Most passengers on transit flights via Bulgaria don’t need a visa if they stay in the transit area or aboard the aircraft. However, citizens of certain countries must obtain an A-type visa for transit, unless exempt. This visa allows entry into Bulgarian airports without leaving the transit zone. It cannot be granted at the border or upon arrival, so it must be applied for in advance.
Travelers wishing to leave the airport during transit, such as for travel through Bulgaria by road or rail, must apply for a short-stay transit visa. This document covers the requirements, application process, and essential information for acquiring a Type A airport transit visa for Bulgaria.
Who needs a Bulgaria Airport Transit (A Type) eVisa?
All those who are simply passing through the international transit zone at a Bulgarian airport without entering the country need this visa, unless exempted by the Bulgarian authorities. It applies to passengers changing flights or making a transit stop at a Bulgarian airport.
Stay Duration and Validity of Bulgaria Airport Transit (A Type) eVisa?
The Type ‘A’ airport transit eVisa can be issued as a single, double, or, in exceptional cases, a multiple-entry visa. Its validity is typically up to three months from the date of issue.
Can a Bulgaria Airport Transit (A Type) eVisa be extended?
Regretfully, an eVisa extension for Bulgaria Transit (A Type) is not allowed. If a visitor wants to remain in Bulgaria after their eVisa expires, they must apply for a new visa. Making sure that the Bulgaria eVisa is valid for the length of your transit and scheduling your trip dates appropriately are essential.
Document Required for Bulgaria Airport Transit (Type A) eVisa Application
When applying for the Type A Airport Transit eVisa, you must submit the following documents:
Valid Passport or Travel Document: The original passport or travel document you will use for your journey.
Copy of Passport Pages: Provide a photocopy of the pages that include your personal details, as well as any visas or permits for the countries you will pass through, including your final destination (if applicable).
Recent Passport-Sized Photograph: A recent, coloured passport-size photo to match visa requirements.
Flight Booking Details: Your flight reservation, including the details of your transit and onwards travel. You will need to present the ticket and a copy of it during your application process.
Ensure all documents are accurate and complete before submission to avoid any delays in processing your visa.
Bulgaria Airport Transit (A Type) eVisa Photo Requirement
Eligible Photos
Full-color photograph measuring 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm
Light-colored background (same for both adults and children entered in the passport)
Full-face photo with the face occupying 70-80% of the image
Eyes must be clearly visible.
Ineligible photos
Photos with dark glasses.
Non-professional photos.
Photos cut from amateur pictures.
❌Activities Not Allowed with the Bulgaria Airport Transit (A Type) eVisa
With the Bulgaria Airport Transit (A Type) Visa, certain activities are strictly prohibited. These include:
Leaving the Transit Zone: Travellers are not allowed to exit the international transit zone of the airport. If you wish to leave the airport or enter Bulgaria, a different type of visa will be required.
Stay Beyond the Validity Period: You must adhere to the validity period specified on the visa. Overstaying your visa is prohibited and can result in penalties or deportation.
Changing the Purpose of Your Visit: This visa is solely for the purpose of transiting through Bulgaria. You cannot change your travel purpose (e.g., tourism to business) while in Bulgaria with this visa.
Fee and Processing Time for Bulgaria Airport Transit (A Type) eVisa
The total fee for a Bulgaria Airport Transit (A-type) eVisa depends on various factors, such as the applicant's nationality, the processing time selected, and other factors. For accurate fee details, please refer to the Bulgarian Visa Fee page.
Types of Processing Time Available
The processing time for the Bulgaria Airport Transit (A Type) eVisa is as follows:
Standard Processing: Typically completed within 1-6 Working Days at no additional charge. Suitable for applicants who have enough time before travel.
Rush Processing: Available for an additional fee, with a faster processing time. The application processing is completed within 1- 3 Working Days
Super Rush Processing: The most expensive option, offering the quickest processing time. The application processing is completed within 24 Hours
The Super-Rush Processing option should be selected by applicants requiring their visa urgently.
The exact processing time may vary depending on the applicant’s nationality, the completeness of the application, and other factors.
