United Kingdom Visa RequirementsFor Bulgaria passport holders
Bulgarian passport holders can visit the UK without a visa for stays of up to 6 months. Following Brexit, EU free movement no longer applies; Bulgarians use the UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system from January 2025.
Great news! Bulgaria passport holders can enter United Kingdom without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 180 days.
Apply for the UK ETA at gov.uk/apply-electronic-travel-authorisation before travel. The fee is GBP 10 (approximately EUR 12). The ETA is typically approved within minutes to hours. It is valid for multiple journeys up to 6 months each, for 2 years or until passport expiry. Ensure your passport is valid for your entire stay in the UK. Note: applying in advance is mandatory from January 2025.
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
For Your Visa Application
Valid Bulgarian Passport
Required; national ID cards no longer accepted since Brexit. Must be valid for the duration of stay.
Required at Entry
UK ETA Approval
Electronic Travel Authorisation (from January 2025); apply at gov.uk. Costs GBP 10. Print or save confirmation.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from the UK before the 6-month period ends.
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Bank statement or credit card; UK immigration may check.
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel booking or address of host in the UK.
Evidence of Tourist Purpose Recommended
For some travelers; travel itinerary showing tourism or visit to family/friends.
Current Travel Situation
Bulgaria to United Kingdom: What You Need to Know
The United Kingdom left the European Union (Brexit) and EU free movement ended in December 2020. However, the UK continues to allow Bulgarian citizens to enter visa-free for stays of up to 6 months as tourists. From January 8, 2025, Bulgarians and other non-visa nationals must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before traveling to the UK. The ETA costs GBP 10 and is valid for multiple trips over 2 years. UK national ID cards are no longer accepted; a valid Bulgarian passport is required.
How to Get There
Wizz Air, Ryanair, and Bulgaria Air operate direct flights from Sofia to multiple London airports and other UK cities. London is also a major global hub for long-haul connections. UK train network (National Rail) and coach services (National Express) are extensive for domestic travel.
Money & Banking
The UK uses the British Pound (GBP). Bulgaria uses the Lev (BGN). Exchange BGN to GBP at Bulgarian banks or UK exchange offices. The UK is expensive; London especially so. Cards are widely accepted; contactless payment is ubiquitous. Notify your bank before travel.
Practical Tips
Direct flights from Sofia to London (LHR, LGW, STN, LTN) are available with Wizz Air, British Airways, Bulgaria Air, and Ryanair. Flight time is approximately 3.5 hours. Manchester (MAN), Edinburgh (EDI), and Birmingham (BHX) are also served by budget carriers from Sofia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Bulgarian citizens need a visa for the UK after Brexit?
No traditional visa is required for tourism. However, from January 2025, Bulgarians must obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) at gov.uk before travel. It costs GBP 10.
What is the UK ETA and how do I apply?
The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is a pre-travel authorization costing GBP 10. Apply at gov.uk/apply-electronic-travel-authorisation before traveling to the UK. It allows multiple visits of up to 6 months each, valid for 2 years.
Can I use my Bulgarian ID card to enter the UK?
No. Since Brexit, EU national ID cards are no longer accepted at UK entry points. A valid Bulgarian passport is required.
How long can Bulgarians stay in the UK?
Bulgarians can stay in the UK for up to 6 months per visit under the standard visitor visa-free arrangement, subject to the ETA requirement from January 2025.
Are there direct flights from Bulgaria to the UK?
Yes. Wizz Air, Ryanair, Bulgaria Air, and British Airways operate direct flights from Sofia to London (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton). Flight time is approximately 3.5 hours.
What currency does the UK use?
The UK uses the British Pound (GBP). The Euro is not accepted. Exchange BGN to GBP before travel or withdraw GBP at UK ATMs.
Can Bulgarians still live and work in the UK after Brexit?
Bulgarians already living in the UK before December 2020 may have applied for settled or pre-settled status. New arrivals now require a work visa. Tourism of up to 6 months remains visa-free with the ETA.
Is the UK in the Schengen zone?
No. The UK has never been in the Schengen zone and left the EU in 2020. It maintains its own border controls. Bulgarian passports are checked at the UK border.