Bulgaria entry requirements for Lebanon 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
Lebanese passport holders need a visa to enter Bulgaria. Apply at the Bulgarian embassy in Beirut before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option. Processing can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
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 applies the Schengen visa rules — your visa can be valid for the entire Schengen zone, not just Bulgaria. Submit your application at least 15 days before travel, but no more than 6 months in advance.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from Bulgaria | Your passport needs at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps. The 3-month validity rule is strictly enforced at Bulgarian border control — airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Border officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to a third country ready. This is checked at passport control, not just by the airline. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Immigration may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel confirmation, rental agreement, or a notarized invitation letter from a Bulgarian host. A simple booking.com reservation works for most officers. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Bulgaria requires you to show you can support yourself — roughly 50 EUR per day of stay. Carry recent bank statements, a credit card, or cash. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take up to 45 days. Do not book non-refundable flights or accommodation until you have the visa in hand.
Schengen visa holders can enter
If you already have a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa, you can enter Bulgaria without a separate Bulgarian visa. Your passport must still be valid for 6 months beyond entry.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, application form, photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, insurance, bank statements, and any supporting letters. Make copies of everything.
2
Submit application at the embassy
Visit the Bulgarian embassy in Beirut in person to submit your application and biometrics (fingerprints). You may need to book an appointment in advance — check the embassy website or call ahead.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the Schengen visa fee (€80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6-12, free for children under 6). Payment is usually in cash or by bank transfer — confirm with the embassy.
4
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days, but can extend to 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 or have it couriered back. Check the visa sticker for correct dates and validity.
6
Travel and enter Bulgaria
At Sofia Airport or any land border, present your passport with the visa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Answer clearly and honestly.
Download Bulgaria Entry Checklist
PDF · Lebanon 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 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Standard short-stay visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180 days per entry
Validity1 year (or up to 5 years with travel history)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple visits; requires proof of previous Schengen travel for longer validity.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year (renewable)
Cost€100 (~$109 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsorship.
work visa
Bulgarian Work Visa (D Visa)
1 year, renewable
€100 (~$109 USD)
For employment with a Bulgarian company. Requires a work permit and job offer. Allows residency and eventual permanent residence.
student visa
Bulgarian Student Visa (D Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (~$109 USD)
For full-time study at a Bulgarian educational institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Bulgarian Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
€500 (~$545 USD) application fee
For investors who invest at least €1 million in Bulgarian government bonds or a Bulgarian company. Leads to permanent residence.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for adults. | €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. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day, max €500 (~$545 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
Transit visa required
Lebanon passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Bulgaria, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit may transit without a visa.
Transit hubsSofia Airport (SOF) · Burgas Airport (BOJ) · Varna Airport (VAR)
Health & vaccines for Bulgaria
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially spring to autumn. Consider vaccination if hiking.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions recommended.
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 – Sofia
47, Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd, Sofia 1202
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits.
Plovdiv
Migration Directorate – Plovdiv
2, Ivan Vazov St, Plovdiv 4000
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles regional immigration matters.
Practical information for LB 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
If you are transiting through a Bulgarian airport and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you do not need a visa. But if you need to enter Bulgaria for any reason — even a few hours — you need a visa.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days from the date the embassy receives your complete application. It can take up to 45 days if they need to verify documents. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your planned travel.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6-12, and free for children under 6. Fees are non-refundable even if your application is rejected.
No, short-stay visas (type C) are not extendable. You must leave before the visa expires. For longer stays, you need a different visa type (type D) applied for before travel.
You can appeal the decision within 14 days by writing to the embassy. Rejection reasons are usually given in the refusal letter. Common reasons include insufficient funds, unclear travel purpose, or incomplete documents.
Immigration officers can ask for proof of funds. Have your bank statements or a credit card ready. There is no fixed amount, but around €50 per day of stay is a safe guideline.
Yes, Bulgaria allows entry with a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa (type C) for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Your passport must still be valid for 6 months beyond entry.
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.