Applying for the Bulgaria Airport Transit eVisa
Applying for the Bulgaria Airport Transit eVisa is simple and involves just 4 straightforward steps:
STEP ONE
FORM FILL AND DOCUMENT UPLOAD: Begin by filling out the Bulgarian eVisa Application form with your personal details. Ensure you upload all the required documents, such as a valid passport, a recent passport-sized photograph, flight booking, and any relevant visas or permits for your onward flight booking, as well as any relevant visas or permits for your next journey.
STEP TWO
FORM SUBMISSION AND FEE PAYMENT: Once your form is completed and documents are uploaded, submit it and proceed to pay the applicable visa fee, based on your nationality and chosen processing time.
STEP THREE
APPLICATION ACCEPTANCE: After submission, your application will be reviewed, and you will receive confirmation of acceptance. Additional information may be requested if needed.
STEP FOUR
VISA DELIVERY: Once your application is approved, your Bulgaria Airport Transit eVisa will be delivered to you, allowing you to transit through the international airport zone as planned.
How do I check the Bulgarian Airport Transit eVisa status?
Checking the status of your Bulgarian Airport Transit eVisa is an important step to ensure everything is on track. You can easily check the status by following these simple steps:
Visit the Bulgarian eVisa Website: Go to the Bulgarian eVisa portal, where the visa status check option is available.
Access the Visa Status Check: Look for the ‘Visa Status Check’ section on the website.
Enter Your Application ID and Passport Information: You will need the application ID provided to you after form submission, along with your passport information.
Click on ‘Check Status’: Once you have entered the required information, click the ‘Check Status’ button to view the current status of your visa application.
By following these steps, you can easily track the progress of your Bulgarian Airport Transit eVisa.
Bulgaria Airport Transit Visa Accepted: What’s the Next Step?
Once you receive acceptance for your Bulgaria Airport Transit (A-Type) eVisa, it is time to finalize your travel arrangements. Here is what you need to do next:
Visa Approval Review: Verify the information on your visa, including your passport number, travel dates, and visa validity.
Trip Confirmation: Confirm your flight, layover in Bulgaria, and further travel. Know the airport layout and transit zone.
Ready Your Documents: Do not forget to keep your visa, passport, flight reservations, and other documentation for your trip.
Airport Guidelines: Review Bulgarian airport transit passenger requirements to guarantee a pleasant transit zone stay.
Stay Aware: Staying informed about any changes to your flight or airport details can help you meet transit requirements without any issues.
Common Reasons for Bulgaria Airport Transit (A Type) Visa Denial
There are several reasons why an applicant’s Bulgaria Airport Transit (A Type) Visa may be denied. Some of the most common reasons include:
Cause 1: Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
Missing required documents such as a valid passport, flight booking, or supporting permits for onward travel can result in a denial.
Cause 2: Incorrect or Incomplete Application Form
Errors or omissions in the application form, such as incorrect personal information or missing documents, can lead to a visa rejection.
Cause 3: Invalid Passport
Submitting an expired, damaged, or insufficient passport (with not enough blank pages) can prevent the approval of the visa.
Cause 4: Failure to Meet Eligibility Criteria
Not providing proof of legal status in the destination country or lacking necessary permits for onward travel can lead to a denial.
Cause 5: Inconsistent Travel Plans
Submitting conflicting or unclear travel itineraries, such as inconsistent flight bookings or missing travel details, may result in visa rejection.
End Note
For passengers going through Bulgarian airports on their route to another location, the Bulgaria Airport Transit (A Type) Visa is an essential necessity. You may streamline your transit experience by making sure all of your documents are up-to-date, submitting your application on time, and selecting the appropriate processing option. Please keep in mind that this visa is only valid for airport transit; it does not provide access to Bulgaria or the opportunity to exit the transit area. To guarantee a hassle-free trip, always check the progress of your application and keep up with your travel information.
General Questions
No, it is not possible to extend a Bulgaria Transit (A Type) Visa. If you need to stay in Bulgaria for a longer period, you will need to apply for a different type of visa.
No, the A-Type visa only applies to transit through Bulgaria and does not permit entry into any other Schengen Area country.
Yes, children or dependents who are part of the transit journey will require a separate A-Type visa, with all necessary documents (such as a passport and visa) submitted for each traveller.
If your visa expires while in transit, you will be in violation of immigration rules. It is crucial to ensure your visa is valid for the entire duration of your transit. You may be required to apply for a new visa if you need to extend your stay.
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