Visa and border control

From January 1, 2007 Bulgaria is a member of the European Union and applies the common visa policy according to the Accession Treaty. The country issues only national visas, which do not entitle entry into the Schengen area.

Visas are issued by the diplomatic and consular missions of the Republic of Bulgaria or by such agencies of another Member – State of the European Union, with which Bulgaria has signed agreement for the acceptance of applications for visas and visa.

The types of visas are:

  • airport transit (visa type “A”);
  • short stay (visa type “C”);
  • long-stay (visa type “D”).

There is a Visa fee paid according to Tariff №3.

More information on procedures and documents required for applying for a visa, and the address of the consular office can be found at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Emergency / medical services – Emergency number – 112

EU citizens

(Austria, Belgium, Germany, Greece, Denmark, Estonia, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, Finland, France, Holland, Czech Republic and Sweden), the EEA – Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, incl. Switzerland).

When staying in Bulgaria, citizens of the countries listed above should only refer to outpatient and hospital care and independent medical diagnostic laboratories contracted with the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and state or municipal hospitals subsidized by the Ministry of Health. When visiting for advice and / or treatment in private practices and hospitals the patient pays in full for the examination and / or treatment, regardless his health insurance.

Citizens of other countries

Citizens of non-EU countries can use medical care in Bulgaria and pay the market price of the respective hospital. Whenever there is a health insurance, according to the contract, the insurer is the one who restores or cover costs – fully or partially.

When a patient is in a medical emergency state, regardless of nationality, address or health insurance status, each hospital has a duty to carry out any necessary or possible medical activities.

More information on health insurance and the terms of use of health services in Bulgaria can be obtained on the website of the Ministry of Health and National Health Insurance Fund.