Skip to main content

Bulgaria Visa for China Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Chinese citizens require a Bulgarian short-stay visa (Type C) for tourism, business, or family visits; apply at the Bulgarian Embassy/Consulate or an official visa centre, with a typical visa fee of 60 EUR and standard processing of 10–15 working days.

Guide last updated September 4, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the intended date of departure from Bulgaria and must have at least two blank pages.
  • Specific forms: completed visa application form for Bulgaria (short-stay Type C) available on MFA Bulgaria site; print and sign.
  • Financial proof: recent bank statements or other proof showing funds to cover stay; provide last 3 months statements or equivalent.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: proof of accommodation for entire stay (hotel booking or host invitation letter) and round-trip/onward travel reservation.
  • Photo spec: two recent color passport photos (35 x 45 mm) with white background, taken within the last 6 months.
  • Biometrics: yes; biometrics collected at the visa application centre or embassy during submission.
  • Travel health insurance: mandatory; travel medical insurance covering at least 30,000 EUR and valid in Bulgaria.

Visa types

  • Short-stay visa (Type C) – Tourism, Business, Family visits; stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period; multiple-entry possible depending on consulate; fee about 60 EUR.
  • Long-stay visa (Type D) – Study, Work, Family reunification, Medical treatment; validity months to years depending on purpose; requires separate residence permit after visa; fee about 60 EUR.
  • Transit visa (Type A) – Not routinely issued; check current rules on MFA portal.

Application process

  • How to apply: Sticker visa at Bulgarian Embassy/Consulate or designated centre; forms, documents, and biometrics are collected in person.
  • Steps: complete application form; prepare documents; book appointment; submit in person; pay fees; biometrics; wait; collect passport with visa if approved.
  • Processing times: standard 10–15 working days; express 3–5 working days at additional cost.
  • Where to submit: Bulgarian Embassy in Beijing or Consulates in other cities, or via the designated visa centre depending on current arrangements; verify via MFA Bulgaria site.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: 60 EUR; local currency equivalent around 120–125 BGN; USD equivalent around 66–70 USD depending on rate.
  • VFS/BLS service fee: check current schedule on official VFS Global Bulgaria page (if applicable).
  • Total cost estimate: around 60 EUR plus service charges; real total depends on the mission and services used.
  • Standard processing time: 10–15 working days.
  • Express/priority option: available in some cases with additional charges (often 20–30 EUR) and shorter processing time.

Tips for China travelers

  • Apply well in advance: start at least 6–8 weeks before departure; peak travel times may require 2–3 months lead time.
  • Common rejection reasons for China applicants: insufficient funds proof, travel health insurance not valid in Bulgaria, incomplete documents, passport validity requirement not met, insufficient travel purpose or ties to home country.
  • VFS Global vs direct embassy: some missions route via VFS service centres with extra fees; if not using VFS, submit directly at the Bulgarian Embassy; follow current MFA Bulgaria guidance.
  • Travel advisories or bilateral notes: check MFA Bulgaria official notices for travel advisories or entry rules; stay updated on health-related entry requirements.
  • Extension options inside Bulgaria: extensions of short-stay visas are uncommon; if needed, apply for an extension before expiry to the Bulgarian Migration Directorate with justification; approval not guaranteed.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.