In a series of articles, we are to tell you about the visas required for stay and transit through Bulgaria. You will also learn which are the countries whose citizens need them. As of March 31, 2024 Bulgaria is part of the Schengen area by air and water. Passport controls for travel from airports and ports to countries within Schengen were eliminated. Meanwhile, the country continues to make efforts go join the Schengen area by land.

Schengen membership, although partial, has led to some visa changes that need to be considered. For citizens who need and possess a uniform Schengen visa, the time spent in Bulgaria shall be considered part of the permitted days for a stay in the Schengen Area, regardless of the border (air, land or sea) that these citizens cross to enter the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria and regardless of whether it concerns a short-term stay or transit. The first visa we are going to tell you about is known as Type A Visa.

Type A visa - what is it for?

Purpose: Air transit

There are three types of A visa:

-single entry

-double entry

-multiple entry (valid for up to 3 months from the date of issuance)

What does a Type A visa entitle you to?

- It grants the foreigner the right to pass through or to stay in the international transit zone of the airport in the case of a transit landing or of changing flights for the purpose of continuing travel to another state.

A foreigner staying in a transit room of international flights is not entitled to leave the transit room.

Is there is specific requirement for obtaining a Type A Visa?

Yes. When applying for Type A Visa, a flight booking must be submitted with the visa application. A ticket and a copy of it are presented before the airport transit visa is issued.

Which are the countries whose citizens need an airport transit visa?

In response to a question by Radio Bulgaria, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed out that the countries whose citizens require an airport transit visa for the Republic of Bulgaria are listed in Appendix No.1 to Article 4, paragraph 1, and Article 6, paragraph 1 of the Regulation for the Conditions and the Order of Issuing Visas, namely:

-  Afghanistan

-  Bangladesh

-  Ghana

-  Ethiopia

-  Eritrea

-  Iraq

-  Iran

-  Democratic Republic of Congo

-  Nigeria

-  Pakistan

-  Somalia

-  Sri Lanka

More useful  information from Radio Bulgaria:

• What are the conditions for foreigners to receive health care in Bulgaria?
• Who can apply and how is EU Blue Card for the right to work in Bulgaria issued?
• Conditions for employment of foreigners in Bulgaria
• Thousands of workers from abroad come to fill in the job vacancies in Bulgaria