United Kingdom visa for Bulgarian citizens

Bulgarian passport holders planning a trip to the United Kingdom will now need to secure an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before departure, a significant change from the previous visa-free arrangements for EU citizens. This straightforward digital permit, costing £10, allows for a maximum stay of 180 days, primarily for tourist visits. Despite this new requirement, travel remains highly accessible, with numerous daily flights connecting Sofia to major UK hubs like London in just over three hours. Remember to account for the two-hour time difference between Eastern European Time and Greenwich Mean Time when planning your itinerary, and consider exchanging Bulgarian Lev to British Pounds for local expenses upon arrival.

eTA180d stay· verified 2026-05-27
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Apply

Entry requirements

Passport validity
6+ months
Onward ticket
Required
Funds proof
Required
Health insurance
Not required
Biometrics
Required

Visa options

TouristStandard Visitor visa (up to 6 months)
180d$189multiple-entryvalid 6mo
Apply
TouristStandard Visitor visa (long-term, up to 2 years)
180d$710multiple-entryvalid 2y
Apply
TouristStandard Visitor visa (long-term, up to 5 years)
180d$1267multiple-entryvalid 5y
Apply
TouristStandard Visitor visa (long-term, up to 10 years)
180d$1583multiple-entryvalid 10y
Apply
OtherVisiting academic – Standard Visitor (more than 6 months up to 12 months)
365d$328multiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply
FamilyMarriage Visitor visa
180d$189multiple-entryvalid 6mo
Apply
MedicalVisit visa for private medical treatment (more than 6 months up to 11 months)
335d$328multiple-entryvalid 11mo
Apply
TouristVisit visa – in a Chinese tour group (Approved Destination Status)
30d$189valid 6mo
Apply
TouristChild Standard Visitor visa (up to 6 months)
180d$189multiple-entryvalid 6mo
Apply
TouristChild Standard Visitor visa (long-term, up to 2 years)
180d$710multiple-entryvalid 2y
Apply
TouristChild Standard Visitor visa (long-term, up to 5 years)
180d$1267multiple-entryvalid 5y
Apply
TouristChild Standard Visitor visa (long-term, up to 10 years)
180d$1583multiple-entryvalid 10y
Apply
TransitDirect Airside Transit Visa (DATV)
1d$58valid 6mo
Apply
TransitVisitor in Transit visa
2d$105valid 6mo
Apply
TransitVisit visa – joining a ship or aircraft as crew
7d$105valid 6mo
Apply
FamilyParent of a Child Student visa
365d$1019multiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply
StudentShort-term Student (English language, 6–11 months)
335d$320multiple-entryvalid 11mo
Apply
OtherElectronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
180d$25multiple-entryvalid 2y
Apply

ETA UK required from 2 Apr 2025 (valid 2 years). Adults can use ePassport gates.

Sources