Bulgaria Short-Stay (Type C)Verified 2026-04-29Bulgaria Sports / Cultural / Artistic / Scientific Visa (Short-Stay, Type C)
The Bulgaria Sports / Cultural / Artistic & Scientific Visa is a Short-Stay (Type C) for Indians participating in cultural events, sports competitions, artistic performances, or scientific exchange programmes for up to 90 days. Each event type requires a specific invitation: Ministry of Culture (cultural), Sports Federation (sports), University / Bulgarian Academy of Science (academic / scientific exchange).
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Patiala, Punjab
In-person office · Walk in any day
Processing
Up to 15 calendar days from when the Embassy receives your complete application
Stay Duration
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period
Starting Fee
₹9,900
Apply At
10 VFS centres
Special Instructions — Read Before Applying
These requirements apply to ALL Bulgaria visa types. Violations mean your application will be rejected — read each one carefully.
- 1Indian-resident applicants apply via VFS Global India. Direct Embassy submission only by prior appointment for special EU-family or compassionate cases.
- 2Status queries and missing-document submissions go to bgconsuldelhi@yahoo.com — emails to other Embassy addresses are disregarded.
- 3Bulgaria became a full Schengen member on 1 January 2025. Holders of Schengen Type C (two/multiple entry), Type D (long-stay), or Schengen-state residence permits can enter Bulgaria WITHOUT a separate Bulgarian visa for stays up to 90 days in 6 months.
- 4Diplomatic and Official Indian Passport holders can transit / enter Bulgaria visa-free for short-term visits up to 90 days in 6 months (since 02 July 2009).
- 5The applicant bears responsibility for ALL content of the application — an authorised representative cannot accept liability.
- 6The Embassy can request additional documents at any time during examination and may call applicants for an interview.
- 7Possessing a valid Bulgaria / Schengen visa does NOT guarantee entry — final entry decision rests with the border immigration officer.
Who Can Apply
- Cultural events — Ministry of Culture-organised performances, festivals, exhibitions
- Sports events — competitions, training camps, exchange programmes (under Sports Federations / Sports Clubs)
- Artistic events — film shoots, music performances, theatre tours
- Student / scientific exchange programmes (universities, schools, research bodies)
- Academic conferences (Bulgarian Academy of Science / universities)
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Fees (in INR)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Adult visa (Short-Stay, Type C) | ₹9,900 |
| Children 6–12 years | FREE |
| Members of Bulgarian / EU citizens' families | FREE |
| VFS Logistics service charge | ₹2,530 |
| Optional Courier | ₹735 |
| Optional Courier with assurance | ₹1,260 |
| Optional SMS service | ₹420 |
| Optional Premium Lounge | ₹3,360 |
| Optional Photograph at VFS | ₹315 |
| Optional Prime Time Submission | ₹2,100 |
Visa fees and VFS service charges are non-refundable, regardless of visa outcome. From 12 August 2024, applicants can pay visa fees and VFS logistics via Card / Cash / UPI. Approximate total for an adult short-stay visa: ₹12,430 (₹9,900 + ₹2,530). Long-Term D total: ₹14,080. Diplomatic and Official Indian Passport holders can transit / visit Bulgaria visa-free for up to 90 days within 6 months.
Documents Required
Mandatory — every applicant must provide
- !Bulgaria Visa Application Form
Fully completed in English or Bulgarian, signed in two places (field 37 + last field). For minors under 18 — signed by parent/guardian.
- !Valid passport
Valid 3+ months beyond intended return; minimum 2 empty pages back-to-back; issued within the previous 10 years; NO alterations or handwritten amendments on the data page
- !Copy of current passport
Data pages, plus pages with evidence of previous valid + expired visas / travel
- ○Original of previous passports (or proof of loss)
If applicable — to demonstrate travel history
- !One recent passport-size photograph (3.5 × 4.5 cm)
Light background; face covers 70-80%; ICAO-compliant; see Photo Specifications section below. NOT older than 6 months.
- !Cover letter
Explaining the purpose of the trip and duration of stay
- ○Proof of residence
If applicable — applicants temporarily residing in another state should submit a photocopy of the stay permit (e.g. valid Indian Residency Permit or return visa to India)
- !Travel medical insurance — minimum €30,000 cover
Valid for Bulgaria for the entire period of intended stay; covers repatriation for medical reasons + emergency medical care + hospital treatment in case of emergency or death. Must be issued by an EU/VFS-approved insurance company. For multiple entries, additional declaration form required.
