You do not need a visa for Italy if you have a Bulgarian passport

No visa needed

Bulgarian citizens can enter Italy 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 Bulgarian citizens need a visa for Italy?

No. Bulgarian citizens can enter Italy without applying for a visa in advance.

Still have a question?

Ask our assistant. It answers in the chat, and we hand it the route you are looking at — Bulgarian passport, travelling to Italy — so you do not have to repeat it.

What Italy 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
Biometric photo: 35x45mm, white background, recent
Travel insurance with 30,000 EUR minimum medical coverage
Confirmed hotel bookings or host invitation letter
Proof of funds: bank statements showing 50 EUR per day
Round-trip flight reservation or detailed travel itinerary

Entry requirements for Bulgarian travellers

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

Required
A travel document is required to enter Italy by air
Travelers need a valid passport or national ID card to enter Italy by air.
European Union Last checked 2026-07-22
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 2026-07-22
Not required
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required for Italy
Travelers don’t need proof of COVID-19 vaccination or proof of recovery before traveling to Italy.
Last checked 2026-07-22
Not required
Proof of pre-departure COVID-19 test is not required
Travelers don’t need a COVID-19 test before traveling to Italy.
Last checked 2026-07-22
Not required
Transit visa is not required
International travelers don’t need a visa to transit through Italy.
Last checked 2026-07-22
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 2026-07-22