United States entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 24, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Bulgarian citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to the United States for any purpose, including tourism, business, or transit. There is no visa waiver or electronic travel authorization available for Bulgarian passport holders, so you need to apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. The process involves completing an online application, paying a fee, and attending an in-person interview. Plan ahead, as the entire process can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa (B1/B2 or appropriate category)You need a full US visa stamped in your passport before you fly — there is no electronic visa option for Bulgarian citizens. Apply at a US embassy or consulate | Bulgarian citizens must obtain a nonimmigrant visa (e.g., B1/B2 for tourism or business) before traveling to the United States. You are not eligible for the US Visa Waiver Program or an eVisa; you must apply in person at a US embassy or consulate, pay the fee, and attend an interview unless waived. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire within 6 months of your planned return date. At least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Bulgarian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before applying for the visa or traveling. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe US border officer needs a clean page to stamp your entry. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 completely blank visa page (not the endorsement page) for the US visa and entry stamp. Ensure no pages are torn or marked. | Required |
| Visa interview appointmentYou must attend an in-person interview unless the consulate grants an interview waiver. Schedule early | Book your visa interview at the US embassy or consulate in Bulgaria well in advance, as wait times can be several weeks. Bring your DS-160 confirmation, appointment letter, fee receipt, and supporting documents. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou need to prove you plan to leave the US after your visit. Proof of departure from the US | Have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave the United States before your visa expires. This is typically checked at check-in and by border officers. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry documents that show you can pay for your trip without working illegally. Sufficient for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, credit cards, or sponsor letter) to cover your expenses during your stay in the US. This is not always requested but is part of the visa interview and entry inspection. | Recommended |
| Arrival declaration (ESTA or similar)You cannot use ESTA — your visa is your entry authorization. Not applicable | Bulgarian citizens are not eligible for the US ESTA or any electronic travel authorization. You must have a full visa; no separate arrival declaration is required beyond the visa and customs forms provided on arrival. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationDo not look for an online visa application — it does not exist for your nationality. Not available | There is no eVisa option for Bulgarian citizens traveling to the United States. All visa applications must be submitted through the standard embassy/consulate process. | Not required |
No ESTA or eVisa available
Bulgarian citizens cannot use the Visa Waiver Program or ESTA. You must apply for a full visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Don't fall for websites offering 'electronic visas'—they're not legitimate for this nationality.
Plan ahead for interview wait times
U.S. visa interviews in Sofia can be booked weeks in advance, especially in summer. Check the appointment calendar as soon as you decide to travel, and consider applying 3-6 months before your planned departure.
What happens at the border
1
Determine your visa type
Identify the correct visa category for your trip. For tourism or visiting family, it's the B-2 visa; for business, B-1. If you're transiting, you might need a C-1 transit visa. Check the U.S. Department of State website for details.
2
Complete the DS-160 form online
Go to the CEAC website, fill out the DS-160, upload your photo, and submit. Print the confirmation page with the barcode—you'll need it for the interview and to pay the fee.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the non-refundable application fee through the designated payment methods (usually bank transfer or online). Keep the receipt. The fee for a B-1/B-2 visa is typically $185, but confirm the current amount.
4
Schedule your interview
Use the U.S. Visa Information and Appointment Services website to book an interview at the U.S. Embassy in Sofia. Wait times can be several weeks, so book as early as possible. You'll need your DS-160 confirmation number and fee receipt to schedule.
5
Attend the interview
Arrive at the embassy on your appointment day with all required documents. Expect security screening, fingerprinting, and a short interview with a consular officer. Answer questions honestly about your trip and ties to Bulgaria. The officer will decide to approve or deny your visa on the spot.
6
Receive your visa and travel
If approved, your passport with the visa will be returned to you via courier or pickup (usually within a few days). Check the visa's validity and entry conditions. When you arrive in the U.S., present your passport to the border officer, who will determine your length of stay (usually up to 6 months for B-2).