- !Means of transportation
Return travel ticket OR confirmed booking (for air / surface / sea transport)
Proof of financial means — every applicant
- !Three months bank statement (saving + current a/c)
Most recent 3 months — both savings and current accounts where applicable
- !Three years Income Tax Returns (ITR / ITR-V)
Personal AND company (if applicable) — last 3 assessment years
- !Subsistence funds proof
Either: minimum €50 per day of stay (or equivalent in another convertible currency, but at least €500 total); OR a letter from the inviting organisation/institution covering all expenses of the applicant's stay in Bulgaria
Proof of social and professional status (one applicable)
- !If EMPLOYED — Service letter from employer
On company's official letterhead — establishing position, years in service, grant of leave, salary certificate of last 3 months
- !If SELF-EMPLOYED / BUSINESS OWNER — Visa request letter
On official letterhead with company registration / ownership papers
- !If STUDENT — Letter from school / university
Confirming enrolment, grant of leave, plus copy of valid student ID
If the applicant is a MINOR (under 18)
- !Birth certificate (if parents are legal guardians)
- ○Decision of competent authority appointing legal guardian
If applicable
- !Notarised consent — if minor travels with ONE parent only
Original notarised consent from the OTHER parent / legal guardian, including: their personal info, the purpose, period and length of stay in Bulgaria, the period for which consent is issued, plus their signature and copy of passport / ID
- !Notarised consent from BOTH parents — if minor travels alone
Original notarised consent from BOTH parents / legal guardians (same content as above)
Cultural exchange (additional)
- !Invitation letter from Ministry of Culture of Bulgaria AND/OR mayor of the respective municipality
Signed by authorised representative, certified by official stamp; includes upcoming event details (venue, organisers, accommodation, contact person, who covers expenses)
Sport events (additional)
- !Invitation letter from sports federation and/or sports club in Bulgaria
Signed by authorised representative; certified by official stamp; includes event details
Student / scientific exchange (additional)
- !Invitation letter from a University, School, or other Bulgarian legal person
Signed and stamped
- !Exchange agreement / Exchange programme document
For current academic exchange
Conference (additional)
- !Invitation letter from a University, Bulgarian Academy of Science, or other legal person
Confirming conference details + applicant participation
Common requirements for the invitation letter
- !Signed by the person authorised to represent the inviting organisation/institution + certified by official stamp
- !Information about upcoming event: venue, organisers, accommodation, contact person
Including phone, email of the contact person
- !Information on who will cover accommodation + subsistence costs of event participants
! = mandatory · ○ = optional / if applicable
🗺️ Step-by-Step Application Process
Secure the appropriate invitation letter
Cultural → Ministry of Culture; Sports → Federation/Club; Student exchange → University/School + exchange agreement; Conference → University/Bulgarian Academy of Science.
Verify invitation contains required info
Authorised signature + official stamp + event details (venue, organisers, dates) + accommodation info + contact person + cost coverage.
Gather all common documents
Application form, passport, photos, insurance €30,000, financials, etc.
Submit at VFS in person
First trip in person. Pay ₹9,900 + ₹2,530.
Track and collect
Up to 15 calendar days.
Download Official Forms
Official forms are hosted by VFS Global — we don't host third-party forms ourselves, so you always get the latest version.
📋 How to download from VFS:
- Click the form name below — opens VFS Switzerland page
- Select the visa category you're applying for (e.g. Tourist, Business, Student)
- Scroll down to the "Download Form" section at the bottom
- Click the PDF icon next to the form name → saves to your device
VFS Application Centres
Schengen Tourist Visa Eligibility Check
Answer 10 quick questions to see your likelihood of approval. This is not a guarantee — final decision is always with the Embassy — but it flags common weak spots so you can address them before applying.
What's the primary purpose of your trip?
How long do you plan to stay?
Have you previously visited any Schengen country?
Have you ever been refused a Schengen (or any country's) visa?
Past refusals must be disclosed — they show up in VIS database across Schengen countries.
Do you have confirmed travel bookings?
Reservations are enough — don't buy tickets until visa approval.
What's your current employment status?
What's your typical 3-month bank balance?
Schengen needs ~₹700/day covered. For a 10-day trip, minimum ₹70,000 stable balance.
How many years of Income Tax Returns (ITR) can you show?
What are your strongest ties to India (return-intent)?
Embassies want evidence you'll come back — not overstay.
Who are you travelling with?
Indicative only — final decision is always with the Embassy.
💡 Pro Tips
- Travel medical insurance must be issued by an APPROVED EU / VFS-listed insurer with minimum €30,000 cover. Without it your application will be rejected outright.
- Bank statements must show last 3 months of activity — both saving + current accounts where applicable.
