Plovdiv Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second-largest city and a cultural gem, welcomes international visitors as part of Bulgaria's entry into the European Union and Schengen Area applicant status. As of 2024, Bulgaria is an EU member state but not yet part of the Schengen Area, which means it maintains its own border controls while following EU visa policies. Travelers arriving in Plovdiv typically enter Bulgaria through Sofia Airport (SOF) or other international entry points, then travel to Plovdiv by road, rail, or domestic connections. Entry requirements for Plovdiv follow Bulgaria's national immigration policies, which align closely with Schengen visa regulations. EU/EEA citizens enjoy freedom of movement, while many other nationalities benefit from visa-free access for short stays. The immigration process is generally straightforward, with border officials checking passports, travel documents, and occasionally asking about the purpose and duration of stay. Before traveling to Plovdiv, ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from Bulgaria, with at least two blank pages for stamps. Travelers should also be prepared to demonstrate sufficient funds for their stay, proof of accommodation, and return or onward travel arrangements. While Plovdiv itself doesn't have its own international airport with customs facilities, understanding Bulgaria's entry requirements is essential for a smooth arrival.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Bulgaria follows a visa policy closely aligned with Schengen regulations. Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the purpose and duration of your visit.

Visa-Free Entry

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period

Citizens of EU/EEA countries, and numerous other nations can enter Bulgaria without a visa for tourism or business purposes

Includes

All EU/EEA member states (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, etc.) United States United Kingdom Canada Australia New Zealand Japan South Korea Singapore Israel United Arab Emirates Brazil Argentina Chile Mexico Switzerland Norway Iceland

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can stay indefinitely and have freedom of movement rights. Non-EU visa-free travelers must not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period and cannot work without appropriate authorization. A valid national ID card is sufficient for EU/EEA citizens; others need a passport.

Schengen Visa Holders

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period, or duration of valid Schengen document

Travelers holding valid Schengen visas or residence permits can enter Bulgaria

Includes

Holders of valid Schengen visas (Type C) or Schengen residence permits from any Schengen member state

How to Apply: No separate Bulgarian visa needed if you already hold a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa or residence permit. Simply present these documents at the Bulgarian border.
Cost: No additional cost (use existing Schengen visa)

This is particularly useful for travelers combining Bulgaria with Schengen countries. Single-entry Schengen visas may not be valid for Bulgaria; check with Bulgarian authorities.

Visa Required

Typically up to 90 days for tourist visas, depending on visa type granted

Nationals of countries not covered by visa-free arrangements must obtain a visa before traveling

How to Apply: Apply at a Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Applications typically require: completed application form, valid passport, passport photos, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, financial means, and return ticket. Processing time is usually 10-15 calendar days but can take longer.

This includes nationals of China, India, Russia, Turkey (for stays over 90 days), South Africa, Pakistan, and many African and Asian countries. Business, student, and work visas have different requirements and processing times. Some countries may apply for an airport transit visa if transiting through Bulgarian airports.

Arrival Process

Most international travelers arrive in Bulgaria through Sofia Airport or other border crossings, then continue to Plovdiv. The entry process involves passport control, customs clearance, and occasionally additional screening. EU/EEA citizens typically experience faster processing through dedicated lanes.

Arrival and Queue Selection

Upon arrival at the border control point, proceed to the appropriate queue: EU/EEA/Swiss nationals use designated lanes, while all other nationalities use separate lanes. Have your passport and any required documents ready.

Passport Control

Present your passport to the border guard. Non-EU travelers will have their passport stamped with entry date. Officers may ask questions about your visit and request supporting documents such as hotel reservations, return tickets, or proof of sufficient funds.

Baggage Claim

If arriving by air, collect your checked luggage from the designated carousel. Verify all bags are accounted for before proceeding to customs.

Customs Declaration

Proceed through customs via the appropriate channel: Green (nothing to declare) or Red (goods to declare). Random checks may occur even in the green channel. Declare any items exceeding duty-free allowances or restricted goods.

Exit to Arrivals

Once cleared, exit to the arrivals area where you can access transportation to Plovdiv via bus, train, taxi, or rental car. The journey from Sofia to Plovdiv takes approximately 1.5-2 hours by road or train.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport or National ID

Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure from Bulgaria. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can use national ID cards. Passport should have at least 2 blank pages.

Visa (if required)

Nationals requiring visas must have obtained them before arrival. Present visa along with passport at border control.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservations, rental agreement, or invitation letter from host. May be requested by border officials, especially for visa-required nationalities.

