Turkey Visa RequirementsFor Bulgaria passport holders
Bulgarian passport holders enjoy visa-free access to Turkey for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Turkey is the closest non-EU international destination for Bulgarians and extremely popular for holidays, shopping, and cultural trips.
Great news! Bulgaria passport holders can enter Turkey without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No advance application is needed. Simply carry a valid Bulgarian passport. For the land border crossing at Kapitan Andreevo-Kapikule (near Svilengrad), you need a passport; national ID cards may not be accepted at Turkish entry points. Confirm current requirements before travel. Istanbul is reachable by direct bus from Sofia in approximately 6-8 hours.
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
Required Documents
Valid Bulgarian Passport
Required for Turkey entry; confirm whether national ID card is accepted at land borders before traveling.
Return or Onward Ticket Recommended
Proof of departure from Turkey within the 90-day period; may be checked at entry.
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel booking or host address in Turkey; may be requested at immigration.
Current Travel Situation
Bulgaria to Turkey: What You Need to Know
Bulgaria and Turkey share a land border and have long-standing cultural and economic ties. Turkish-Bulgarian relations enable visa-free travel for Bulgarian citizens for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Istanbul is only a few hours by bus or car from Sofia, and direct flights make it even more accessible. Turkey is consistently one of the top 3 international destinations for Bulgarian tourists, popular for its beaches (Antalya, Bodrum), Istanbul's culture, and thermal resorts.
How to Get There
Sofia to Istanbul by direct bus is one of the most popular routes in the Balkans. Multiple bus companies (including Metro Turizm and others) serve this route daily. Direct flights are frequent and affordable year-round. Charter flights to Antalya and Bodrum are numerous in summer.
Money & Banking
Bulgaria uses the Lev (BGN). Turkey uses the Turkish Lira (TRY). The TRY has experienced significant inflation; check the current exchange rate before travel. EUR and USD are also widely accepted in tourist areas and often give better effective prices than TRY. Notify your bank before travel.
Practical Tips
Direct flights from Sofia, Varna, and Plovdiv to Istanbul (IST/SAW), Antalya (AYT), Bodrum (BJV), and Izmir (ADB) are available year-round. Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, and Bulgaria Air serve these routes. Direct buses from Sofia to Istanbul are very popular and affordable (6-8 hours).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Bulgarian citizens need a visa for Turkey?
No. Bulgarian citizens can visit Turkey visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Can I enter Turkey by road from Bulgaria?
Yes. The main land border crossing is Kapitan Andreevo-Kapikule near Svilengrad. A valid Bulgarian passport is required; confirm whether ID cards are accepted before traveling by land.
Are there direct buses from Bulgaria to Istanbul?
Yes. Multiple bus companies operate direct daily services from Sofia to Istanbul. Journey time is approximately 6-8 hours. This is one of the most popular international bus routes from Bulgaria.
Are there direct flights from Bulgaria to Turkey?
Yes. Many direct flights operate year-round from Sofia, Varna, and Plovdiv to Istanbul, Antalya, Bodrum, and Izmir with Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, and Bulgaria Air.
What currency does Turkey use?
Turkey uses the Turkish Lira (TRY). Due to high inflation, EUR and USD often provide better value in tourist areas. Notify your bank before travel and check current exchange rates.
How long is the visa-free stay in Turkey for Bulgarians?
Bulgarians can stay in Turkey for up to 90 days within any 180-day period on a visa-free basis.
Is Turkey the most popular destination for Bulgarian tourists?
Turkey consistently ranks among the top 3 international destinations for Bulgarian tourists. Its proximity, affordability, beaches (Antalya, Bodrum), and Istanbul's culture make it extremely popular.