Bulgaria entry requirements for Indonesia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Indonesian passport holders need a visa to enter Bulgaria. You must apply at a Bulgarian embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option for Indonesian citizens as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Schengen visa required | Apply for a Schengen visa at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Bulgaria is not yet a full Schengen member but issues Schengen-compliant visas. Submit your application at least 15 days before travel — processing takes up to 15 calendar days.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Indonesian passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Bulgaria. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Bulgarian law, but airlines may enforce 3 months validity — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Sofia Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready. This applies to all Schengen-area entries. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation, rental agreement, or a notarized invitation letter from your host in Bulgaria. Border officers may ask for it during the visa application process or at passport control. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient means of support | Have bank statements, cash, or a credit card showing at least €50 per day of your stay. Immigration can ask for proof of funds at the border, especially if you lack a return ticket or accommodation booking. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply early
Indonesian passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Bulgaria. There is no visa on arrival or e-visa option. Start the process at least 4 weeks before your planned departure.
Schengen visa holders can enter
If you hold a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa, you can enter Bulgaria without a separate Bulgarian visa for stays up to 90 days. Make sure your Schengen visa is valid for Bulgaria.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, visa application form, photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, travel insurance, and bank statements.
2
Submit your visa application
Submit the application and documents at the Bulgarian embassy in Jakarta or the nearest Bulgarian diplomatic mission. Pay the visa fee.
3
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 10–15 working days. Apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
4
Collect your visa
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check the validity dates and number of entries.
5
Arrive in Bulgaria
At Sofia Airport or any border crossing, present your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Border police may ask about your plans.
Download Bulgaria Entry Checklist
PDF · Indonesia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 3 months from issue
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Requires appointment at Bulgarian embassy/consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Same fee; allows multiple entries.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€100 (~$109 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires additional documents.
work visa
Bulgarian Work Visa (D Visa)
1 year, renewable
€100 (~$109 USD)
For employment with a Bulgarian company. Requires job offer and work permit. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Bulgarian Student Visa (D Visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€100 (~$109 USD)
For enrolled students at Bulgarian educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Bulgarian Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
€500 (~$545 USD) application fee
For investors meeting minimum investment thresholds (e.g., €500,000 in government bonds). Leads to permanent residence.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for short-stay Schengen visa. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; avoid overstaying. | €50 (~$54 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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 Bulgaria
Transit visa required
Indonesian passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Bulgaria, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid Schengen visa or residence permit may transit without visa.
Transit hubsSofia Airport (SOF) · Burgas Airport (BOJ) · Varna Airport (VAR)
Health & vaccines for Bulgaria
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas; vaccination recommended for hikers.
RabiesLow risk
Risk from animal bites; seek immediate medical care.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Generally safe, but avoid untreated water in rural areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Sofia
Migration Directorate – Ministry of Interior
6, Knyaz Al. Dondukov Blvd, 1000 Sofia
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa and residence permit issues.
Plovdiv
Regional Migration Office – Plovdiv
1, Bulgaria Blvd, 4000 Plovdiv
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles extensions and permits for southern Bulgaria.
Practical information for ID travellers
Country basics
CapitalSofia
LanguageBulgarian
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 6 months; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyBulgarian Lev (BGN)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.71 BGN
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C (Europlug) and Type F (Schuko) plugs are used.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is generally safe to drink in major cities, but bottled water is recommended in rural areas.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. Bulgaria does not offer visa on arrival for Indonesian citizens. You must get a visa from a Bulgarian embassy or consulate before you travel.
Standard processing takes 10–15 working days. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your trip to allow for delays.
The visa fee is around €80 (approx. IDR 1,300,000) for adults. Fees may vary slightly by embassy and are non-refundable if the visa is denied.
Yes, in most cases you need to submit your application in person at the Bulgarian embassy in Jakarta or the nearest consulate. Some embassies accept applications by mail, but check first.
Yes, holders of a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa can enter Bulgaria for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a separate Bulgarian visa. This applies if your Schengen visa is valid for Bulgaria.
You can appeal the decision within 15 days of receiving the rejection. The embassy will provide a reason. Common reasons include insufficient funds, incomplete documents, or doubts about your intention to return.
Extensions are not typically granted for short-stay visas. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a long-stay visa or residence permit before your visa expires.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.