Bulgaria

Embassies and consulates in Bulgaria

embassies in Sofia

Diplomatic missions from 76 countries are based in Bulgaria, 97 missions in all (63 embassies, 15 consulates, 17 honorary consulates and 2 other offices). All 63 embassies are in the capital, Sofia. Consulates are also found in Plovdiv, Varna and Burgas.

Europe EU member Schengen area

Bulgaria

Capital
Sofia
Population
6,433,302
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Calling code
+359
Languages
Bulgarian, Turkish, Romany
  • 97missions
  • 63embassies
  • 15consulates
  • 17honorary consulates
Visa-free: 119 destinations#28 in the world

Map

All missions in Bulgaria

Other cities in Bulgaria

Outside Sofia, missions are found in Plovdiv (6), Varna (5), Burgas (2), Rousse (1), Veliko Tarnovo (1) and Nesebar (1); most of them are consulates general, consulates and honorary consulates.

By country

  1. Czech Republic 4
  2. Russia 4
  3. Turkey 4
  4. Germany 3
  5. Poland 3
  6. Austria 2
  7. Greece 2
  8. Indonesia 2
Show all 76

Visa rules for Bulgaria

How the world’s passports enter Bulgaria198 in total

  • Visa-free93
  • Visa required105

Bulgaria visa guide · 16 visa types

Visa rules

Bulgaria belongs to the European Union and the Schengen area. Of the 198 passports in the visa data, 93 can enter visa-free and 105 need a visa from an embassy or consulate for Bulgaria. As a Schengen state, Bulgaria counts every short stay towards the shared limit of 90 days in any 180.

Visa statistics

US visas issued to citizens of Bulgaria

Visas issuedFY 2024FY 2025
Visitor (B)14,16814,054
Student (F, M)206196
Exchange (J)3,9654,008
Work and treaty (H, L, O, E…)561520
Transit and crew (C, D)782818
Diplomatic and official (A, G)425375
Fiancé(e) (K)4010
Total20,14719,981
B visa refusal rate (adjusted)6.0%5.1%

In fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to September 2025) the United States issued 19,981 nonimmigrant visas to citizens of Bulgaria, the 58th highest number of the 206 nationalities listed. Visitor visas (B1/B2) made up 70%, exchange visitor visas 20% and transit and crew visas 4%. The total was about the same in fiscal year 2024.

From October 2025 to February 2026, citizens of Bulgaria received 6,545, 17% fewer than in the same months a year earlier.

For visitor visas (B1/B2) the State Department reports an adjusted refusal rate of 5.1% for citizens of Bulgaria in fiscal year 2025 (fiscal year 2024: 6.0%).

Source: US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, monthly nonimmigrant visa issuances up to February 2026 and adjusted refusal rates (public domain). US fiscal years run from October to September. How these figures are made

United States visa for citizens of Bulgaria

Bulgaria’s own missions abroad

Bulgaria’s embassies abroad (121)

Bulgaria itself has 121 missions abroad, in 75 countries. Its largest networks are in Germany (11), France (5), Belgium (4), Spain (4) and Italy (4).

Upcoming closures

Public holidays in Bulgaria

  • Christmas Eve

    Thursday

  • Christmas Day

    Friday

  • Second day of Christmas

    Saturday

  • New Year's Day

    Friday

Good to know

Where the embassies are

All 63 embassies are in the capital, Sofia. The Czech Republic has the most missions in Bulgaria, 4, followed by Russia (4), Turkey (4), Germany (3) and Poland (3).

Travel advice for Bulgaria

Foreign ministries’ advice on travel to Bulgaria: the US State Department rates Bulgaria at Level 1, exercise normal precautions (updated 8 October 2025), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to Bulgaria (updated 11 August 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for Bulgaria (updated 13 October 2026).

Frequently asked questions

Which country has the most consulates in Bulgaria?

The Czech Republic, with 4 missions, followed by Russia (4).

Do I need a visa for Bulgaria?

Of 198 passports, 93 can enter visa-free and 105 need a visa from an embassy or consulate for Bulgaria; the visa rules page for your own passport has the answer for you.

When are embassies in Bulgaria closed?

On Bulgaria’s public holidays and on each mission’s own national day; the next public holiday is Christmas Eve on Thursday 24 December 2026.

Is Bulgaria in the Schengen area?

Yes. Bulgaria is part of the Schengen area, so a Schengen visa is valid there.