Bulgaria simplifies and broadens visa regulations for Turkish nationals
Bulgaria has introduced a new visa policy for Turkish citizens, effective from July 15, 2025. This policy is a significant step towards making Bulgaria more accessible to strategic neighbouring markets, with Turkey being a top priority.
Previously, most Turkish travelers could only obtain short-term Bulgarian visas valid for three to six months. However, under the new framework, Turkish travelers can now apply for multi-entry tourist visas with an extended period of one year, three years, or up to five years.
The visas allow for multiple entries, providing greater travel flexibility for businesspeople, tourists, and those with family in Bulgaria. This move aligns with European Commission regulations passed in July 2025, which allowed Schengen states to implement progressive, long-duration visa issuance for Turkish citizens.
The cascading system for visa eligibility includes a one-year visa after a six-month visa without violations, followed by a three-year visa and then a five-year visa. To qualify for these extended visas, applicants must have a history of previous Bulgarian or Schengen visas without any violations, such as overstays or denied entries.
Bulgaria's Tourism Minister, Miroslav Borshosh, emphasized that the long-term visa reforms aim to continue encouraging the increase in Turkish visitors and reflect the trust placed in Turkish neighbors. The minister also stated that the updated visa policy is part of a broader national strategy to make Bulgaria more accessible to strategic neighboring markets.
Between January and June 2025, over 310,000 Turkish citizens visited Bulgaria, up from 190,000 in the same period in 2024. This sharp increase in Turkish tourist arrivals was a response to the relaxed visa rules. Turkish tourists contributed an estimated €180 million ($211.68 million) to the Bulgarian economy in just six months.
The required documents for the new visas include a passport valid for at least six months beyond the visa period, a completed visa application form, proof of accommodation, a return travel reservation or ticket, travel insurance, financial proof, and prior Bulgarian/Schengen visas (if any).
The visas are tourist-purpose only and not valid for work or long-term residence. However, the new policy is seen as a preparatory step towards full integration into the Schengen Zone. Bulgaria's goal is to become a major hub for regional travel, trade, and investment.
The 40% of visitors who were repeat travelers suggest a strong base for long-term visas. Major destinations for Turkish tourists in Bulgaria include Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, and ski resorts like Bansko and Borovets.
In conclusion, the new cascading visa system offers Turkish citizens extended tourist visas to Bulgaria, providing greater travel flexibility and boosting regional travel. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a clean travel and visa compliance record with Bulgaria or Schengen visas.
- The new visa policy for Turkish citizens in Bulgaria, which becomes effective from July 15, 2025, includes multi-entry visas with an extended period of one year, three years, or up to five years.
- Turkish travelers to Bulgaria can now apply for these extended visas if they have a history of previous Bulgarian or Schengen visas without any violations, such as overstays or denied entries.
- The new visa policy is part of Bulgaria's broader national strategy to make the country more accessible to strategic neighboring markets, with Turkey being a top priority.
- The extended visas are tourist-purpose only and not valid for work or long-term residence, but they are seen as a preparatory step towards full integration into the Schengen Zone, aiding Bulgaria's goal of becoming a major hub for regional travel, trade, and investment.
