---
title: "Bulgarian Tourist Visa (Type C Schengen Visa)"
url: https://bulgaristanvatandas.com/en/services/visa/
lang: en
updated: 2026-10-23
description: "How to get a Bulgarian visa? Documents, where to apply, processing time and refusal reasons for the type C Schengen tourist and business visa."
source: BulgaristanVatandas.com (https://bulgaristanvatandas.com)
---
# Bulgarian Tourist Visa (Type C Schengen Visa)
**Turkish citizens need a visa to enter Bulgaria. Bulgaria has been a full member of the Schengen area since 1 January 2025; the visa issued for short visits is now a Schengen visa (type C). Those who want to stay in Bulgaria for more than 90 days obtain a type D national visa. Where to apply, the documents and the timing depend on the visa type.**
Visa applications require choosing the right visa type, preparing documents without omissions and following the process closely. Our expert team supports your **Bulgarian and Schengen visa** applications with its knowledge of Bulgarian legislation and consular practice.
## Who needs a Bulgarian visa?
You cannot enter Bulgaria visa-free with a Turkish passport. In the following cases you do not need a separate Bulgarian visa:
- **If you are a citizen of Bulgaria or another EU country:** you enter visa-free with a Bulgarian ID or passport. If you are curious about the citizenship route, see our [Bulgarian citizenship](/en/services/citizenship/) page.
- **If you hold a Bulgarian residence card:** a valid residence card replaces the visa. Details on our [Bulgarian residence permit](/en/services/residence-permit/) page.
- **If you have a valid Schengen visa or another Schengen country's residence card:** since Bulgaria is now a Schengen member, you can also enter Bulgaria with these documents within the 90-days-in-180 rule.
Rules differ for holders of special (green) and service passports; check the current situation with the consulate before travelling.
## Bulgarian visa types
| Visa type | For whom? | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist visa (C) | Holidays, sightseeing, visiting relatives or friends | Up to 90 days in 180 days |
| Business visa (C) | Fairs, meetings, business talks | Up to 90 days in 180 days |
| Transit visa (A) | Passing through the international transit area of an airport (certain nationalities) | Transit only |
| Long-stay visa (D) | Family reunification, work, study, commercial representation, retirement | Stays longer than 90 days, followed by a residence permit |
Short-stay visas can be single, double or multiple entry. Those who have used earlier Schengen visas correctly are usually granted longer, multiple-entry visas.
### Type D visa and residence permit
This page covers the short-stay (type C) visa. If you will stay in Bulgaria for more than 90 days, see our [type D national visa](/en/services/type-d-visa/) service page; after entering Bulgaria with a D visa, you apply to the Migration Directorate for a residence permit. If you are the spouse or child of a Bulgarian citizen, see our article on the [family reunification visa](/en/bulgaria-family-reunification-visa-documents/). For those considering the commercial representation route we have a separate guide: [type D visa documents for representatives](/en/type-d-visa-for-commercial-representatives/).
## Documents for a tourist or business visa
The document list varies slightly by consulate and purpose of travel. Generally requested:
1. **Passport:** valid at least 3 months after the return date, issued within the last 10 years and with at least two blank pages.
2. **Visa application form:** fully completed and signed.
3. **Biometric photo:** recent, white background.
4. **Travel health insurance:** valid throughout the Schengen area, with cover of at least 30,000 euros. We arrange your [travel health insurance](/en/travel-health-insurance/) through our partner insurers.
5. **Proof of accommodation:** a hotel booking or the address and invitation of the host.
6. **Travel document:** a flight booking, or if travelling by car, the registration and green card insurance.
7. **Financial documents:** bank statements for recent months.
8. **Professional documents:** for employees, a letter from the employer and social security registration; for employers, the tax certificate and activity certificate; for students, a student certificate; for retirees, a pension certificate.
9. **For a business visa:** an invitation letter from the company in Bulgaria and documents showing the business relationship.
For minors, parental consent and a civil registry record are also required. If Turkish documents need translating, we prepare them with our [sworn translation](/en/services/translation/) service.
