From April 1, 2013 the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in the State of Kuwait starts collecting biometrical data from visa applicants. It includes taking of a digital photo and 10 fingerprints scan in a quick and simple procedure.

The visa applicants will have to come to the consulate for biometrical data collection only once in 5 years. Frequent travelers do not need to pass through this procedure more than once in 5 years.

The collecting of biometrical data is meant to facilitate the rapid examination and efficient processing of visa applications. In Kuwait this procedure has already been introduced by the consulates of the Schengen states. Inside the European Union the biometrical data is used commonly to make travel documents more secure.

Exemptions from the obligation of fingerprinting are provided for children under 12, for cases where collection of fingerprints is physically impossible and for Sovereigns, Heads of State and members if the national Governments with their official delegations and spouses, if they travel for an official purpose. Holders of diplomatic passports are not exempted from this obligation, unless a visa waiver is granted by a government decision or an international agreement.

The collecting of biometrical data helps to streamline application and border procedures. The visa applicants also benefit from it. It guarantees safe and efficient procedures. The use of the biometrical identifiers during the visa process will protect applicants against identity theft and will prevent false identification.

The Consular Section of the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria will accept visa applications and collect biometrical data each Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:00 till 11:00 AM.

The applicants are kindly asked to contact the Embassy in advance in order to set up an appointment.

Please call telephone numbers (00965) 253 144 58 and (00965) 253 144 59 during the working hours of the Embassy (from 8:30 till 14:30 hrs from Sunday to Thursday) or write to the Embassy’s e-mail address: [email protected]

To submit your visa application for visiting Bulgaria, you can also contact VFS Bulgarian Visa Application Center at the following address

12th Floor, Al-Nassar Tower,

Fahad Alsalem Street, Alqibla Area,

Kuwait City, Kuwait

Submission timings: 09:00 to 16:00 hrs (Sunday - Thursday)

Passport retrieval time: 16:00 to 17:00hrs (Sunday - Thursday)

Contact telephone: (00965) 22258233

Remark: Collecting of biometrical data and submitting of long term visa applications (D type visas) should be made at the Consular Section of the Embassy exclusively.