You need a visa for Bulgaria if you have an Iranian passport

These visas exist for Bulgaria, but they cannot be applied for online with Iranian nationality. Tell us about your trip and we will come back with the options and a price.

Visa required

Frequently asked questions

Do Iranian citizens need a visa for Bulgaria?

Yes. Iranian citizens need a visa for Bulgaria. It is not available online — the application goes through an embassy or consulate.

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What Bulgaria may ask for

Not every traveller is asked for all of these. A valid passport is checked every time; the rest is a spot check at the border, and some items belong to a visa application rather than the crossing itself.

Passport valid 3+ months beyond stay with 2 blank pages
Recent passport photo 35x45mm with white background
Travel insurance with minimum 30,000 EUR coverage
Hotel reservation or invitation letter from host
Proof of funds: 50 EUR per day of stay
Round-trip flight reservation or travel itinerary

Entry requirements for Iranian travellers

These rules apply specifically to Iranian passport holders entering Bulgaria as tourists. Each one links to the official source where available.

Required
Mandatory travel health insurance
Travelers must have travel health insurance when visiting Bulgaria. Insurance should cover at least EUR 30,000.00, be valid in all Schengen and EU member states, and cover the entire duration of stay.
Bulgaria Ministry of Foreign Affairs Last checked 2026-08-06
Required
Travelers require a passport valid for at least 3 months after the traveler exits Bulgaria
Travelers need a valid passport to enter Bulgaria. The traveler's passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the traveler's arrival date and remain valid for at least 3 months after the traveler's departure from Bulgaria. The passport must have at least 2 blank pages.
European Union Last checked 2026-08-06
May be required
Entry/Exit System (EES) new digital passport control at European borders
The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new digital border process for non-EU nationals traveling for a short stay (up to 90 days within 180 days). No advance action is required. Travelers should allow additional time at passport control, especially during busy travel seasons. At passport control, travelers provide a facial photo and/or fingerprints. Passports are no longer stamped. Self-service kiosks may be available at some airports and border entries.
- This requirement doesn’t apply to the following travelers: -EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals; -Nationals of Andorra, Monaco, and San Marino; -Holders of Vatican City or Holy See passports; -Holders of residence permits or long-stay visas; -Family members of EU nationals holding a residence card; -UK nationals and family members holding valid Brexit Withdrawal Agreement residence documents issued by their host EU member state. Check the source for more details and a full list of exemptions.
Entry/Exit System Last checked 2026-08-06
Not required
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required for Bulgaria
Travelers don’t need proof of COVID-19 vaccination before traveling to Bulgaria.
Last checked 2026-08-06
Not required
Proof of pre-departure COVID-19 test is not required
Travelers don’t need a COVID-19 test before traveling to Bulgaria.
Last checked 2026-08-06
Required
Transit visa
Travelers need a visa to transit through Bulgaria. Travelers must obtain a paper or embassy visa from an embassy, consulate or visa center before traveling.
- This airport transit visa requirement doesn’t apply to the following travelers as long as their next destination is outside of the Schengen area: -Holders of valid Schengen single visa, long-stay visa, permit for stay issued by any of the Schengen area states; -Holders of valid short-stay visas, long-stay visas and permits for stay issued by Romania and Cyprus; -Holders of a valid permit for stay issued by Lichtenstein.
Last checked 2026-08-06
Not required
Proof of pre-departure COVID-19 test is not required for transit
Travelers don’t need a COVID-19 test when transiting through Bulgaria.
Last checked 2026-08-06
May be required
Entry requirements for traveling with pets (dogs and cats)
Travelers should check with their airline for pet transport requirements before traveling, as policies differ. Dogs and cats traveling into the EU from outside the EU must meet entry requirements that vary by country of origin. Pets must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies. Additional requirements may apply depending on where travel originates. Travelers can check the specific requirements for their country of origin on the EU government's pet travel page. Travelers bringing other animals should check the national rules of their destination country directly.
EU Pet Entry Requirements Last checked 2026-08-06