Bulgaria Visa RequirementsFor Australia passport holders
Australian passport holders can travel to Bulgaria visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Bulgaria joined the Schengen Area in January 2024, meaning your stay in Bulgaria now counts toward your overall Schengen 90-day allowance.
Great news! Australia passport holders can enter Bulgaria without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa is required for stays up to 90 days. Because Bulgaria is now part of the Schengen Zone, days spent there count toward your total Schengen 90-in-180-day limit. If you are combining a Bulgaria trip with other Schengen countries such as Germany, France, or Spain, keep careful track of your days using the EU Schengen stay calculator.
Bulgaria is part of the Schengen Area. Your stay counts toward the 90-day limit within any 180-day period for the entire Schengen zone. Learn more about Schengen rules โ
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Australia to Bulgaria: What You Need to Know
Bulgaria is a stable EU member state and a popular destination for its Black Sea resorts, historic monasteries, ski fields, and affordable cost of living. The Australian government advises normal safety precautions. Bulgaria has a well-developed tourist infrastructure, particularly in Sofia, Plovdiv, and coastal resort areas.
Practical Tips
Sofia Airport is the main international gateway with direct connections to major European hubs. The Bulgarian Lev (BGN) is pegged to the Euro but Bulgaria does not use the Euro directly; exchange currency at banks or use ATMs for the best rates. Plovdiv, Bansko, and the Rila Monastery are highly recommended highlights beyond Sofia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Australians need a visa for Bulgaria?
No. Australians can visit Bulgaria visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Since Bulgaria joined the Schengen Area in January 2024, this stay now counts toward your total 90-day Schengen allowance across all member states.
Does Bulgaria use the Euro?
Not yet. Bulgaria currently uses the Bulgarian Lev (BGN), which is fixed at approximately 1.96 BGN to 1 Euro. Bulgaria is working toward adopting the Euro in the coming years. ATMs and card payments are widely available in cities and tourist areas.
How does Bulgaria's Schengen membership affect Australian travellers?
Since Bulgaria joined the Schengen Area in January 2024, the 90-day visa-free allowance for Australians is now shared across all Schengen member states. If you visit France, Germany, Italy, and Bulgaria in the same 180-day window, all those days are counted together toward the 90-day limit. Use the EU's Schengen stay calculator to track your days.
What are the main entry points to Bulgaria from Australia?
Most Australians fly into Sofia International Airport, which has connections via major European hubs such as Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Vienna, and Istanbul. You can also enter by land from Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece, or Turkey if you are doing a broader European trip.
Do Australians need a visa for Bulgaria?
No. Australians can visit Bulgaria visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Since Bulgaria joined the Schengen Area in January 2024, this stay now counts toward your total 90-day Schengen allowance across all member states.
Does Bulgaria use the Euro?
Not yet. Bulgaria currently uses the Bulgarian Lev (BGN), which is fixed at approximately 1.96 BGN to 1 Euro. Bulgaria is working toward adopting the Euro in the coming years. ATMs and card payments are widely available in cities and tourist areas.
How does Bulgaria's Schengen membership affect Australian travellers?
Since Bulgaria joined the Schengen Area in January 2024, the 90-day visa-free allowance for Australians is now shared across all Schengen member states. If you visit France, Germany, Italy, and Bulgaria in the same 180-day window, all those days are counted together toward the 90-day limit. Use the EU's Schengen stay calculator to track your days.
What are the main entry points to Bulgaria from Australia?
Most Australians fly into Sofia International Airport, which has connections via major European hubs such as Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Vienna, and Istanbul. You can also enter by land from Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece, or Turkey if you are doing a broader European trip.