For many Russians, visa-free travel to a foreign country is a priority when choosing a vacation destination. So, turning to a travel agency, our fellow citizens often ask if a passport to Bulgaria is needed. After all, this former socialist country is the best suited for family or youth recreation at sea.
Basic requirements for a trip to Bulgaria
Do I need a passport and visa to travel to Bulgaria? The answer is clear: yes, these documents are required without fail. Such stringent requirements are due to the fact that this Balkan state has recently become an integral part of the European Union. So, for a trip to Bulgaria you will need the following documents:
- visa;
- passport (validity should not expire within a minimum of 3 months after leaving the country);
- migration card.
Rules for filling out a migration card
The migration card is filled out immediately upon arrival at the destination, at the time of crossing the state border. As a rule, you can get such documents already on the plane or train. The rules for entering data are standard, you should use black or blue ink, and letters from the Latin alphabet.
Visa application
As for the visa, you can apply for it in two ways. The first - through an intermediary, as a rule, a travel company acts in his role. You will need to collect a list of documents and transfer them to the company, then only tedious waiting.
Now that we have decided on the question of whether a passport to Bulgaria is needed for Russians, it is necessary to pay attention to the visa processing algorithm on our own. First you need to collect a full package of documents, it includes:
- international passport (original and copies);
- application form and questionnaire;
- copies of the Russian passport (all pages are required);
- color photographs that meet the requirements (it is better to check with the embassy);
- if any, copies of the previous passport with a Bulgarian visa;
- medical insurance;
- certificate of income at the place of work;
- if you are a student, then documents from a higher educational institution will be required;
- invitation to enter or book a hotel room;
- two way tickets;
- in some cases, a certificate of currency purchase (50 euros for one day) may come in handy.
On average, up to 7 working days are spent on the visa application process, an urgent document is prepared three times faster.
Documents for minors
Do I need a passport to Bulgaria for young children? Yes, regardless of age, a similar set of documents should be prepared for the child. In addition, you will need to provide a number of additional references:
- Birth certificate.
- Permission to leave (if the child crosses the border with one of the parents). A photocopy of the passport of the father or mother of the child (the one who remains in Russia) may also be required.
- Copy of visa and package of documents of accompanying persons.
It must be remembered that the specified list of documents is inaccurate. When deciding to get a visa yourself, be sure to contact the embassy.
Types of Visas
Now you know if you need a passport to Bulgaria and how to apply for a visa. Be sure to pay attention to the validity of the latter. So, it is customary to distinguish three main varieties of it:
- Transit. Designed to cross the country, allows staying on the territory for no more than 5 days. It may vary depending on the number of allowed intersections (once, twice or multiple times).
- Short-term entry visa (single entry). Issued to citizens applying for the first time. Designed for tourism or business purposes.
- Short-term entry visa (multiple entry). It is issued for a period of up to one year. The citizens of our country can stay in Bulgaria for no more than 90 days within 6 months.
What determines the necessary package of documents?
Do you need a passport to Bulgaria if you have real estate or relatives in this country? Unfortunately, there are no exceptions, and you will need these documents in any case. So, if you are traveling to your relatives, get ready to prepare a visa application form, passport, sample photographs, medical insurance, tickets (two-way), a written invitation from the host country and a document confirming family ties.
Another reason why Russians often visit Bulgaria is vacation. Is a passport needed if you are traveling to this country without the assistance of a travel agency? Not just needed, but extremely necessary. In addition to it, you will need to collect a huge number of additional certificates, starting with confirmation of your place of residence, ending with documents from work and bank statements. Depending on the purpose of the trip, the set of documents that need to be prepared varies. People come to Bulgaria not only to relax, but also to work, study, play sports, as well as purchase their own housing.