Bulgaria visa for United States citizens

Traveling from Bulgaria to the United States necessitates securing an appropriate visa, as Bulgarian citizens are not currently part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. While you'll find comprehensive information on the seven available visa types, ranging from tourist and business to work and student categories, expect a common application fee of approximately $185 for many non-immigrant visas. Planning your transatlantic journey will typically involve connecting flights from Sofia to major American cities like New York or Chicago, bridging a significant time zone difference of seven to ten hours. Therefore, allow ample time for the application process before experiencing the vibrant culture and diverse landscapes across the Atlantic.

Visa-free90d stay· verified 2026-05-27

Entry requirements

Passport validity
3+ months
Blank pages
2+
Funds proof
Required
Health insurance
Required

Visa options

TransitAirport Transit Visa (Type A)
0d$98valid 6mo
Apply
TouristUniform Short-Stay Visa (Type C – Schengen, tourism/business/private, single entry)
90d$109valid 6mo
Apply
TouristUniform Short-Stay Visa (Type C – Schengen, tourism/business/private, multiple entry)
90d$109multiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply
BusinessShort-Stay Visa (Type C – business)
90d$109valid 6mo
Apply
OtherLong-Stay Visa (Type D – 6-month)
180d$109multiple-entryvalid 6mo
Apply
OtherLong-Stay Visa (Type D – 12-month)
365d$218multiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply
WorkLong-Stay Visa (Type D – employed worker, single permit)
365d$218multiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply
StudentLong-Stay Visa (Type D – student)
365d$218multiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply
FamilyLong-Stay Visa (Type D – family reunification with foreigner holding residence)
365d$218multiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply
FamilyLong-Stay Visa (Type D – family member of Bulgarian citizen)
365d$218multiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply
OtherLong-Stay Visa (Type D – researcher/scientific activities)
365d$218multiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply
BusinessLong-Stay Visa (Type D – trade representative office / economic activity)
365d$218multiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply
RetirementLong-Stay Visa (Type D – pensioner with sufficient funds)
365d$218multiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply
MedicalLong-Stay Visa (Type D – medical treatment)
365d$218multiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply
HumanitarianLong-Stay Visa (Type D – humanitarian / other grounds under Foreigners Act)
365d$218multiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply
HumanitarianAsylum or international protection (refugee / humanitarian status – entry and stay)
$0
Apply

90 days within any 180-day period in Schengen Area.

Sources