Return or Onward Ticket

Proof of departure from Bulgaria within the allowed stay period. Can be flight, bus, or train ticket.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Bank statements, cash, credit cards, or traveler's checks demonstrating ability to support yourself during your stay (approximately €50-70 per day recommended).

Travel Insurance

While not always checked, travel insurance covering medical expenses of at least €30,000 is strongly recommended and may be required for visa applications.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all documents organized and easily accessible before reaching passport control to speed up the process.

Keep copies of important documents (passport, visa, insurance) separately from originals, and store digital copies in cloud storage.

Ensure you have some Bulgarian Lev (BGN) or euros for immediate expenses, as not all transportation options accept cards.

Be polite and patient with border officials. Answer questions directly and honestly. Avoid jokes or comments about security.

If you need to declare items, use the red customs channel and be honest. Penalties for undeclared goods can be severe.

Download offline maps and translation apps before arrival, as you may not have immediate internet access.

Book transportation to Plovdiv in advance, especially during peak tourist season (May-September), to ensure availability and better rates.

Keep your entry stamp visible and passport secure, as you may need to show it for hotel check-ins or if requested by authorities during your stay.

Customs & Duty-Free

Bulgaria's customs regulations align with EU standards. Travelers can bring personal items duty-free within specified limits. Honest declaration of goods exceeding allowances is essential to avoid penalties.

Alcohol

For travelers from non-EU countries: 1 liter of spirits over 22% alcohol OR 2 liters of fortified wine, sparkling wine, or alcoholic beverages less than 22% alcohol, PLUS 4 liters of wine AND 16 liters of beer. EU travelers: no limits for personal use, but guidance suggests up to 10 liters of spirits, 90 liters of wine, and 110 liters of beer.

Must be 18 years or older. Quantities should be for personal use only, not for resale.

Tobacco

For non-EU travelers: 200 cigarettes OR 100 cigarillos OR 50 cigars OR 250g of tobacco. EU travelers: 800 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 200 cigars, or 1kg of tobacco for personal use.

Must be 18 years or older. Exceeding these amounts may result in confiscation and fines.

Currency

No limit on currency brought into Bulgaria, but amounts of €10,000 or more (or equivalent) must be declared upon entry and exit.

Declaration applies to cash, traveler's checks, and certain negotiable instruments. Undeclared amounts may be confiscated.

Gifts/Goods

Travelers from non-EU countries: goods up to €430 value (€300 for air/sea travelers under 15 years). EU travelers: unlimited value for personal use.

Goods must be for personal use or as gifts, not for commercial purposes. Electronics, perfumes, and luxury items may be questioned if quantities suggest commercial intent.

Prohibited Items

Narcotics and illegal drugs -严格禁止，违者将面临严重刑事处罚
Weapons and ammunition without proper permits - includes firearms, knives with blades over certain lengths, and martial arts weapons
Counterfeit goods and pirated media - including fake designer items, copied DVDs, and software
Endangered species products - items made from protected animals or plants under CITES regulations
Meat and dairy products from non-EU countries - with few exceptions, to prevent disease spread
Plants and plant products without phytosanitary certificates - including seeds, soil, and certain fruits
Pornographic materials depicting minors - strictly prohibited with severe penalties

Restricted Items

Prescription medications - bring only necessary amounts with doctor's prescription and original packaging; certain controlled substances may require special permits
Cultural artifacts and antiques - items over 50 years old may require export permits; purchasing archaeological items is illegal
Drones and radio equipment - may require registration or permits; check with Bulgarian Civil Aviation Authority
Large amounts of cash - while not prohibited, amounts over €10,000 must be declared
Pets and animals - require health certificates, rabies vaccination records, and microchips (see special situations)
Certain foods - honey, eggs, and some processed foods from non-EU countries may be restricted
Professional equipment - cameras, laptops, and other equipment for commercial use may require temporary import documentation

Health Requirements

Bulgaria does not currently require specific vaccinations for entry from most countries, but travelers should ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date and consider health insurance coverage.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever vaccination certificate - only required if arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (parts of Africa and South America)

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations - ensure up-to-date with MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus), polio, and seasonal influenza
Hepatitis A - recommended for most travelers, as contamination can occur through food or water
Hepatitis B - recommended for travelers who may have contact with blood or bodily fluids, or engage in medical procedures
Rabies - consider for travelers spending time outdoors, working with animals, or in rural areas
Tick-borne Encephalitis - recommended for travelers planning extensive outdoor activities in forested areas, especially spring through autumn

Health Insurance

Travel health insurance is strongly recommended for all visitors and required for visa applications. EU/EEA citizens should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for access to state healthcare at reduced cost. Non-EU travelers should obtain comprehensive travel insurance covering medical treatment, hospitalization, and emergency evacuation, with minimum coverage of €30,000. Bulgaria has good medical facilities in major cities like Plovdiv, but private care may be expensive without insurance.

