Bulgaria entry requirements for Philippines 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
Filipino passport holders need a visa to enter Bulgaria in 2026. You must apply at the Bulgarian embassy in Manila before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for Philippine citizens.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply before travel | You need a Schengen visa to enter Bulgaria. Apply at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Processing takes at least 15 calendar days — start the process 3–4 months before your trip.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for your entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from Bulgaria. It must have been issued within the last 10 years and have at least two blank pages for entry/exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Border officers at Sofia Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing your departure from the Schengen area within your visa's validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a confirmed hotel reservation or a notarized invitation letter from your host in Bulgaria. Immigration may ask for it during the visa application or at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient means for your stay | Have bank statements or cash showing you can cover at least €50 per day of your stay. A credit card with a high limit also works — officers at Sofia Airport have asked for this. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply well in advance
There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa for Philippine passport holders. You must get a visa from the Bulgarian embassy before you travel. Processing can take 15–45 days, so start your application at least a month ahead.
Schengen visa holders can enter without a separate visa
If you already have a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa, you can enter Bulgaria for up to 90 days without applying for a Bulgarian visa. This is a big time-saver if you have one.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: valid passport, completed visa application form, passport photos, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, travel insurance, bank statements, and any additional supporting papers (employment letter, leave approval).
2
Submit your application at the Bulgarian embassy in Manila
Book an appointment at the Bulgarian Embassy in Manila (or the visa application centre they direct you to). Submit your documents in person, pay the visa fee (around €80 for adults, €40 for children 6–12), and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
3
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days. It can extend to 30–45 days if additional checks are needed. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa.
4
Collect your passport
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check that the dates, name, and number of entries are correct before leaving the embassy.
5
Arrive in Bulgaria and go through immigration
At Sofia Airport or any Bulgarian border, present your passport with the visa, your return ticket, and proof of accommodation. The officer may ask about your itinerary and funds. Answer clearly and briefly.
Download Bulgaria Entry Checklist
PDF · Philippines 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 or visa application center.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per entry
Validity6 months to 5 years (discretionary)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Same fee as single entry; approval depends on travel history and ties.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (~$109 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires additional permits.
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 residency and work rights.
student visa
Bulgarian Student Visa (D Visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a recognized Bulgarian educational institution. Requires proof of admission and sufficient funds.
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 BGN 1,000,000 (~€511,000) in Bulgarian government bonds or a Bulgarian company. Fast-track to permanent residence.
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; maximum cap may apply. | €50 (~$54 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
Philippine passport holders need a transit visa to pass through Bulgaria's international airports, even if staying airside, unless they hold a valid visa or residence permit from a Schengen country, the US, UK, Canada, or Japan.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
- Holders of a valid US, UK, Canada, or Japan visa or residence permit
Transit hubsSofia Airport (SOF) · Burgas Airport (BOJ) · Varna Airport (VAR)
Health & vaccines for Bulgaria
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Present in forested areas, especially in spring and summer. Consider vaccination if hiking or camping.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions recommended; 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 1000
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Bring all original documents.
Plovdiv
Regional Migration Office - Plovdiv
1, Bulgaria Blvd, Plovdiv 4000
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles visa-related issues for southern Bulgaria.
Practical information for PH 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 an e-visa for Philippine passport holders. You must apply in person at the Bulgarian Embassy in Manila or their designated visa application centre.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days. It can take up to 30–45 days if your application requires additional checks. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your planned departure.
The visa fee is approximately €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 6–12. Children under 6 are free. There may be additional service fees if you apply through a visa centre.
Yes. You must provide a confirmed flight booking showing you will leave Bulgaria or the Schengen area before your visa expires. A refundable booking is fine until the visa is approved.
Yes, as of 2026, holders of a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa can enter Bulgaria without a separate Bulgarian visa for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period. But if you don't have a Schengen visa, you need a Bulgarian visa.
Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and a ban from entering Bulgaria or the Schengen area. The fine is typically around 500–1000 BGN (about €250–500). Always leave before your visa expires.
The Bulgarian Embassy is located at 2261 Paraiso Street, Dasmariñas Village, Makati City, Metro Manila. You must book an appointment before visiting. Check their website for the latest procedures.
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.