🇧🇬Bulgaria Visa
Turkish travelers on an ordinary (burgundy) passport need a visa for Bulgaria, and since the country is part of the Schengen area, that application is processed as a Schengen visa. Even for a quick weekend in Sofia, the visa lets you stay up to 90 days within any 180-day window.
Ordinary (Burgundy)
Bulgaria is a member of the EU but not yet a full Schengen member. A visa is required for Turkish ordinary passport holders. Two options: Entry is possible with a Bulgarian national visa or a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa (except type D). Application through the Bulgarian Consulate in Türkiye or VFS Global.
Official application →Special (Green)
Visa-free entry for up to 90 days in 180 days. Problem-free for green passport holders.
Service (Grey)
Visa-free for up to 90 days in 180 days.
Diplomatic (Black)
Visa-free due to mutual agreement.
Bulgaria is in the Schengen area — visa-free passports may stay 90 days total in any 180-day period.
Schengen 90/180 visa exemption →Cities to Visit in Bulgaria
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for Bulgaria?
Yes. Holders of an ordinary (burgundy) Turkish passport need a visa, and because Bulgaria is in the Schengen area, entry is on a Schengen visa. Special (green), service (grey) and diplomatic passport holders, on the other hand, can enter without a visa and stay up to 90 days.
How do I apply for a Bulgaria visa?
As a Schengen visa, the process runs through the consulate or an authorized application center by appointment: you submit the form along with your passport, travel health insurance, accommodation details and round-trip plans. Appointment and processing times shift with demand, so check the current steps on the official application page (mfa.bg).
What does the 90/180 rule mean?
A Schengen visa lets you stay no more than 90 days total within any 180-day period. Your trips don't have to be back-to-back, the rule counts every day spent in the area over the preceding 180 days. Once you hit 90, you'll need to wait before returning.
Which passports enter Bulgaria visa-free?
Holders of special (green), service (grey) and diplomatic passports can enter Bulgaria visa-free and stay up to 90 days. The visa requirement applies only to the ordinary burgundy passport.