Visa for Bulgaria
According to Council Decision (EU) 2024/210 of 30 December 2023 on the full application of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania, as of 31 March 2024, the Republic of Bulgaria is part of the Schengen area by initially abolishing checks on persons at internal air and sea borders.
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 after 31 March 2024 will allow 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 within the Schengen area begins to be counted from the moment of entry into the territory of Schengen, including for the Republic of Bulgaria.
For more information (types of visas, required documents, etc.), please, visit the following link: https://www.mfa.bg/en/services-travel/consular-services/travel-bulgaria/visa-bulgaria
If you live in the United Arab Emirates, you have two options to apply for a Schengen visa, issued by the Republic of Bulgaria:
- Option 1: Bulgarian and EU citizens family members and applicants for a long-term visa (Type “D” – 180 days) - you need to book an appointment through the e-mail ([email protected]). A consular officer will schedule an appointment for you (it will be for one of the following week days – Monday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, from 09.30 to 13.00). After receiving a written confirmation for your appointment, with the exact date and time, you can submit your documents at the Consular section of the Consulate General of Bulgaria in Dubai (Jumeirah 1, Jumeirah Beach Road, Villa 18)
- Option 2: Any other applicants for short-term visa (for example Type “C”, up to 90 days within any 180-day period) – you need to book an appointment and submit your documents through “VFS Global”. You can visit the following link: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/are/en/bgr/ For consultations, you can use the following contacts:
- Helpline Number - +971 4 205 5850
- Helpline Email - [email protected]
For the location of the VFS centers in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, please, visit the following link: