Bulgaria is becoming an increasingly popular destination for travelers from Mumbai. It is a hidden gem in Eastern Europe famous for its landscapes, rich history, and lively culture.
So, if you are a Mumbai resident planning to travel to Bulgaria, you will need a Bulgaria visa from Mumbai. Therefore, this guide will help you explore all the essential information you need to know to get the required visa. Till then, stay with us.
Fun Facts of Visiting Bulgaria
Before delving into the visa process, let’s look at some of the fun facts of visiting Bulgaria from Mumbai.
- With a history of almost 681 AD, Bulgaria is one of the oldest countries in Europe. Since then, the country has been home to Romans, Byzantines, Thracians, and Ottomans.
- Surprisingly, Bulgaria is known for its production of roses. The country produces almost 70% of the world’s rose oil at the Rose Valley near Kazanlak (the heart of the rose oil industry).
- Moreover, the country possesses almost 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites including,
- Ancient city of Nessebar
- The Rila Monastery
- The Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak
- In addition, Bulgaria is relatively affordable in comparison to the rest of the European countries. This includes high-quality food, accommodation, and tourist places without weighing much on your pocket.
- The Republic of Bulgaria is perfect for hiking, beach vacations, and skiing because of its diverse landscapes such as the Black Sea coastline to the Rhodope Mountains and the Balkan Mountains.
- Lastly, the country is known to be the birthplace of yogurt, famous for its unique taste and health benefits. Besides, it is also famous for its cheeses such as kashkaval and sirene.
Bulgaria As A Schengen Country
On March 31, 2024, Bulgaria along with Romania became partial members of the Schengen Area after uplifting air and sea travel checks. However, on January 1, 2025, both countries became full members of the Schengen Area, following the lifting of checks for travelers at the internal land borders.
This results in easier movement for travelers who want to enter Bulgaria on a Schengen visa which was not possible until the partial joining.
Thus, EU nationals can visit Bulgaria without a visa because it is a part of the EU (European Union). Alternatively, non-EU nationals, such as Indians from Mumbai, need a visa to travel to the target destination country.
Where Mumbaikars Can Submit their Bulgarian Visa Application?
Each country has a main diplomatic mission (embassy) in the host country’s capital. So is the case with Bulgaria, as it has a Bulgarian Embassy located in New Delhi, India. Applicants from New Delhi and nearby areas can submit their visa applications at the embassy.
Contrary to this, several secondary diplomatic missions, known as consulates or honorary consulates, are located in the major cities of the home country. Similarly, Bulgaria has an Honorary Consul in Mumbai, covering the Indian state of Maharashtra.
Look at the following details of the consulate.
Location: Samruddha Resources Limited 6th Floor, ‘A’ Block, Shivsagar Estate, Dr. Annie Besant Road, Worli, Mumbai – 400 018, Maharashtra, India
Phone number: +91 2266619000
Fax: +91 2266619090
Email: vinay_patil@samruddha.net
Website: www.samruddha.net
Besides, the applicants from Mumbai can also submit their Bulgarian visa applications at the designated visa application center (VFS Global) which is the official partner of the Bulgarian Embassy representing the government in India.
You can visit its official website or go to the nearest station according to the area of your residence to submit your application.
General Requirements for a Bulgaria Visa from Mumbai
Regardless of the visa types (discussed below), you need to have the following general documents when applying for a Bulgaria visa from Mumbai.
Passport
The most important of all is your Indian passport which should be valid for at least 90 days or three months ahead of your stay in Bulgaria. Moreover, it should contain two blank pages to attach the visa stamps. Besides, the authorities may ask you to submit your previous visas as well.
Application form
Furthermore, according to your visa type, you can get the application form through the website of VFS Global, download, print, and complete it to submit it with the rest of the documents. Also, make sure that you sign it at the end.
Photographs
Another requirement is to submit two passport-size photos following the Schengen photo guidelines. For instance, this includes a dimension of 35*45mm, white color background, HD quality, etc.
Flight reservation
Moreover, you also need a copy of your round-trip flight reservation or itinerary to demonstrate your travel plans. For example, this document shows you have genuine intentions of traveling to Bulgaria from Mumbai by showcasing details such as,
- Flight number
- Travel dates and times
- Departure and arrival airport names
- IATA codes
- 6-digit PNR
You can get your flight reservation through RFV Travels at a market-competitive price.
Hotel booking
In addition, having proof of accommodation valid for your entire duration of stay in Bulgaria is required. This can be in the form of a hotel booking, a rental contract, or an invitation letter from the Bulgarian host.
Make sure the document shows the name of the place, its address, and contact details for verification purposes.
Cover letter
An increasingly requested document is a cover letter for a visa. This document gives you the freedom to explain the trip’s purpose, your travel itinerary, and other details from a subjective point of view.
Moreover, you can get your cover letter for a Bulgarian visa from coverletterforvisa.com at a minimal price.
