Bulgaria entry requirements for Vietnam 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
Vietnamese 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 for Vietnamese citizens. Plan ahead, as processing can take up to two weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from Bulgaria | Your passport needs at least 2 blank pages for visa stamps. The 3-month validity rule applies to the entire Schengen area — border officers check this strictly. Airlines also enforce this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Bulgarian border checkpoints routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. This applies to all Schengen entries — not just Bulgaria. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel confirmation, rental agreement, or a notarized invitation letter from your host in Bulgaria. Border officers may ask for this during passport control. A printed copy works best. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Show you have at least €50 per day of your stay in Bulgaria. Bank statements from the last 3 months, a credit card with sufficient limit, or cash in euros all work. Officers rarely ask but can request it. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take up to 15 working days, and appointments at the embassy may be limited. Don't leave it to the last minute — start your application at least a month before your planned departure.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, application form, flight bookings, hotel reservations, bank statements, and travel insurance. Make photocopies of everything.
2
Submit your application at the Bulgarian embassy
Book an appointment at the Bulgarian embassy in Hanoi (or the consulate in Ho Chi Minh City if applicable). Submit your documents in person. You'll pay the visa fee (around €80 for adults, €40 for children 6-12).
3
Wait for processing
Processing takes 10-15 working days. You may be called for an interview. Track your application online if the embassy provides that service.
4
Collect your passport
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check the dates and spelling of your name immediately.
5
Arrive in Bulgaria
At Sofia Airport or any land border, present your passport with visa, return ticket, and proof of accommodation. The officer may ask a few questions — answer honestly. You'll get an entry stamp.
Download Bulgaria Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam 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.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; requires proof of travel history.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (~$109 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Bulgarian Work Visa (D Visa)
1 year, renewable
€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
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 (~$109 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a Bulgarian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Bulgarian Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
€500 (~$545 USD) application fee
For investors with minimum investment of BGN 1,000,000 (~$560,000 USD) in Bulgarian economy. Leads to permanent residence.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for Vietnamese passport holders. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period; may include ban. | €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
Vietnamese passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Bulgaria, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid Schengen visa or residence permit may transit without visa.
Transit hubsSofia Airport (SOF) · Burgas Airport (BOJ) · Varna Airport (VAR)
Health & vaccines for Bulgaria
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas; vaccination recommended for rural travel.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions advised; tap water 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
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits.
Plovdiv
Regional Migration Office - Plovdiv
2, Ivan Vazov Str, Plovdiv
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles visa-related issues for southern Bulgaria.
Practical information for VN 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. Vietnam is not on the visa-waiver list for Bulgaria, and there is no visa-on-arrival facility. You must get a visa from a Bulgarian embassy before you travel.
Typically 10-15 working days. Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip to be safe. Rush processing is not usually available.
The standard visa fee is about €80 (roughly 2,000,000 VND) for adults, €40 for children aged 6-12, and free for children under 6. Fees are paid at the embassy in cash or by bank transfer — check with the specific embassy.
Yes. You need a confirmed flight booking showing you will leave Bulgaria before your visa expires. A refundable ticket is fine if you're unsure of your exact return date.
Extensions are not possible for short-stay visas. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a long-stay visa (type D) before you travel.
Your visa application will be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply for the visa.
Yes. The embassy requires proof of accommodation for every night you'll be in Bulgaria. A hotel booking or an invitation letter from a host works.
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.