You do not need a visa for Bulgaria if you have a Vatican passport

No visa needed

Vatican citizens can enter Bulgaria without applying for a visa in advance. Check your passport validity and any onward-travel requirements before you fly.

Visa-free

Frequently asked questions

Do Vatican citizens need a visa for Bulgaria?

No. Vatican citizens can enter Bulgaria without applying for a visa in advance.

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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 Vatican travellers

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

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
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
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
Not required
Transit visa is not required
International travelers don’t need a visa to transit 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