Plovdiv Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second-largest city, welcomes travelers as part of the European Union, though it is not yet part of the Schengen Area. Entry requirements are governed by Bulgarian national law and EU regulations. Most visitors will go through immigration at their first point of entry into Bulgaria, typically at Sofia Airport (SOF), Plovdiv Airport (PDV), or a land border. The immigration process is straightforward for visa-free nationals, involving passport checks and occasional questions about the purpose and duration of stay. Travelers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended departure date and that they have proof of sufficient funds and accommodation. It's important to note that while Bulgaria is an EU member, its border controls remain active for all arrivals, including those from Schengen countries.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Bulgaria follows the European Union's common visa policy. The requirements depend on your nationality and the purpose and duration of your visit to Plovdiv.

Visa-Free Entry

90 days within any 180-day period.

Nationals from the EU, EEA, Switzerland, and many other countries can enter Bulgaria for tourism or business without a visa for short stays.

Includes

All European Union (EU) member states United States United Kingdom Canada Australia New Zealand Japan South Korea United Arab Emirates Brazil Argentina Mexico

The 90-day limit applies for the entire Schengen Area and Bulgaria combined for visa-free nationals. Bulgaria's days count separately from Schengen until it fully joins. Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended departure date.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)

Will be 90 days within 180 days when implemented.

Bulgaria does not currently have a standalone ETA/eVisa system. However, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to become mandatory for visa-exempt travelers in 2025. Until then, visa-free rules apply.

Includes

Will apply to all current visa-free nationalities (e.g., US, UK, Canada, Australia)

How to Apply: Once implemented, application will be online via the official ETIAS website. Processing is expected within minutes for most applications.
Cost: Approximately €7 (fee may be waived for travelers under 18 or over 70).

ETIAS is not a visa; it is a travel authorization for short stays. Check the official EU website for the latest launch date and requirements.

Visa Required

As specified on the visa (typically up to 90 days for Type C).

Nationals of countries not listed in the visa-free category must obtain a visa before travel. Bulgaria issues short-stay (Type C) and long-stay (Type D) visas.

How to Apply: Must apply at a Bulgarian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. The process requires an appointment, application form, passport photos, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, financial means, and travel itinerary. Processing times vary.

Holders of valid Schengen visas (Type C) with double or multiple entries can also enter Bulgaria for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a separate Bulgarian visa, under certain conditions.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival in Bulgaria (whether at Plovdiv Airport or another port of entry), all travelers must pass through immigration control. The process is generally efficient.

1. Arrival and Queue

Proceed to the border control area. Separate lanes are usually available for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and All Passports (Non-EU).

2. Passport Control

Present your passport (and visa if required) to the border police officer. Your passport will be scanned and stamped with an entry stamp.

3. Questions

You may be asked about the purpose of your visit (tourism, business), duration of stay, accommodation, and proof of sufficient funds. Answer clearly and politely.

4. Entry Stamp

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss travelers will receive an entry stamp in their passport. Ensure the stamp is clearly dated. This marks the start of your 90-day visa-free period.

5. Baggage Claim and Customs

After immigration, collect your baggage and proceed through the green (nothing to declare) or red (goods to declare) customs channel.

Documents to Have Ready

Passport

Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from Bulgaria.

Visa (if required)

Must be valid and correctly dated. Must be presented upon request.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter from a host. May be requested.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Evidence you can cover your stay (e.g., bank statements, cash, credit cards). The required amount is approximately 50 BGN (~€25) per day.

Return/Onward Ticket

Proof of intention to leave Bulgaria before your visa or visa-free stay expires.

Travel Health Insurance

Strongly recommended for all travelers, and mandatory for visa applicants (minimum coverage €30,000).

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all your documents (passport, accommodation proof, return ticket) easily accessible in your carry-on luggage.

If asked, answer questions confidently and briefly. Do not volunteer unnecessary information.

Check your passport for an entry stamp as you leave the border booth. If it wasn't stamped, politely ask the officer.

The official currency is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). Have some local currency or a credit card ready for immediate expenses like transport.

While not always checked, be prepared to show proof of sufficient funds if requested.

Customs & Duty-Free

Bulgaria follows EU customs regulations. Travelers arriving from non-EU countries have specific duty-free allowances. Arrivals from other EU countries face no restrictions on duties and taxes for goods for personal use.

Alcohol

1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 liters of fortified wine/sparkling wine (under 22% ABV); plus 4 liters of still wine; plus 16 liters of beer.

Traveler must be 18 years or older.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes OR 100 cigarillos OR 50 cigars OR 250g of tobacco.

Traveler must be 18 years or older.

Currency

10,000 EUR (or equivalent in other currencies).

Amounts exceeding 10,000 EUR must be declared to customs upon entry or exit. This includes cash, traveler's checks, money orders, etc.

Gifts/Goods

Other goods up to a total value of 430 EUR for air/sea travelers, or 300 EUR for land travelers.

For travelers under 15 years, the limit is 150 EUR. This applies to goods for personal use, not for commercial purposes.

Prohibited Items

Narcotics and illegal drugs - strictly prohibited
Counterfeit goods and pirated copies - violates intellectual property laws
Protected wildlife species or products (CITES) - e.g., ivory, tortoiseshell, certain furs without permits
Offensive weapons (e.g., switchblades, knuckledusters) and self-defense sprays
Obscene or morally offensive materials

Restricted Items

Firearms and ammunition - require prior authorization and permits from Bulgarian authorities
Medicines - personal use quantities allowed with a doctor's prescription; controlled substances require special permission
Plants, plant products, fruits, vegetables - may require phytosanitary certificates
Pets - require a valid EU pet passport, microchip, and rabies vaccination (see Special Situations)

Health Requirements

There are no specific, mandatory vaccination requirements for entry into Bulgaria for general travelers.

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTP, Polio, etc.) are up-to-date
Hepatitis A and B
Tick-borne Encephalitis (for those hiking/camping in rural areas, in spring/summer)

Health Insurance

Not legally mandatory for visa-free travelers but is highly recommended. Medical treatment for non-EU citizens is not free. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens should carry a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or its replacement, the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) for British citizens.

Current Health Requirements: As of November 2024, there are no COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or quarantine requirements for entry into Bulgaria. This is subject to change based on the epidemiological situation. Check the Bulgarian Ministry of Health or your airline for any last-minute updates.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate in Bulgaria. The majority are located in the capital, Sofia.

Check your government's travel advisory website (e.g., travel.state.gov for US, gov.uk for UK) for contact details and local assistance information.

Immigration Authority

Bulgaria's Ministry of Interior - Migration Directorate

Official source for visa and residency information: https://www.mvr.bg/en/migration/accommodation

Emergency

Pan-European emergency number

Dial 112 for police, ambulance, or fire services. Operators may speak English.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Minors traveling alone or with only one parent/guardian may need a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s). Border officials may ask for proof of relationship (birth certificate). This is not a strict legal requirement for entry but is highly recommended to avoid delays.

Traveling with Pets

Dogs, cats, and ferrets from EU countries and listed third countries require an EU Pet Passport with a microchip, valid rabies vaccination, and for some third countries, a rabies antibody test. Pets from unlisted non-EU countries require an EU health certificate issued by an official vet. Check the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency website for the latest rules.

Extended Stays

To stay longer than 90 days in any 180-day period, you must apply for a long-stay (Type D) visa or a residence permit from the Bulgarian Migration Directorate before your visa-free period expires. This applies to purposes such as work, study, family reunion, or long-term tourism. Different documentation and proof of financial means are required.

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