United States Visa RequirementsFor Bulgaria passport holders
Bulgarian passport holders require a B1/B2 nonimmigrant visa to enter the United States. Bulgaria is an EU member but has not yet been admitted to the Visa Waiver Program. The process involves completing DS-160, attending an interview at the US Embassy in Sofia, and paying $185.
Bulgaria passport holders require a visa to enter United States.
Apply at the US Embassy in Sofia (16 Kozyak Street, Sofia). Complete the DS-160 form at ceac.state.gov, pay the $185 MRV fee, and schedule an interview at ais.usvisa-info.com. Bring original financial documents, employment verification, and proof of property or family ties in Bulgaria to demonstrate intent to return. Approved visas are generally issued as 10-year multiple-entry B1/B2.
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
DS-160 application form
Completed online nonimmigrant visa application at ceac.state.gov
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay in the US
MRV fee receipt
$185 USD non-refundable machine-readable visa fee, paid before interview
Passport photo
2x2 inch (51x51mm) photo, white background, taken within 6 months
Interview appointment confirmation
Scheduled via the US Embassy appointment system (ais.usvisa-info.com)
Proof of financial means
Bank statements for the past 3 to 6 months, pay stubs, or tax returns
Proof of ties to home country
Employment letter, property deeds, family ties, or other evidence of return
Travel itinerary Recommended
Intended travel dates, purpose of visit, and accommodation details
Current Travel Situation
Bulgaria to United States: What You Need to Know
Bulgaria has been an EU member since 2007 and joined the Schengen Area, but EU membership alone does not grant access to the US Visa Waiver Program. The VWP requires, among other criteria, that a country maintain a nonimmigrant visa refusal rate below 3 percent. Bulgaria has been working toward this threshold. As of 2026, Bulgarian citizens still require a B1/B2 visa to enter the United States.
The B1/B2 visa covers business visits, tourism, and family visits. Once issued, the visa is typically valid for 10 years with multiple entries. The CBP officer at the US port of entry determines the length of each stay, usually up to 6 months for tourism.
Bulgaria has a growing diaspora in the United States and maintains strong trade and security ties with Washington. Consular officers evaluate each application individually based on financial stability, employment, and ties to Bulgaria.
How to Get There
Fly from Sofia Airport (SOF) with direct or one-stop services to New York JFK, Chicago, or Washington Dulles via carriers including Bulgaria Air, Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, and Turkish Airlines. Travel time from Sofia to New York is approximately 12 to 14 hours with one connection.
Money & Banking
The US uses the dollar (USD). Cards are accepted universally. ATMs are available at all airports and most streets in cities. Inform your Bulgarian bank before travel to prevent card blocks. Major US cities cost approximately $120 to $250 USD per day including accommodation and meals. Restaurant tipping of 18 to 20 percent is expected and customary.
Practical Tips
Schedule your visa interview as early as possible; appointment slots at the Sofia Embassy can fill weeks to months in advance. Bring all original documents rather than copies where possible. In the US, emergency services are reached by dialing 911. Sales tax is not included in displayed prices and varies by state, typically 6 to 10 percent. Travel health insurance is essential as US medical care is extremely expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Bulgaria need a US visa despite being an EU and Schengen member?
EU and Schengen membership does not automatically grant access to the US Visa Waiver Program. The VWP requires bilateral agreements and specific criteria including a visa refusal rate below 3 percent. Bulgaria has been working toward meeting these requirements. Until formally admitted to the VWP, Bulgarian citizens must apply for a B1/B2 visa to visit the United States.
Is Bulgaria likely to join the US Visa Waiver Program soon?
Bulgaria has been actively pursuing VWP eligibility for several years and has made measurable progress in reducing its visa refusal rate. As of 2026, it has not yet been formally admitted. Any admission to the VWP would be announced officially by the US Department of State. Until then, the standard B1/B2 application process applies.
How much does a US visa cost for Bulgarian citizens?
The MRV (Machine Readable Visa) fee is $185 USD. This fee is non-refundable, meaning you pay it regardless of whether your visa is approved or denied. Payment must be made before scheduling your interview at the US Embassy in Sofia. The fee covers the cost of visa processing and the consular interview.
Can I apply for a US visa in Bulgaria if I am a third-country national living there?
Generally, US visa applicants are encouraged to apply in their country of residence or citizenship. If you are a third-country national legally residing in Bulgaria, you may be able to apply at the Sofia Embassy, but the consular officer has discretion. Contact the US Embassy in Sofia directly to confirm eligibility before scheduling your appointment.
What is the typical approval rate for Bulgarian B1/B2 visa applications?
The US does not publish country-specific approval rates for tourist visas. However, Bulgaria's overall nonimmigrant visa refusal rate has been declining, which is part of its progress toward VWP eligibility. Approval rates are higher for applicants with strong financial ties, stable employment, prior US travel history, and a clean immigration record.
How long can I stay in the United States on a Bulgarian B1/B2 visa?
The B1/B2 visa itself may be valid for 10 years, but each individual stay is determined by the CBP officer at the US port of entry. For tourism and family visits, officers typically authorize stays of up to 6 months. The I-94 arrival and departure record, accessible at i94.cbp.dhs.gov, shows your official authorized stay period.