ETIAS for Bulgaria

EU Visa Waiver for US Citizens Visiting Bulgaria

Bulgaria is now a member of the Schengen Area. U.S. citizens will require an ETIAS to go to Bulgaria. The ETIAS visa waiver program is being launched in 2026.

ETIAS is a new electronic travel authorization for the European Schengen Area. American tourists will be able to enter Bulgaria without a visa and stay for up to 90 days with ETIAS.

ETIAS Bulgaria for U.S. Citizens

Americans will soon need ETIAS to travel to Bulgaria without a visa. U.S. passport holders will have to register for ETIAS online before departure.

The ETIAS visa waiver will be valid to visit all the countries in the Schengen Area as well as candidate countries. There are currently 29 nations in the borderless travel area, while Cyprus is in the process of joining.

ETIAS is valid to travel from the United States to the Schengen Area multiple times during its 3-year validity, or until the holder’s passport expires.

It will be valid for short tourism and business trips to Bulgaria, for up to 90 days per 180-day period.

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ETIAS requirements for U.S. citizens to visit Bulgaria

To apply for ETIAS for Bulgaria, Americans will be required to:

U.S. citizens must be visiting for transit, tourism, or business to be eligible for visa-free travel to Bulgaria with ETIAS. They cannot stay for longer than 90 days per 180-day period without applying for a visa.

Documents required to visit Bulgaria

U.S. citizens can travel to Bulgaria without a visa for up to 90 days per 180-day period.

To travel to Bulgaria, U.S. citizens are required to have the following:

  • A valid U.S. machine-readable passport
  • Hold an ETIAS visa waiver

The ETIAS application process is 100% online. Americans will need to complete the electronic form with the following information:

  • Full name as it appears on passport
  • Date and place of birth
  • Home address
  • Intended country of entry
  • Security information

They will also be required to provide:

  • A valid email address as all correspondence will be via email
  • A debit or credit card to pay the online application fee

Applicants are notified by email once their visa waiver has been approved. The visa waiver is electronically linked to the U.S. passport and will be verified at the external Schengen border.

Tourist Travel Information about Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a Balkan state in southeastern Europe. Its combination of history and nature makes it an attractive destination for American tourists.

Plovdiv is the cultural capital of Bulgaria. Europe’s oldest living city and one of the 6 oldest cities in the world, Plovdiv boasts historical architecture and charming cobblestone streets.

The Bulgarian capital, Sofia, is another top choice for travelers. The St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, many museums, and churches are among the most visited places.

Known for its varied natural landscapes, Bulgaria is also a popular destination for travelers who love the outdoors. The country features beaches, rivers, lakes, mountains, forests, and even a desert.

About Bulgaria

Capital: Sofia

Language: Bulgarian

Area: 110.993 km²

Population: 7.000.039

Timezone: UTC/GTM 2

Currency: Lev

Code: +359

Electric sockets: Plug C and Plug F, 230 V, 50 Hz.

U.S. Embassy in Sofía, Bulgaria

There is one US embassy in Bulgaria, it is located in the capital city of Sofia.

Address: 16, Kozyak Street, Sofia 1408, Bulgaria

Phone: +359 2 937 5100

Interesting facts and tourist info about Bulgaria

  • Bulgaria’s capital city Sofia is over 7,000 years old, making it the second oldest city in Europe.
  • Bulgaria boasts over 15,000 Thracian tombs, many yet to be explored. It is the third most valuable archaeological site in Europe, after Italy and Greece.
  • Thanks to its many mountainous regions, Bulgaria has a forest coverage of roughly one-third of its entire landmass.
  • Bulgaria borders the Black Sea, which boasts sandy beaches and rugged cliffs.
  • As much as 85% of the world’s rose oil is produced by Bulgaria, it is an essential ingredient in the production of perfumes.
  • Bulgaria is the European country with the second-highest number of natural springs, it offers many spas that tourists can visit.

Medical Information for U.S. citizens

Recommended vaccines:

  • Routine Vaccines
  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B
  • Measles
  • Rabies

Emergencies:

In the event that US citizens require emergency services, they should call the European emergency number of 112. In Bulgaria, the average answer time is 7 seconds and callers can expect to speak with an English speaker. Bulgaria also has the following national emergency service numbers:

  • Police: 166
  • Fire: 160
  • Ambulance: 150