Bulgaria entry requirements for Kazakhstan 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
Kazakh passport holders need a visa to enter Bulgaria in 2026. You must apply at the Bulgarian embassy in Nur-Sultan before you travel. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for Kazakh citizens.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Schengen visa (C-type) | Apply for a short-stay Schengen visa at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in Kazakhstan. Submit your application at least 15 days before travel — processing takes up to 15 calendar days. Use the official portal at mfa.bg to find the application form and appointment booking.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport needs to 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 a 3-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit from Schengen area | Border officers at Sofia Airport will ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen zone within your visa's validity. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this at passport control. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a confirmed hotel reservation or a notarized invitation letter from your Bulgarian host. Immigration may ask for it at the border — have a printed copy or a PDF on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Show a bank statement from the last 3 months or cash equivalent to at least €50 per day of your stay. Border officers rarely ask, but if they do, you need to prove you can cover your expenses. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take up to 45 days. Do not book non-refundable flights or hotels until you have the visa in hand.
Bulgaria uses Schengen visa rules
Although Bulgaria is not yet in the Schengen Area, it uses the same visa application form and requirements. If you have a valid Schengen visa, you can enter Bulgaria without a separate Bulgarian visa.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, application form, flight and hotel bookings, travel insurance, and proof of funds. Make copies of everything.
2
Book an appointment at the Bulgarian embassy
Contact the Embassy of Bulgaria in Nur-Sultan to schedule a visa appointment. You must apply in person — no mail-in applications. Appointments can take 1-2 weeks to get.
3
Submit your application
Go to the embassy at the appointed time. Submit your documents, pay the visa fee (€80 for adults, €40 for children 6-12), and give biometrics (fingerprints and photo). The process takes about 30 minutes.
4
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days. It can extend to 30-45 days if additional checks are needed. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa.
5
Collect your passport
Once approved, collect your passport from the embassy in person or arrange courier delivery if available. Check the visa sticker for correct dates and spelling.
6
Enter Bulgaria
At Sofia Airport or any land border, present your passport with the visa. The border officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Answer clearly. You will get an entry stamp.
Download Bulgaria Entry Checklist
PDF · Kazakhstan 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
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Standard short-stay visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per entry
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries, ideal for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost€100 (~$109 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires additional permits.
work visa
Bulgarian Work Visa (D Visa)
1 year, renewable
€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For employment with a Bulgarian company. Requires a work permit and job offer. Allows family reunification.
student visa
Bulgarian Student Visa (D Visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For full-time study at a Bulgarian institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Bulgarian Investor Visa
1 year, renewable; leads to permanent residence
€500 (~$545 USD) application fee plus investment
For investors who invest at least €1 million in Bulgarian government bonds or €500,000 in a Bulgarian company. Fast-track to permanent residence.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for adults, non-refundable. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | €50 (~$54 USD) per day, max €500 (~$540 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
No transit visa needed
Kazakhstan passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Bulgarian airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsSofia Airport (SOF) · Burgas Airport (BOJ) · Varna Airport (VAR)
Health & vaccines for Bulgaria
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Present in forested areas, especially in spring and summer. Consider vaccination if hiking.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions are sufficient; tap water is generally safe in cities.
Air pollutionLow risk
Urban air quality can be poor in winter; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
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
47A, Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd, 1202 Sofia
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Bring all original documents.
Plovdiv
Regional Migration Office – Plovdiv
2, Hristo Botev Blvd, 4000 Plovdiv
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles extensions and registration for southern Bulgaria.
Practical information for KZ 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. There is no visa-on-arrival for Kazakh citizens. You must get a visa from the Bulgarian embassy in Nur-Sultan before you travel.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days. In busy periods or if extra checks are needed, it can take 30-45 days. Apply at least 3-4 weeks before your trip.
The visa fee is €80 for adults (about 16,000 KZT) and €40 for children aged 6-12. Children under 6 are free. Fees are paid in local currency at the embassy's exchange rate.
Yes. You must appear in person at the Embassy of Bulgaria in Nur-Sultan to submit your application and give biometrics (fingerprints and photo). No mail-in or third-party submissions.
Renew your passport first. The 6-month validity is counted from your entry date into Bulgaria. If your passport expires sooner, the embassy will reject your application.
No. Bulgarian visas are not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-apply from Kazakhstan.
Your passport with the valid visa, your return ticket (screenshot is fine), and proof of accommodation for your first night. The border officer may ask for proof of funds — have a bank statement or cash ready.
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.