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:
Twenty artists will take part in the Lucky Hunt Sofia Graffiti Festival on September 14 and 15. They will spray over 1000 square metres in Sofia. The event is dedicated to pets and classic cars, say the organisers - the Sofia Graffiti Tour team in..
North-eastern Dobrogea could become UNESCO Global Geopark The authorities in Tulcea County are taking steps for the north-eastern Dobrogea to become a UNESCO Global Geopark, a territory of sustainable development whose values and..
With excitement and some trepidation, more than 55,000 Bulgarian children will be starting school this year for the very first time. On 16 September, the first graders will enter their renovated classrooms and sit down at their desks where colourful..
A six-day handicrafts festival in Veliko Tarnovo kicks off the celebrations of Bulgaria's 116th anniversary of independence , reports BNR correspondent..
An unusual opening of the new school year was made by the students and teachers of the Bulgarian school "Asen and Ilia Peikov" in Rome and Florence. The..
Overcast, rain
Mostly Cloudy
Cloudy