Current Health Requirements: Health entry requirements can change rapidly due to disease outbreaks, pandemics, or public health emergencies. Check the Bulgarian Ministry of Health website and your country's travel health advisory for current COVID-19 requirements, testing, quarantine rules, or other health measures before departure. Requirements may include vaccination certificates, negative test results, or health declaration forms depending on current conditions and country of origin.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in Sofia for assistance with lost passports, legal issues, or emergencies

Find contact details through your government's foreign affairs website. Major embassies are located in Sofia, approximately 150km from Plovdiv.

Bulgarian Immigration Authority

Ministry of Interior - Migration Directorate for visa information and immigration matters

Website: www.mvr.bg (available in Bulgarian and English). For visa applications, contact Bulgarian embassies abroad.

Emergency Services

Dial 112 for all emergencies (police, ambulance, fire)

112 is the European emergency number, available 24/7 with English-speaking operators. For non-emergencies: Police 166, Ambulance 150, Fire 160

Tourist Information Plovdiv

Plovdiv Tourist Information Center for local assistance, maps, and recommendations

Located in central Plovdiv near the Old Town. Staff speak English and can help with accommodation, transportation, and attractions.

Bulgarian Customs Agency

For customs-related inquiries and regulations

Website: www.customs.bg. Contact for questions about duty-free allowances, prohibited items, and import regulations.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport (or be included in parent's passport if country allows). Minors traveling without both parents should carry a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent(s), translated into Bulgarian or English, authorizing the travel. This is particularly important for single parents or when traveling with only one parent. For unaccompanied minors, airlines have specific procedures and requirements. Divorced or separated parents should carry custody documents if traveling alone with children. EU citizens can use children's ID cards where applicable.

Traveling with Pets

Pets entering Bulgaria from EU countries must have: a microchip (ISO 11784/11785 compliant), valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel), and EU pet passport. Pets from non-EU countries need: microchip, rabies vaccination certificate, official veterinary health certificate (issued within 10 days of travel), and possibly a rabies antibody test (depending on country of origin). Dogs must be vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus. Only cats, dogs, and ferrets are allowed under pet travel rules; other animals require special permits. Check airline policies for in-cabin or cargo travel. Dangerous dog breeds may face restrictions.

Extended Stays

Tourist stays are limited to 90 days within any 180-day period for visa-free travelers. For longer stays, options include: applying for a long-stay D visa before arrival (for work, study, family reunification), registering for temporary residence within the 90-day period, or leaving Bulgaria and the EU for sufficient time to reset the 180-day calculation. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens have freedom of movement rights and can stay indefinitely but should register with local authorities if staying over 90 days. Working in Bulgaria requires appropriate work authorization regardless of nationality. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and entry bans.

Business Travelers

Business visitors on short trips (under 90 days) can usually enter on tourist visa-free arrangements or business visas. Carry invitation letters from Bulgarian companies, proof of business activities, and company documentation. For work assignments, employment contracts, or establishing a business, different visa categories and work permits are required. EU citizens can work freely but should complete registration formalities. Bringing professional equipment may require temporary import documentation (ATA Carnet) to avoid customs duties.

Students

Students planning to study in Plovdiv or elsewhere in Bulgaria must obtain a long-stay D visa for study purposes before arrival. Requirements include: acceptance letter from Bulgarian educational institution, proof of sufficient funds, accommodation confirmation, health insurance, and clean criminal record. After arrival, students must apply for a residence permit. EU students have simplified procedures under freedom of movement but should register with local authorities and their educational institution.

Dual Nationals

Travelers holding dual nationality including Bulgarian citizenship must enter and exit Bulgaria using their Bulgarian passport. This is a legal requirement even if the other passport offers visa-free access. Dual nationals of EU countries may use either EU passport. If you hold citizenship of Bulgaria and a non-EU country, always present your Bulgarian passport to Bulgarian border officials.