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Visa requirements · updated Sep 2026

Do India citizens need a visa for Bulgaria?

Visa required

India citizens need a visa to enter Bulgaria. Apply in advance at an embassy or visa centre.

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Everything for your trip to Bulgaria

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India vs Bulgaria: passport comparison

India

27

visa-free countries

Global rank: #137 · mobility 85

Bulgaria

118

visa-free countries

Global rank: #35 · mobility 167
23

countries both India and Bulgaria can enter visa-free together

India + Bulgaria: passport compatibility

41%

of the world — where both passports have the same visa access

Where India and Bulgaria travel together — by entry type:

23 both visa-free
19 both visa on arrival
21 both e-visa / eTA
17 both need a visa
117 access differs

Where India and Bulgaria can travel visa-free together

Travelling as a pair with two different passports? Here is the full list of countries where BOTH of you can enter without a prior visa — plus where your access differs.

Only India is visa-free (4)

Your odds of getting the visa: India → Bulgaria

Visa guides tell you whether a visa is required. This block answers the second question — will you get it. Figures come from the European Commission's official 2025 statistics, broken down per country pair.

37,0%
of Bulgaria visa applications refused in India
+22,5 pp above the Schengen average (14.5%) — refused more often than average
+21.5 pp year-over-year: 2024 was 15.5%, now 37.0%
3,435applications filed
2,082visas issued
1,270refusals
#62strictest of 118 countries
Where Bulgaria visa applications are filed: New Delhi

The Commission counts applications by where they were filed — at consulates located in India — rather than by the applicant's nationality. For most countries these nearly coincide, but applications filed there by other nationals are included too. 2025 data. Source: European Commission, DG HOME

Bulgaria: good to know

Sofia

Capital

Bulgarian Lev (BGN)

Currency

Eastern European Time (UTC+2)

Time zone

+359

Calling code

Where else India goes visa-free

Check another route

Documents you'll usually need for Bulgaria

The usual basics for the trip. Always confirm exact requirements with the embassy or consulate.

Valid passport

Valid at least 6 more months

Return / onward ticket

Proof you will leave the country

Proof of funds

Enough money for your stay

Accommodation

Hotel booking or an invitation

Travel insurance

Recommended, sometimes required

Visa

Obtained at the embassy in advance

Frequently asked

Do India citizens need a visa for Bulgaria?
India citizens need a visa to enter Bulgaria. Apply in advance at an embassy or visa centre.
Which passport is stronger — India or Bulgaria?
The Bulgaria passport is stronger: 118 visa-free countries versus 27. Global rank: India #137, Bulgaria #35.
Where can India and Bulgaria citizens travel together visa-free?
Both passports get visa-free access to 23 of the same countries.
What documents do I need for Bulgaria?
Usually: a valid passport (6+ months), a return ticket, proof of funds and accommodation. Plus a visa obtained from the embassy in advance. Always confirm exact requirements with the embassy.
Can visa requirements change between India and Bulgaria?
Yes, visa rules change periodically. This data is current as of Sep 2026 — always confirm with the embassy before you travel.

India passport ranking

Where else the India passport can take you and how it ranks worldwide.

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