Travel health insurance
Furthermore, traveling to any of the countries in the Schengen Area makes it mandatory for you to get travel health insurance valid for the whole region. Also, it must have a coverage amount of at least 30,000 euros to bear expenses such as,
- Accident
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- Evacuation
- Repatriation
- Flight cancellation, etc
Proof of financial resources
Lastly, your application for a Bulgaria visa from Mumbai also requires you to submit proof of financial resources to cover your stay in the host country. For example, you can provide the authorities with your
- bank statement,
- salary slips,
- a sponsorship letter showcasing that you can manage the expenses on your own.
Moreover, you must have at least 70-100 euros for each day to compensate for food, accommodation, and transportation.
How Do You Apply for a Bulgaria Visa from Mumbai?
Applying for a Bulgaria visa from Mumbai involves several yet simple steps that you need to fulfill. So, go through the following section to ace your application.
Step 1: Identity the visa type
Once you land on the main page of VFS Global, you need to select the right visa type that aligns with your travel purposes. For instance, you can choose from the following options in this regard.
Once selected, you can move on to the next step.
Step 2: Collect the documents
The second step requires you to collect the needed documents. Other than the general requirements listed above, make sure that you have the following additional documents depending on the chosen visa type.
Other than the general requirements, you also need to collect the following documents.
Tourist visa
- Letter of invitation (if someone is inviting you)
- Employment documents, if you are employed
- Salary slip
- NOC
- Letter of approved leaves
- NIC or Aadhar Card
Business visa
- Invitation letter from Bulgarian company
- Business documents such as business registration certificates, company bank statements, ITRs
- CNIC
Family reunion visa
- Invitation letter from Bulgarian host
- Your relationship with the host
- Declaration form
Work visa
- Cover letter of the company
- Employment contract
- Work permit given by the employer
- Qualifications and experience letter
- Employment documents
- Police clearance certificate
Student visa
- If you are a minor, you must have your birth certificate and consent letter signed by your parents/legal guardian.
- Letter of sponsorship
- NOC letter from the current educational institution
- Invitation letter from a Bulgarian educational institute
- Academic transcripts
Step 3: Book an appointment
Then, schedule an appointment through the VFS Global online portal. For this purpose, you need to either create or log in to your account and book the available slot. At the end, you will receive a confirmation letter via email.
Step 4: Visit VAC
Once done, visit the VAC on the day of your appointment to submit your application along with the documents. Moreover, you also need to provide your biometric data (if not done previously) such as fingerprints and photos.
Furthermore, the authorities may require you to deposit your visa application fee via VFS through Card, UPI, or Cash.
The visa fee for a Schengen visa is,
On the other hand, pay the following amount for a National visa.
Step 5: Attend the visa interview
After that, if required, you may also be requested to attend a visa interview to answer questions about your travel plans, financial resources, and the purpose of your trip. So, get yourself prepared for it.
Step 6: Wait for the answer
The second last step is to wait for the answer which is due to the standard processing time. Usually, it may take almost 15 days or a month for the authorities to process your application. Moreover, the period can be extended during peak travel seasons.
In the meantime, you can also track your application’s status through the VFS Global online portal.
Step 7: Collect your visa
Last but not least, once your application is approved, the authorities will notify you via email. Then, depending on the policies, you can collect your passport with the visa stamp from the same center or get it delivered to your address.
Summary
Following the steps mentioned in this guide will ensure that you get your Bulgaria visa from Mumbai easily. The country is an outstanding place for tourists, businessmen, or students who want to get a new experience.
So, make sure that you have all the necessary documents and apply as soon as possible to avoid any delays in your life-long adventure.
FAQs
- Can I apply for a Bulgarian visa from Mumbai online?
No, you cannot apply for a Bulgarian visa from Mumbai online. The application process requires you to submit your essentials in person at the nearest visa application center of VFS Global.
- Do I need to consider the public holidays in Mumbai when applying for a Bulgarian visa?
Yes, the standard processing time for a Bulgaria visa from Mumbai application (15-30 working days) is affected by the public holidays of India and national holidays of Bulgaria because the application center follows them. This may result in delays, so, always make sure to check thoroughly before applying.
- Are there any specialized courier services to send or receive my documents?
Yes, you can receive your documents through a specialized courier service of VFS Global at an additional fee. You can also use Blue Dart or GATI. However, please note that you need to submit your documents in person after booking an appointment and not sending them through the courier.
- Does Bulgaria accept a Schengen visa when applied through Mumbai?
Yes, Since January 1, 2025, Bulgaria has become a full member of the Schengen Area. So, this allows you to travel to Bulgaria on a Schengen visa when applied through Mumbai.
- Do I need a Bulgaria visa if I have a Belgium visa from Mumbai?
Suppose you are planning to travel to Bulgaria for a short period (90 days within 180 days). In that case, having a Belgium visa from Mumbai does not require you to get a separate Bulgarian visa. However, for a long stay, you need to get the right visa.