Bulgaria visa requirements for North Macedonia citizens 2026

Find out if North Macedonia citizens need a visa to enter Bulgaria. Get the latest entry requirements, document checklist and processing times for Bulgaria travel.

North Macedonia
Bulgaria
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North Macedonia
Bulgaria

NO VISA REQUIRED

Maximum stay: 90 days
Travel from North Macedonia to Bulgaria

Travel Requirements & Information

Visa-Free Entry

  • Entry purpose: Tourism, business, transit
  • Maximum stay: 90 days
  • Multiple entries: Allowed
  • Extension: Not typically required

Required Documents

  • • Valid North Macedonia passport
  • • Passport valid for 3+ months
  • • Proof of accommodation
  • • Return/onward ticket
  • • Sufficient funds proof

Travel Tips

  • • Check passport expiry date
  • • EU benefits may apply
  • • Health insurance recommended
  • • Currency: Bulgarian Lev (BGN)

North Macedonia Passport

Global Rank: #82
Visa-free destinations: 80
Easy access countries: 152

Bulgaria Passport

Global Rank: #37
Visa-free destinations: 117
Easy access countries: 180

North Macedonia vs Bulgaria Passport Comparison 2026

North Macedonia Citizens Traveling To

Traveling to Bulgaria

Travelling from North Macedonia to Bulgaria in 2026

North Macedonia citizens visiting Bulgaria currently need Visa Free entry — 90 days. The North Macedonia passport holds global rank #82 with 80 visa-free destinations, while Bulgaria ranks #37 with 117 visa-free destinations. This guide outlines the exact rules, required documents, and processing timelines for this specific route.

Reverse: Bulgaria citizens travelling to North Macedonia

Travellers from Bulgaria entering North Macedonia need Visa Free — 90 days. Visa policies are not always symmetric, so the requirements may differ from the opposite direction.

Passport Comparison: North Macedonia vs Bulgaria

North Macedonia
#82 globally
80Visa-free destinations
152Easy Access
134.3Mobility Score
Bulgaria
#37 globally
117Visa-free destinations
180Easy Access
165.8Mobility Score

Passport Power Comparison: Visa-Free Access

North Macedonia citizens currently enjoy visa-free or easy-access travel to 152 destinations, while Bulgaria passport holders can visit 180 countries without a prior visa. That's a difference of 28 destinations — the Bulgaria passport holds the stronger position in the 2026 global mobility index.

Mobility Score Analysis

The North Macedonia passport scores 152 points on the easy-access index, compared to 180 for Bulgaria. This 28-point gap reflects the difference in how freely each passport lets its holder enter foreign territories without prior permission.

Where North Macedonia and Bulgaria Citizens Can Travel Together Visa-Free

Planning a joint trip from North Macedonia and Bulgaria? Both passports share visa-free or easy-access entry to 151 countries. These are ideal destinations if you're travelling as a mixed-nationality group, business delegation, or family.

Shared visa-free destinations (top 12):

See the full list below to plan your next joint getaway.

Political & Regional Bloc Memberships

North Macedonia is a member of:

North Macedonia is not a member of any major regional or political bloc tracked here.

Bulgaria is a member of:

  • Schengen Area
  • European Union

Regional bloc membership often grants simplified visa rules, free movement rights, and shared external border policies. When both origin and destination belong to the same bloc, entry is usually visa-free or heavily streamlined.

Estimated Visa Cost for North Macedonia Citizens

No visa fee applies — North Macedonia passport holders enter Bulgaria visa-free.

Visa Processing Time

Entry is immediate — no processing time required for North Macedonia citizens travelling to Bulgaria.

Required Documents for North Macedonia Citizens

  • Valid passport (minimum 6 months beyond entry date, with at least 2 blank pages)
  • Confirmed return or onward ticket
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, rental, or invitation)
  • Evidence of sufficient funds for the trip duration

Travel Insurance Requirements

Travel insurance is mandatory for entry to Bulgaria as part of Schengen visa requirements. Minimum coverage: €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation, valid throughout the Schengen Area.

Currency, Time Zone & Practical Info

  • Currency in Bulgaria: Bulgarian Lev (BGN)
  • Time zone: Eastern European Time (UTC+2)
  • Capital city: Sofia
  • International dialling code: +359

Frequently Asked Questions

Do North Macedonia citizens need a visa to visit Bulgaria?

No, North Macedonia citizens do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria. You can enter Bulgaria with just your valid North Macedonia passport.

You can stay for up to 90 days for tourism, business, or transit purposes.

What documents do I need to travel from North Macedonia to Bulgaria?

Essential documents for travel from North Macedonia to Bulgaria:

  • Valid North Macedonia passport with at least 3-6 months validity
  • At least 2 blank pages in your passport for stamps
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
  • Return or onward travel ticket
  • Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
  • Travel insurance (recommended or required)

How do North Macedonia and Bulgaria passports compare globally?

Here's how the two passports compare in global rankings:

North Macedonia passport ranking:
  • Global Rank: #82
  • Visa-free destinations: 80
  • Easy access countries: 152
Bulgaria passport ranking:
  • Global Rank: #37
  • Visa-free destinations: 117
  • Easy access countries: 180

Can visa requirements change between North Macedonia and Bulgaria?

Yes, visa requirements can change due to diplomatic relations, security concerns, or policy updates. Always check current requirements before traveling.

What should I do if I'm denied entry to Bulgaria with my North Macedonia passport?

If denied entry, remain calm and ask for the reason. Contact your embassy for assistance and keep all documentation for potential appeals.

Do North Macedonia citizens need a visa to visit Bulgaria in 2026?

North Macedonia citizens currently require Visa Free to enter Bulgaria. Requirements can change, so always verify with the official embassy or consulate before travel.

How much does a Bulgaria visa cost for North Macedonia passport holders?

The visa fee for North Macedonia applicants travelling to Bulgaria typically ranges from $0 to $0 USD, excluding any service or expedited-processing surcharges.

How long does a Bulgaria visa take to process for North Macedonia citizens?

Standard processing for North Macedonia citizens applying for a Bulgaria visa is 0 – 0 business days. Expedited services may be available for an additional fee.

How many countries can both North Macedonia and Bulgaria citizens visit together visa-free?

Both North Macedonia and Bulgaria passport holders share visa-free or easy-access entry to approximately 151 countries, making these ideal destinations for joint travel.

Which passport is stronger — North Macedonia or Bulgaria?

Passport strength is measured by the number of visa-free or easy-access destinations. Compare both passports in the section above to see the current ranking gap.

How long can North Macedonia citizens stay in Bulgaria?

The permitted stay duration depends on the visa category. Most short-stay visas allow 30–90 days per entry. Check the embassy website for your specific visa type.