, for tourism and business
  • National Type D visa (long-stay) - required for study, work or stays over 90 days, issued by the Bulgarian Embassy/Consulate serving Hong Kong

Entry conditions

  • Up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period; since Bulgaria joined the Schengen area for air and sea borders in March 2024, this allowance is shared with time spent in other Schengen countries
  • No employment is permitted on the visa-free entry
  • Must be able to show accommodation details, a return ticket and sufficient funds if asked
  • Once ETIAS is mandatory, authorisation must be obtained online before boarding

Fees & processing time

  • No fee for the 90-day visa-free entry
  • ETIAS authorisation fee: EUR 7 once mandatory, typically instant to 96-hour approval
  • National Type D visa: fee approximately EUR 100-180 depending on purpose, processing 15-30 calendar days through the Bulgarian Consulate or its visa application centre

Tips for Hong Kong travelers

  • Remember the 90/180-day limit is shared across the whole Schengen area, not just Bulgaria, since Bulgaria's air/sea borders joined Schengen in 2024
  • Apply for ETIAS ahead of travel once it becomes mandatory
  • Keep accommodation and return ticket proof accessible for border checks
  • For longer stays (study, work), start the national visa application well in advance given multi-week processing

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.