- Three years of ITR / ITR-V are mandatory — personal AND company (if you are self-employed).
- Application form MUST be signed in TWO places: field 37 + the last field. A common mistake.
- Apply at least 15 calendar days BEFORE departure but NOT MORE than 3 months ahead. Outside this window, files are not accepted.
- From 12 August 2024, you can pay visa fees + VFS logistics via Card / Cash / UPI at the centre.
- Photographs must be ICAO-compliant 3.5 × 4.5 cm — see Photo Specifications section below.
- First trip to Bulgaria / Schengen area requires IN-PERSON submission. Subsequent trips can be submitted by an authorised representative (with notarised letter of authorisation + photo ID).
- Each event type has a SPECIFIC invitation source (Ministry of Culture / Sports Federation / University / Bulgarian Academy of Science). A generic invitation will be rejected.
- Make sure the invitation specifies WHO COVERS accommodation + subsistence costs — Embassy needs to verify the financial chain.
- — PHOTO SPECIFICATIONS —
- Recent (preferably maximum 6 months old) full colour photograph.
- Size 3.5 cm × 4.5 cm (35 mm × 45 mm) — passport-sized.
- Light-coloured / white background, printed on photographic paper.
- Full face, looking straight forward — face takes up 70-80% of the photograph.
- Chin to top of hair: 30-36 mm in height.
- Eyes red, sharp focus, natural skin tones.
- Mouth must be closed. Without sunglasses.
- Without hat or other head covering — except for religious reasons (face must remain fully visible).
- If wearing spectacles: NO toned / reflecting glasses; frame must NOT cover the eyes.
- Photos with dark glasses, hat / cap (non-religious), or cut-out / amateur photos are INELIGIBLE.
Common Rejection Reasons
- 1.Invitation letter not from authorised body (e.g. private organisation instead of Ministry of Culture for cultural events)
- 2.Invitation missing required details (venue, organisers, dates, contact, cost coverage)
- 3.No exchange agreement document for student exchange
- 4.Travel insurance below €30,000 minimum
- 5.Photo not ICAO-compliant
Frequently Asked Questions
Who issues the invitation for a cultural event?+
Who issues the invitation for sports events?+
Who issues invitations for student exchange?+
How long does processing take?+
Are there special exemptions?+
Can SureshotVisa help with cultural / sport / academic applications?+
Let us prepare your Bulgaria Sports / Cultural / Artistic / Scientific Visa — (Short-Stay, Type C) application
Free consultation. Our experts handle the entire file — cover letter, documents, VFS booking, embassy follow-up.
Other Bulgaria Visa Types
Bulgaria Tourist Visa (Short-Stay, Type C)
Apply for a Bulgaria Tourist Visa from India — Short-Stay (Type C). ₹9,900 visa fee + ₹2,530 VFS service. 15 calendar days processing. Complete document checklist + photo spec.
Bulgaria Business Visa (Short-Stay, Type C)
Apply for a Bulgaria Business Visit Visa from India — Short-Stay (Type C). For meetings, conferences, trade shows. ₹9,900 + ₹2,530 VFS. 15 calendar days. Requires Invitation-Declaration from Bulgarian host.
Bulgaria Family / Friend Visit Visa — Private Visit (Short-Stay, Type C)
Bulgaria Private Visit Visa for visiting family or friends in Bulgaria. Short-Stay (Type C). Requires Invitation-Declaration from the Bulgarian host. ₹9,900 + ₹2,530 VFS.
Bulgaria Medical Treatment Visa (Short-Stay, Type C)
Apply for a Bulgaria Medical Treatment Visa from India — Short-Stay (Type C). Requires Bulgarian medical facility certificate + treatment plan. ₹9,900 + ₹2,530 VFS.
Bulgaria Transit Visa (Short-Stay)
Bulgaria Transit Visa for travellers passing through Bulgaria en route to a third country. ₹9,900 + ₹2,530 VFS. Up to 3 transit passages × 2 days each.
Bulgaria Airport Transit Visa (Short-Stay)
Bulgaria Airport Transit Visa for travellers staying in the international transit zone at a Bulgarian airport en route to a third country. ₹9,900 + ₹2,530 VFS.
Bulgaria Long-Term Visa (Type D, >90 days)
Apply for a Bulgaria Long-Term Visa (Type D) from India — for stays >90 days for work, family reunification, study, or other long-stay purposes. ₹11,000 visa fee + ₹3,080 VFS.
Source & Disclaimer
Data on this page is sourced from the official VFS Global Bulgaria website and Embassy of Bulgaria. Last verified 2026-04-29. Always verify with the official embassy before applying — fees and requirements change without notice.