Bulgaria Visa RequirementsFor Canada passport holders
Canadians can visit Bulgaria visa-free for up to 90 days. Bulgaria joined the Schengen Area in January 2024, so stays now count toward the standard Schengen 90/180-day allowance.
Great news! Canada 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 Canadian citizens. Present your Canadian passport on arrival at Sofia Airport or any Schengen entry point. Your 90-day Schengen allowance covers all Schengen countries including Bulgaria. Keep track of total days spent across all Schengen countries within any 180-day period.
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
Canada to Bulgaria: What You Need to Know
Bulgaria completed its Schengen accession in January 2024, ending border controls with other Schengen member states. This means Canadians can now travel between Bulgaria and other Schengen countries without passport checks at internal borders. Bulgaria offers Black Sea beach resorts, the Rila Mountains, UNESCO World Heritage monasteries, and the historic capital Sofia at prices significantly lower than Western Europe. The lev (BGN) remains the local currency as Bulgaria has not yet adopted the euro.
Practical Tips
Bulgaria uses the Bulgarian lev (BGN), not the euro, despite being in the Schengen Area. ATMs are widely available. Bulgaria is one of the most affordable EU member states; food, accommodation, and transport are significantly cheaper than in Western Europe. The Black Sea coast (Varna, Sunny Beach) is packed with European tourists in summer. Bansko is a popular budget ski destination in winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Canadians need a visa for Bulgaria?
No. Canadian citizens can visit Bulgaria visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day Schengen period.
Is Bulgaria part of the Schengen Area?
Yes. Bulgaria joined the Schengen Area in January 2024. Time spent in Bulgaria now counts toward your 90-day Schengen allowance.
Does Bulgaria use the euro?
No. Bulgaria uses the Bulgarian lev (BGN) and has not yet adopted the euro, even though it is in the Schengen Area and the EU.
What are the top reasons Canadians visit Bulgaria?
Canadians visit Bulgaria for its affordable Black Sea beach resorts in summer, ski resorts like Bansko in winter, and cultural sites such as the Rila Monastery and Plovdiv's Old Town throughout the year.