Do I Need ETIAS for Bulgaria? What Travelers Need to Know

Bulgaria, one of the more recent countries to join the Schengen area, is a destination visited by millions of travelers each year. From its beautiful architecture to its stunning beaches, this Balkan nation is a gem.

European travel requirements continue to evolve – and this includes requirements to travel to Bulgaria.

This article will tell you everything you need to know about Bulgaria and ETIAS – whether or not you need it for your upcoming trip and how to apply.

Do I Need ETIAS to Visit Bulgaria?

Yes, from 2025 on, if you are visa-exempt, and do not have a valid Schengen visa/passport, you will need ETIAS to visit Bulgaria.
Travelers who are exempt from requiring a visa for Bulgaria include citizens of the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and other countries with visa-waiver agreements.

This means that citizens from the US, Canada, UK, and more will need ETIAS to travel to Bulgaria.

If you are not from a visa-exempt country (India or China, for example), you do not need ETIAS to travel to Bulgaria. Instead, you need a Schengen visa.

Is ETIAS a visa?

No, ETIAS is not a visa. ETIAS is a travel authorization. When your ETIAS application is approved, it means that you have been approved to enter a country in the Schengen area.

If you’re from a visa-exempt country (the US or UK, for example) and want to visit Bulgaria for longer than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a Bulgarian visa.

Because ETIAS is not a visa, it’s an authorization that is only for short trips for leisure, or business trips.

Do I need ETIAS if I already have a Bulgarian visa?

No, you do not. If you already have a valid visa for Bulgaria (or the Schengen area), you do not need to apply for ETIAS. ETIAS is an “either/or” situation. Travelers need to either have a valid Schengen visa or ETIAS approval.

How to apply for ETIAS for Bulgaria

Applying for an ETIAS for your trip to Bulgaria will take place entirely online and will only take you 10-20 minutes. You’ll need your passport number and a valid credit or debit card.

Just follow a few simple steps:

• Fill out the form on ETIAS with your name, travel details, nationality, and passport number
• Answer a few questions about your personal history. According to the official European Union website, you’ll be asked to share your level of education, occupation, and your parents’ first names. You’ll also be asked about any past criminal convictions.
• Pay a fee: There is an application fee that can be paid online using a credit or debit card (it’s 7 euros, but free for those under the age of 18 or over the age of 70).
• Wait for approval: ETIAS approval is given within minutes in the majority of cases, and you will be notified of your approval by email. Keep in mind that, while uncommon, approval can take up to 30 days (so make sure you plan accordingly!)

Your ETIAS is valid for up to three years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. When you’re ready to reapply, just follow the steps above again.

If I get an ETIAS for Bulgaria, can I travel to other Schengen countries with it?

A valid ETIAS permits you to travel throughout the Schengen area and Cyprus, according to the EU website. With that being said, it does not guarantee entry. Border guards can still deny you entry.

ETIAS for Bulgaria: Key Takeaways

• From 2025 on, ETIAS is required for travelers from visa-exempt countries visiting Bulgaria (this includes US and UK citizens).
• ETIAS is not a visa. It is authorization to enter a country in the Schengen area.
• Bulgarian citizens and Schengen area residents do not need ETIAS.
• Current Bulgaria visa holders do not need ETIAS.
• The ETIAS application process is straightforward and completed online.
• ETIAS costs 7 euros.
• ETIAS is valid for travel by air, land, or sea.
• Usually, ETIAS approval is immediate (but it can take up to 30 days, so plan accordingly).
• Once approved, your ETIAS is valid for 3 years or until your passport expires – whichever comes first.
• You can appeal a denied ETIAS application.
• If you’re from a visa-exempt country (China, India, Russia, etc.), you do not need ETIAS.