1. Overview
ETIAS will apply to eligible short visits to Bulgaria for tourism, business, family visits and other permitted purposes. Bulgaria has been fully in the Schengen Area since 2025 and now uses the euro.
- Travel on an eligible visa-exempt passport
- Plan a short stay within the 90-days-in-180-days rule
- Travel for tourism, business or another permitted short-term purpose
- Are not travelling under an exemption such as EU free-movement rights
2. Who needs ETIAS for Bulgaria?
Travellers from eligible visa-exempt countries will need ETIAS for short trips to Bulgaria once the system is operational. Document-specific conditions can apply to some passports.
3. Arriving in Bulgaria
The ETIAS requirement is linked to your eligibility and travel document. The border procedure can differ depending on how and from where you arrive.
Sofia Airport is Bulgaria’s main international gateway, with Varna and Burgas handling substantial seasonal traffic. External-border arrivals use the applicable ETIAS and EES procedures.
Bulgaria has internal Schengen borders with Greece and Romania and external Schengen borders with Serbia, North Macedonia and Türkiye. Border procedures depend on the route used.
Black Sea arrivals at ports such as Varna and Burgas are subject to the same ETIAS eligibility rules, with external-border processing where applicable.
4. Border and territory notes
Bulgaria is a full Schengen member. Routes from Türkiye, Serbia and North Macedonia are external Schengen borders, while travel from Romania and Greece is internal Schengen travel.
Practical information
Bulgaria adopted the euro on 1 January 2026. The normal Schengen-wide 90/180-day short-stay limit continues to apply.
Frequently asked questions
When will ETIAS become operational?
Expected Q4 2026. The EU says the specific start date will be announced before launch.
Is Bulgaria in the Schengen Area?
Yes. Bulgaria is a full Schengen member and participates in ETIAS and EES.
Does Bulgaria still use the lev?
No. Bulgaria adopted the euro on 1 January 2026.