Bulgaria entry requirements for Uzbekistan 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
Uzbek 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply at Bulgarian embassy or consulate | You need a Schengen C visa to enter Bulgaria. Apply at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Processing takes 15 calendar days — submit your application at least 3 weeks before travel.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from Bulgaria | Your passport needs at least 3 months of validity after your 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 Proof of departure from the Schengen area | Border officers at Bulgarian airports ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen zone within your visa's validity. Budget airlines at Sofia Airport check this before issuing a boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a notarized invitation letter from your host in Bulgaria. Immigration officers at Sofia Airport ask for this during visa checks. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Carry bank statements or cash showing you have at least €50 per day for your stay. Officers at the border may ask to see proof you can cover your expenses. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival or e-visa
Bulgaria does not offer visa on arrival or an e-visa for Uzbek citizens. You must apply at a Bulgarian embassy or consulate before you travel. Do not book flights or hotels until your visa is approved.
Schengen visa holders can enter
If you hold a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa, you can enter Bulgaria without a separate Bulgarian visa for stays up to 90 days. Make sure your Schengen visa is still valid for the entire period you plan to stay.
What happens at the border
1
Determine where to apply
Find the Bulgarian embassy or consulate responsible for your region. In Uzbekistan, the Bulgarian embassy in Tashkent handles visa applications. Check their website for jurisdiction details.
2
Book an appointment
Contact the embassy or consulate to schedule a visa appointment. Some embassies use an online booking system; others require email or phone. Do this well in advance — slots can fill up.
3
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, application form, insurance, accommodation proof, flight booking, and bank statements. Make photocopies of everything.
4
Attend the interview
Show up at the embassy on time with your complete application pack. You'll submit documents, pay the fee, and possibly answer a few questions about your trip. Biometrics (fingerprints) are taken.
5
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days, but can extend to 45 days in busy periods. Track your application if the embassy offers it. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa.
6
Collect your passport
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check the visa dates and conditions immediately. If anything is wrong, notify the embassy before you travel.
Download Bulgaria Entry Checklist
PDF · Uzbekistan 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
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Requires invitation or hotel booking.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€120 (~$130 USD)
Suitable for frequent travellers.
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 (Type D)
1 year, renewable
€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For employment with a Bulgarian company. Requires a work permit and job offer. Allows long-term stay and path to permanent residence.
student visa
Bulgarian Student Visa (Type D)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at Bulgarian universities. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Bulgarian Investor Visa
1 year, renewable; permanent residence after 5 years
€500 (~$543 USD) application fee plus investment of at least €1,000,000
For investors who invest at least €1 million in Bulgarian government bonds or business. Fast track to permanent residence.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Uzbekistan passport holders; may vary by embassy. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €120 (~$130 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | €50 (~$54 USD) per day, max €500 (~$543 USD) |
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
Uzbekistan passport holders need a transit visa to pass through Bulgaria, even if staying airside. Apply at Bulgarian embassy before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid Schengen visa or residence permit may transit without visa for up to 5 days.
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; vaccination recommended for hikers or campers.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in rural areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions suffice; tap water is safe in most 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
ul. 'Knyaz Boris I' 136, 1000 Sofia
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits.
Plovdiv
Migration Directorate – Plovdiv
ul. '6-ti Septemvri' 20, 4000 Plovdiv
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles extensions and registration for southern Bulgaria.
Practical information for UZ 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
Standard processing is 15 calendar days, but can take up to 45 days during peak season. Apply at least 6–8 weeks before your planned travel date.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults (about 1,050,000 UZS as of 2025). Children aged 6–12 pay €40. Fees are paid in local currency at the embassy. Check the embassy website for the exact amount.
Yes, Bulgaria accepts valid Schengen visas for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period). If you have a multiple-entry Schengen visa, you can enter Bulgaria without a separate Bulgarian visa.
Immigration officers can ask for proof of sufficient funds. There's no fixed amount, but around €50 per day of your stay is a safe guideline. Carry bank statements or a credit card.
You can appeal the decision within 15 days of receiving the rejection. The appeal must be submitted to the same embassy or consulate. Common reasons for rejection include incomplete documents, insufficient funds, or doubts about your intention to return.
Extensions are possible only in exceptional circumstances, such as medical emergencies or force majeure. You must apply at the local immigration office before your visa expires. Overstaying without permission can result in fines and a ban.
No. There is no visa on arrival for Uzbek passport holders at any Bulgarian airport or land border. You must obtain a visa before traveling.
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.