Bulgaria entry requirements for Madagascar 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
Madagascar passport holders need a visa to enter Bulgaria in 2026. You must apply at a Bulgarian embassy or consulate 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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. The passport must have been issued within the last 10 years. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for Schengen entry | Immigration officers at Bulgarian border control ask for a return or onward ticket proving you leave the Schengen area within your visa validity. Budget airlines at Sofia Airport check this before issuing a boarding pass. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a confirmed hotel reservation for every night of your stay, or a notarized invitation letter from a Bulgarian host. Immigration may ask to see this at the border. If staying with friends, they need to register you with the local police within 48 hours of arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Show you have at least €50 per day for your stay in Bulgaria. Bank statements from the last 3 months, traveler's cheques, or a credit card with sufficient limit all work. Immigration officers rarely ask, but have the documents ready. | Recommended |
No visa-on-arrival or e-visa
Madagascar passport holders cannot get a visa at the Bulgarian border or online. You must apply at a Bulgarian embassy or consulate before you travel. Plan ahead — processing can take weeks.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Bulgaria, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the visa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the Bulgarian embassy
Contact the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in Madagascar (or the nearest one if there is none in your country). Submit the completed visa application form, your passport, passport photos, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, and travel insurance. Pay the visa fee (typically €35–€80 depending on visa type). Processing takes 10–15 working days, sometimes longer.
2
Wait for visa approval
The embassy will process your application. You may be called for an interview. Once approved, the visa sticker is placed in your passport. Check the validity dates and number of entries.
3
Arrive at Sofia Airport or another Bulgarian entry point
When you land, go to the 'All Passports' queue. Have your passport with the visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The border officer may ask about your plans. Answer clearly. They will stamp your passport with the entry date and allowed stay.
4
Keep documents accessible during your stay
Carry a copy of your passport, visa, and travel insurance with you. Bulgarian police can ask for ID at any time. Store digital copies in your phone as backup.
Download Bulgaria Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar 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)
For short-term tourism; must apply at Bulgarian embassy/consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
Validity6 months to 1 year
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€100-200 (~$109-218 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Bulgarian Work Visa (D Visa)
1 year, renewable
€100-200 (~$109-218 USD)
For employment with a Bulgarian company. Requires a work permit and job offer. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Bulgarian Student Visa (D Visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€100-200 (~$109-218 USD)
For enrollment in a Bulgarian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Bulgarian Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
€500-1000 (~$545-1090 USD)
For investors with significant capital (e.g., €500,000+ in Bulgarian bonds or business). 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) |
| Visa application service feePaid to visa application centre (e.g., VFS Global). | Varies by location (~$30-50 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayImposed by Bulgarian authorities; maximum cap may apply. | €100-200 (~$109-218 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
Madagascar 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, Romania, Cyprus, or Croatia 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 risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Present in forested areas; vaccination recommended for hikers or campers.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in rural areas; use insect repellent and check for ticks.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions advised; tap water is generally safe in cities.
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
Regional Migration Office – Plovdiv
2, Ivan Vazov Str, Plovdiv 4000
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles visa-related issues for southern Bulgaria.
Practical information for MG 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
Yes. You must obtain a visa from a Bulgarian embassy or consulate before you travel. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa for Madagascar passport holders.
Processing typically takes 10–15 working days, but can take longer during peak seasons. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your planned departure.
The visa fee is usually between €35 and €80, depending on the type (single-entry, multiple-entry, etc.). Check with the embassy for the exact amount in your local currency.
Short-term tourist visas are generally not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before you travel.
Your passport with the valid visa, a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. The border officer may also ask about your travel plans and insurance.
It is not always required for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical costs in Bulgaria can be high, and insurance covers emergencies and repatriation.
You can apply at the Bulgarian embassy in a neighboring country or at the embassy that covers your region. Contact the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for guidance on the nearest consulate.
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.