Do I need a passport to Bulgaria? Preparing the necessary documents for the trip

For many Russians, visa-free travel to a foreign country is a priority when choosing a vacation destination. So, referring to the travel agency, our fellow citizens often ask whether you need a passport to Bulgaria. After all, this former socialist country is best suited for family or youth recreation at sea.

The main requirements for a trip to Bulgaria

Do I need a passport and a visa for a trip to Bulgaria? The answer is unequivocal: yes, these documents are required without fail. Such strict requirements are due to the fact that this Balkan state has recently become an integral part of the European Union. So, for a trip to Bulgaria you will need the following documents:

• visa;
• Passport (validity period must not end for at least 3 months after leaving the country);
• Migration card.

Rules for filling in the migration card

The migration card is completed immediately upon arrival at the place of destination, at the time of crossing the state border. As a rule, you can receive such documents already on the plane or train. The rules for entering data are standard, you should use black or blue ink, and letters from the Latin alphabet.

Visa application

As for the visa, you can draw it in two ways. The first - through the intermediary, as a rule, in its role the tourist firm acts. You will need to collect a list of documents and transfer them to the company, then - just a tedious wait.

Now that we have decided on the question of whether a foreign passport is necessary for Bulgaria for Russians, it is necessary to pay attention to the algorithm for issuing a visa on their own. First, you need to collect a complete package of documents, it includes:

• Passport (original and copies);
• Questionnaire and questionnaire;
• Copies of the Russian passport (all pages are necessary);
• Color photographs that meet the requirements (it is better to check with the embassy);
• If any, copies of the previous passport with the Bulgarian visa;
• medical insurance;
• Certificate of income in the workplace;
• If you are a student, you will need documents from a higher education institution;
• Invitation to enter or reserve a hotel room;
• Tickets in two directions;
• In some cases, a certificate of currency purchase (EUR 50 per day) may be useful.

On average, the procedure for issuing a visa is spent up to 7 working days, the urgent document is prepared three times faster.

Documents for minors

Do I need a passport to Bulgaria for young children? Yes, regardless of age, a similar package of documents should be prepared for the child. In addition, a number of additional references will be required:

• Birth certificate.
• Permission to leave (if the child crosses the border with one of the parents). You may also need a photocopy of the passport of the father or mother of the child (the one who remains in Russia).
• A copy of the visa and a package of documents accompanying persons.

It must be remembered that this list of documents is inaccurate. When deciding whether to apply for a visa, be sure to contact the embassy.

Types of visas

Now you know if you need a passport to Bulgaria and how to apply for a visa. Be sure to pay attention to the validity of the last one. So, it is customary to distinguish three main varieties of it:

• Transit. It is intended for crossing the country, it allows to stay in the territory for no more than 5 days. It can vary depending on the number of allowed crossings (one, two or many times).
• Short-term entry visa (single entry visa). It is issued to the citizens filing the documents for the first time. Designed for tourist or business purposes.
• Short-term entry visa (multiple entry visa). It is issued for a period of up to one year. Citizens of our country on it can stay on the territory of Bulgaria for not more than 90 days within 6 months.

What does the required package of documents depend on?

Do I need a passport to Bulgaria in case you have real estate or relatives in this country? Unfortunately, there are no exceptions, and you will need these documents in any case. So, if you go to relatives, prepare to prepare a visa application form, a passport, photos on a sample, a medical policy, tickets (in two directions), a written invitation from the host party and a document confirming kinship ties.

Another reason why Russians often visit Bulgaria is rest. Do you need a passport if you are traveling to this country without the help of a travel agency? Not just necessary, but extremely necessary. In addition to it, you will need to collect a huge amount of additional information, starting with the confirmation of the place of residence, ending with documents from work and extracts from bank accounts. Depending on the purpose of the trip, the set of documents that need to be prepared differs. In Bulgaria they come not only to have a rest, but also to work, study, play sports, and also to buy own habitation.