Bulgaria entry requirements for Mongolia 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
Mongolian passport holders need a visa to enter Bulgaria. You must apply at a Bulgarian embassy or consulate before traveling — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for Mongolian citizens as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Schengen visa (C-type) required | Apply for a Schengen visa at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in Mongolia. The visa allows up to 90 days within any 180-day period across all Schengen countries. Submit your application at least 15 days before travel, but no more than 6 months in advance.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from Bulgaria | Your passport must have at least two blank pages for visa stamps. The 3-month validity rule applies to the entire Schengen area — border officers check this strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa application and at border entry | You need a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen area within the visa's validity period. Airlines check this before boarding, and Bulgarian border police may ask to see it on arrival. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Provide a confirmed hotel reservation for your entire stay, or a notarized invitation letter from a host in Bulgaria. The visa application requires this, and border officers may ask for it on arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Show you have at least €50 per day of your stay (or equivalent in BGN/other currency). Bank statements from the last 3 months work best. Border officers rarely ask, but have proof ready. | Recommended |
Bulgaria accepts valid Schengen visas
If you already have a valid Schengen visa (from any Schengen country), you can enter Bulgaria without a separate Bulgarian visa for stays up to 90 days. The visa must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay.
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take 2–3 weeks, and during summer or holiday seasons it may take longer. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your planned departure to avoid delays.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: valid passport, completed visa application form, passport photos, return flight booking, hotel confirmation, travel insurance, and bank statements.
2
Submit your application
Visit the Bulgarian embassy or a visa application center (like VFS Global) in your country. Submit your documents, pay the visa fee, and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
3
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 10–15 calendar days. It can take longer during peak seasons. Track your application online if the center offers it.
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 center.
5
Enter Bulgaria
At the border (airport, land, or sea), present your passport with the visa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation proof. Have them ready.
Download Bulgaria Entry Checklist
PDF · Mongolia 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)
Requires appointment at Bulgarian embassy/consulate; processing 10-15 days.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per entry
Validity6 months to 1 year
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Same fee as single entry; requires proof of multiple trips.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (~$109 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires additional documents and approval.
work visa
Bulgarian Work Visa (D Visa)
1 year, renewable
€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For employment with a Bulgarian company. Requires job offer and work permit from the Employment Agency. Allows residence and work rights.
student visa
Bulgarian Student Visa (D Visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For full-time study at a recognized Bulgarian institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Bulgarian Investor Visa
1 year, renewable; leads to permanent residence
€500 (~$544 USD) application fee plus investment of at least €500,000
For investors in Bulgarian businesses or government bonds. Requires minimum investment and business plan. Fast track to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for short-stay Schengen visa, 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 dayImposed for overstaying visa-free or visa period; paid at border or immigration office. | €50 (~$54 USD) per day, max €500 (~$543 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Mongolian passport holders need a transit visa to pass through Bulgaria even if staying airside, unless they hold a valid Schengen visa or residence permit.
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 also 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, varicella)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Present in forested areas, especially in spring and summer; vaccination recommended for rural travel.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Spread by ticks in wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions sufficient; tap water is safe in major 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 – 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, Ivan Vazov Str, 4000 Plovdiv
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:30
Handles visa-related issues for southern Bulgaria; appointments recommended.
Practical information for MN 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. Mongolian passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option.
Standard processing takes 10–15 calendar days. Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip to be safe. During peak summer, it can take longer.
The Schengen visa fee (Bulgaria uses the same fee structure) is €80 for adults, €40 for children 6–12, and free for children under 6. Additional service fees apply if using a visa application center.
Yes, for biometrics (fingerprints and photo). You can apply at the Bulgarian embassy or a visa application center like VFS Global. Some centers allow courier return of your passport.
No. The visa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need a longer stay, apply for a different visa type before traveling.
Bulgaria is not yet in the Schengen Area, but it accepts valid Schengen visas for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period). Your Schengen visa must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Bulgaria.
Your passport with the visa, return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation. Immigration officers may also ask for proof of funds or travel insurance. Keep all documents handy.
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.