Bulgaria entry requirements for Morocco 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
Moroccan 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. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Schengen visa required | Bulgaria requires a valid Schengen visa for Moroccan passport holders. Apply at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in Rabat or Casablanca. Submit your application at least 15 working days before travel — processing can take up to 45 days.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for your entire stay in Bulgaria | Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from Bulgaria. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Border officers at Sofia Airport ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. Without it, you risk being refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Immigration may ask where you are staying. Have a hotel reservation, Airbnb confirmation, or a notarized invitation letter from a Bulgarian host. A printed copy works best. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Officers can request proof you can support yourself during your stay. Carry a recent bank statement showing at least €50 per day of your trip, or have cash in euros or lev. Credit cards are accepted but a statement is safer. | Recommended |
Bulgaria is not Schengen (yet)
A Bulgarian visa does not let you enter France, Germany, or other Schengen countries. If you plan to visit multiple EU countries, apply for a Schengen visa instead. Bulgaria is expected to join Schengen in the near future, but as of 2026, it's still separate.
Apply early — processing can be slow
Standard processing is 15 days, but it can stretch to 45 days during summer or holiday seasons. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your trip. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand.
What happens at the border
1
Gather documents
Collect your passport, photos, flight and hotel bookings, insurance, bank statements, and the completed application form. Make photocopies of everything.
2
Submit application in person
Visit the Bulgarian embassy in Rabat or the consulate in Casablanca. You must appear in person — no mail-in applications. Book an appointment if required.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the fee at the embassy. As of 2026, the standard Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children 6–12, free for under-6s. Cash or card depending on the office.
4
Wait for processing
Processing takes 15 calendar days typically, but can extend to 45 days during peak seasons. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the visa.
5
Collect your passport
Once approved, pick up your passport with the visa sticker. Check the dates and spelling of your name before leaving the embassy.
6
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 · Morocco 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 Schengen visa for tourism; must apply at Bulgarian embassy/consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
Validity6 months to 5 years (discretionary)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; requires strong travel history and justification.
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 and additional documents.
work visa
Bulgarian Work Visa (D Visa)
1 year, renewable
€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For employment in Bulgaria; requires a job offer and work permit from the Bulgarian Employment Agency. Allows long-term residence and family reunification.
student visa
Bulgarian Student Visa (D Visa)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a Bulgarian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial means. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Bulgarian Investor Visa
1 year, renewable; permanent residence after 5 years
€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. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplied for each day overstay; maximum cap may apply. | €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
Morocco passport holders need a transit visa to pass through Bulgaria en route to a third country, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit may transit without a visa.
- Holders of a valid visa for Bulgaria, Cyprus, or Romania 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)EssentialRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitisRecommended
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Present in forested areas; vaccination recommended for outdoor activities.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions suffice; tap water is generally safe in cities.
Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk
West Nile virus reported in summer; use repellent 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 – Sofia
47, 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
1, Ivan Vazov Str, 4000 Plovdiv
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles visa-related issues for southern Bulgaria.
Practical information for MA 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're staying airside and not passing through passport control, you generally don't need a visa for transit. But if you need to change airports or leave the transit area, you'll need a Bulgarian visa. Check with your airline before booking.
The visa allows a maximum stay of 90 days within any 180-day period. The exact duration is stamped on the visa sticker. Overstaying can lead to fines and future visa denials.
Extensions are possible only in exceptional circumstances (e.g., medical emergency, force majeure). You must apply at the Migration Directorate in Sofia before your visa expires. Standard tourism is not a valid reason.
You apply at the Bulgarian Embassy in Rabat (address: 26 Rue Oued Akrach, Souissi, Rabat) or the Honorary Consulate in Casablanca. Check their website for appointment booking and hours.
The standard fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6–12, and free for children under 6. Fees are paid in local currency (MAD) at the embassy's exchange rate. No refund if denied.
You can appeal the decision within 15 days of receiving the rejection letter. The appeal goes to the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Alternatively, reapply with stronger documentation (e.g., more funds, clearer itinerary).
Bulgaria is not yet in the Schengen Area (though it's in the process). A Bulgarian visa allows you to travel only to Bulgaria, Romania, and Cyprus. For other EU countries, you need a separate Schengen visa.
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.