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 24, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months
Validity10 years (typical for Bulgarian citizens)
Cost$160 USD (€150)
Allows tourism, business meetings, and medical treatment. Must apply at US embassy in Sofia.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years (typical)
Cost$160 USD (€150)
Same as single entry but allows multiple visits within validity.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days grace
ValidityDuration of academic program
Cost$160 USD (€150) + SEVIS fee $350 USD
For full-time study at accredited US institution. Requires I-20 from school.
H-1B Work Visa
Max stayUp to 3 years, extendable to 6
Validity3 years initial
Cost$190 USD (€175) + premium processing optional
For specialty occupations; requires employer sponsorship and lottery selection.
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 6 years (3+3 extension)
$190 USD (€175) filing fee + legal fees
For professionals with a bachelor's degree or higher in a specialty field. Requires employer sponsorship and annual lottery. Allows dual intent (immigration possible).
Apply student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of academic program + OPT up to 12 months
$160 USD (€150) visa fee + $350 SEVIS fee
For full-time study at accredited US institution. Allows part-time on-campus work and optional practical training after graduation.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000 USD (€980,000) minimum investment
For investors who invest at least $1,050,000 in a new commercial enterprise that creates 10+ jobs. Leads to permanent residency and eventual citizenship.
Apply treaty trader visa
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa (if applicable)
Up to 5 years, renewable indefinitely
$205 USD (€190) filing fee + legal fees
For nationals of treaty countries who invest a substantial amount in a US business. Bulgaria is not a treaty country with the US, so this option is unavailable.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee for most nonimmigrant visas. | $160 USD (€150) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years for Bulgarian citizens. | $160 USD (€150) |
| Visa extension (Form I-539)Fee for extending B1/B2 stay; processing takes months. | $370 USD (€345) |
| Overstay fineOverstay may lead to fines and future visa ineligibility; no fixed daily rate. | Varies; typically $0–$500 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient ties to home30%
Incomplete or incorrect application25%
Previous visa overstay or violation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through United States
No transit visa needed
Bulgarian citizens generally need a visa to transit the US, even if staying airside, unless they qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) or hold a valid US visa.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without additional visa.
- Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries (Bulgaria is not included) may transit under ESTA.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne diseases (Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever)Moderate risk
Risk in wooded/grassy areas, especially Northeast and Midwest.
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus, dengue)Low risk
West Nile virus present nationwide; dengue rare but reported in southern states.
Foodborne illnessesLow risk
General risk from undercooked food; safe water supply.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
USCIS Washington Field Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and change of status by mail; no walk-in services.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Appointment required for in-person queries; most services by mail.
Practical information for BG travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks from the time you schedule your interview, but it can be longer during peak seasons. The interview wait time at the U.S. Embassy in Sofia varies—check the current estimated wait times on the U.S. Visa Appointment website. After approval, your passport is usually returned within 3-5 business days.
No, Bulgarian citizens are not eligible for an eVisa or ESTA. You must apply for a full visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. The DS-160 form is completed online, but the interview and visa stamping require an in-person visit.
The application fee for most nonimmigrant visas (including B-1/B-2) is $185, but this can change. You'll also need to pay for your passport photos and any travel to the embassy. The fee is non-refundable, even if your visa is denied.
For a B-2 tourist visa, the border officer typically grants up to 6 months per entry, but it's at their discretion. You must leave before the date stamped in your passport. The visa itself may be valid for multiple entries over several years, but each stay is limited.
Extensions are possible in rare cases (e.g., medical emergencies), but they are not guaranteed and must be filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before your current stay expires. For most tourists, it's better to leave and re-enter if needed. Overstaying can lead to bans.
If denied, you'll receive a reason (usually under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, meaning you didn't prove strong ties to Bulgaria). You can reapply, but you'll need to pay the fee again and address the officer's concerns. There's no appeal process.
Yes, Bulgarian citizens need a transit visa (C-1) even if you're only changing planes and staying in the airport. There's no transit exemption for Bulgarian passport holders. Apply for a C-1 visa at the embassy, and it's usually valid for short transits.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.