## Where and when to apply
Short-stay visa applications are made through the visa application centres authorised by Bulgaria's consulates in Türkiye. Which centre you apply to depends on the city where you live. Type D visa applications are made directly to the Bulgarian Embassy or Consulates General.
- You can apply **at the earliest 6 months and at the latest 15 days** before travel. Appointments fill up in summer and holiday periods, so we recommend applying early.
- Fingerprints are taken at application. If you gave fingerprints within the last 59 months, they may not be taken again.
- The decision period is as a rule **15 calendar days**; for files needing further review it can be extended up to 45 days.
## Visa fee
For short-stay visas the common Schengen visa fee applies, plus the service fee of the visa application centre. Reductions or exemptions apply to children and some groups. Since fees are updated periodically, we check the current amount together before applying. The type D visa fee is separate.
## What if the visa is refused?
The refusal is notified in writing with the reasons. The decision can be appealed under Bulgarian law, or a new application can be made after correcting the shortcomings. The most common reasons for refusal are:
- The purpose of travel is not clearly shown by documents
- Insufficient or unexplained bank transactions
- Weak ties (work, family, property) showing your return to Türkiye
- Missing or contradictory documents
- Overstaying on previous Schengen visas
Before reapplying we review the refusal reason and rebuild the file to answer that reason.
## What we do
- **We determine the right visa type:** we choose the visa that best suits your purpose of travel.
- **We prepare a complete application file:** we gather all documents and information required for the visa type.
- **We follow the appointment and application:** we make sure your file moves forward quickly and smoothly.
- **We arrange your insurance:** we arrange [travel health insurance](/en/travel-health-insurance/), the document most closely checked in visa applications, at an affordable price through our partner insurers.
Together with our citizenship, residence permit, [family reunification](/en/services/family-reunification/), [birth and marriage registration](/en/services/birth-and-marriage-registration/) and [company formation](/en/services/company-formation/) services, we also handle your visa procedures from a single point.
## How does the process work?
1. **Preliminary assessment:** we review your purpose of travel and documents and determine the right visa type.
2. **File preparation:** we take care of obtaining documents, translations and insurance.
3. **Application:** we book your appointment and submit your complete file to the relevant authority.
4. **Follow-up:** we follow the process until it is concluded and keep you informed of every development.
## Related guides
- [What is a Bulgarian type D visa?](/en/what-is-the-bulgarian-type-d-visa/)
- [Family reunification visa and documents](/en/bulgaria-family-reunification-visa-documents/)
- [Bulgaria in Schengen: a new era of travel](/en/bulgaria-joins-schengen-new-era-of-travel/)
- [Which countries can Bulgarian citizens travel to?](/en/which-countries-can-bulgarian-citizens-travel-to/)
## Frequently asked questions
What are the Bulgarian visa types?
- Short-stay tourist visa (C)
- Business visa (C)
- Private visit visa (C)
- Airport transit visa (A)
- Long-stay national visa (D)
Where do I apply for a visa?
Short-stay visa applications are made through the visa application centres authorised by the consulates. Type D visa applications are made to the Bulgarian Embassy or Consulates General. We deliver your complete file to the relevant authority as quickly as possible.
Who decides on the visa application?
Decisions are made by officials of the Bulgarian Embassy and Consulates General. Bulgaria has been an EU member since 2007; it fully joined the Schengen area at its air and sea borders on 31 March 2024 and at its land borders on 1 January 2025.
Can I enter Bulgaria with another Schengen country's visa?
Yes. With a valid Schengen visa you can also enter Bulgaria, provided you do not exceed a total of 90 days within 180 days. However, you must apply to the country that is the main destination of your trip. If your main destination is Bulgaria, apply to Bulgaria.
How long does a Bulgarian visa take?
For short-stay visas the decision period is as a rule 15 calendar days; for files needing further review it can be extended up to 45 days. Since finding an appointment also takes time in busy periods, we recommend applying at least a month before travel.
Do I need a visa when crossing at Kapıkule by car?
Yes. A valid visa, Schengen visa or residence card is also required when entering by land. If you travel by car, you must also carry the registration, green card insurance and, if the car is not yours, a power of attorney.