Bulgaria entry requirements for Sri Lanka 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
Sri Lankan passport holders need a visa to enter Bulgaria in 2026. You must apply for a Bulgarian visa at the embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for Sri Lankan citizens.
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, and expect processing to take up to 15 calendar days.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Bulgaria. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Bulgarian law, but airlines may enforce a 3-month validity rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit from Schengen area | Immigration officers at Bulgarian border checkpoints routinely ask for a return or onward ticket out of the Schengen zone. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight or bus ticket ready. This applies even if you enter overland from a neighboring country. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a confirmed hotel reservation or a notarized invitation letter from your Bulgarian host. Officers at Sofia Airport and land borders ask for this regularly. A simple Airbnb confirmation printed out works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Show you have at least €50 per day of stay, or a total of €500 for shorter trips. A recent bank statement, credit card, or cash in euros works. Officers rarely ask for this if you have a visa, but have it ready. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take 2-3 weeks, and appointments may be limited. Start your application at least 6 weeks before your departure to avoid last-minute stress.
Bulgaria is not fully Schengen yet
While Bulgaria follows Schengen visa rules, it is not yet a full Schengen member. A Bulgarian visa allows you to enter Bulgaria and Romania, but not other Schengen countries unless you have a separate Schengen visa.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: valid passport, completed visa application form, passport photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, travel insurance, bank statements, and any additional documents requested by the embassy.
2
Submit your visa application
Visit the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in Sri Lanka (or the nearest diplomatic mission handling Bulgaria). Submit your application in person, pay the visa fee (typically €80 for adults, €40 for children), and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
3
Wait for processing
Processing usually takes 10-15 working days. You may be called for an interview. Track your application status online or via the embassy.
4
Collect your passport
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check that all details (name, dates, validity) are correct before leaving the embassy.
5
Arrive in Bulgaria
At Sofia Airport or any Bulgarian border, present your passport with the visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer may ask about your trip purpose and funds. Answer clearly and briefly.
Download Bulgaria Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka 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
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For tourism or business visits; must apply at Bulgarian embassy.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
Validity6 months to 1 year
Cost€120 (~$130 USD)
Suitable for frequent travellers; requires justification.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (~$109 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Bulgarian Work Visa (Type D)
1 year, renewable
€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For employment with a Bulgarian company. Requires a work permit and job offer. Allows residence and work.
student visa
Bulgarian Student Visa (Type D)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a Bulgarian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Bulgarian Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
€500 (~$545 USD) application fee
For investors with significant capital (minimum €500,000). Leads to permanent residence after 5 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for short-stay visa, payable at embassy/consulate. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €120 (~$130 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 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
Sri Lanka 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
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially spring to autumn; consider vaccination.
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, 1202 Sofia
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits.
Plovdiv
Regional Migration Office – Plovdiv
2, Ivan Vazov Str, 4000 Plovdiv
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles visa-related issues for southern Bulgaria.
Practical information for LK 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 Sri Lankan citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Bulgarian embassy or consulate before traveling.
Standard processing takes 10-15 working days. In busy periods or if additional documents are requested, it can take up to 30 days. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your planned travel.
The standard Schengen-type visa fee is €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 6-12. Children under 6 are usually exempt. Fees are payable in local currency at the embassy's exchange rate.
Yes. You need to show you have enough money to cover your stay — typically around €50 per day. Bank statements from the last 3-6 months are the most common proof.
Extensions are not typically granted for short-stay visas. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a long-stay visa (type D) before traveling. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
You will receive a written explanation. You can appeal the decision within 15 days or reapply with additional documents. Common rejection reasons include insufficient funds, weak travel history, or incomplete paperwork.
Yes. You must provide fingerprints and a digital photo as part of the application. This is done at the embassy or visa center. Biometrics are valid for 5 years for subsequent Schengen visa applications.
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.