From 31 March 2024, the Republic of Bulgaria issues uniform (Schengen) visas valid throughout the Schengen area. A Schengen visa issued by the Republic of Bulgaria allows its holder to travel throughout the Schengen area in accordance with the Schengen rules (no more than 90 days in any 180-day period), regardless of internal land border checks.
The short-term stay (90 days in any 180 days) within the Schengen area begins to be counted from the moment of entry into the territory of Schengen, including for the Republic of Bulgaria.

When submitting an application for issuance of a visa for short-term stay, a fee of EUR 90 shall be collected, unless otherwise provided for by law, in an international treaty to which the Republic of Bulgaria is a party, in an act of the European Community/European Union, in an agreement of the European Community/European Union with third countries or in an act of the Council of Ministers. Children who are between 6 and under 12 years of age are exempt from the requirement to pay a visa fee.

For more information, forms and procedures, please visit the web-site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://www.mfa.bg/en/services-travel/consular-services/travel-bulgaria/visa-bulgaria

For customs requirements and restrictions, please visit the web-site of the National Customs Agency: https://customs.bg/wps/portal/agency-en/home/info-citizens/info-citizens

Customs escort

An escort may be prescribed under exceptional circumstances only as per the provisions of Art.23 of the TIR Convention. The decision regarding escort is based on risk analysis assessing several factors, among others, the amount of the customs taxes and duties of the transported goods.
During the last couple of years there were no such cases.