ETIAS for Bulgaria

Starting in 2026, Canadian passport holders will need to apply for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) before travelling to Bulgaria.

ETIAS is a visa waiver introduced in Bulgaria and across all Schengen Area members in order to improve security.

Can Canadian nationals travel to Bulgaria without a visa?

Canadian citizens are not required to have a visa for Bulgaria for short tourist or business trips and for transiting through one of the country’s airports on the way to another destination.

However, travellers from Canada who are eligible for visa-free travel will still need to apply for an ETIAS for Bulgaria.

This document will be a mandatory entry requirement for all visa-exempt visitors to Bulgaria from Canada.

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When do Canadians need a visa for Bulgaria?

ETIAS Bulgaria does not replace a traditional visa. In some cases, Canadian nationals must obtain a visa, for example:

  • They do not meet all the eligibility criteria for the ETIAS Bulgaria visa waiver for Canadians
  • They intend to remain in Bulgaria for longer than 90 days (3 months) at a time
  • They are travelling for reasons other than tourism, business, or transit

Canadians who need a visa for Bulgaria must start the application process well in advance and will be asked to provide supporting documentation. They can obtain a visa in person through their nearest Bulgarian embassy or consulate.

Required documents for ETIAS Bulgaria from Canada

The ETIAS requirements for Canadian citizens travelling to Bulgaria are very simple. They include:

  • A valid Canadian passport
  • An unexpired debit or credit card to pay the ETIAS processing fee
  • An active email address to receive the visa waiver

What are passport requirements for ETIAS Bulgaria for Canadians?

The applicant’s passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the the intended date of departure from Bulgaria.

In addition, Canadian travellers should keep in mind that ETIAS Bulgaria for Canada is connected to the passport used to apply. Therefore, it is not possible to transfer an ETIAS to another passport. If the passport has expired or is bound to expire, the applicant must obtain a new one before starting the application process.

Dual nationals have to use the same passport to apply for ETIAS and travel from Canada to Bulgaria.

Applying for an ETIAS Bulgaria from Canada

Canadian citizens who meet all the above ETIAS requirements will be asked to complete an online ETIAS application form for Canadians and provide the following information:

Trip details

  • The purpose of the trip
  • Intended travel dates
  • Accommodation details

Essential personal and passport details

  • First and last names
  • Date and place of birth
  • Country of nationality
  • Applicant’s gender
  • Passport country and number
  • Passport issue and expiration dates
  • Security-related questions

Contact information

  • Home address
  • Phone number
  • Email address

All Canadian travellers, including children on their parents’ passports, must submit a separate application form. Parents and guardians can complete the application on behalf of minors.

ETIAS Bulgaria processing fee for Canadian applicants

Paying the visa waiver processing fee is the last step of the ETIAS application process for Canadians. Candidates will be able to pay using any debit or credit card authorised for online transactions.

Can Canadians visit other Schengen member countries with an ETIAS Bulgaria?

Canadian ETIAS holders are allowed to visit any of the Schengen member countries, as well as countries in the process of joining Schengen or already partially in the area, such as Bulgaria.

However, it is necessary to indicate the country of the first entry in the application form, in this case, Bulgaria.

ETIAS Bulgaria benefits for Canadian passport holders

ETIAS Bulgaria offers a host of benefits for Canadian travellers. It is an essential tool for making travel to the Schengen Area safer, by identifying individuals that may pose a threat to its member countries.

In addition, this electronic system is much simpler and faster than obtaining a traditional Bulgarian visa. There is no need to visit a Bulgarian embassy or consulate, and Canadian candidates can apply from the comfort of their homes or offices in just a matter of minutes.

The ETIAS Bulgaria travel authorization is sent to the applicant’s email within a few hours of applying, given that all the provided information is correct.

Validity of ETIAS Bulgaria for Canadian travellers

The ETIAS Bulgaria for Canada has a total validity of 3 years from the date of issue. Canadian visitors can enter Bulgaria as many times as they wish during this period.

They are allowed to stay for up to 90 days in Bulgaria and other Schengen member countries within a 180-day period.

Note that if the applicant’s passport expires earlier, the ETIAS Bulgaria will become automatically invalid.

Is it possible to extend an ETIAS Bulgaria for Canada?

ETIAS visa waiver for Canadian travellers can not be renewed nor extend its validity. If they wish to remain in the country longer than 3 months, they need to apply for a suitable type of visa for Bulgaria.

Overstaying an ETIAS for Bulgaria is against the law and punishable by fines and penalties.

Health information for Canadians visiting Bulgaria

All non-EU citizens visiting Bulgaria, including Canadian passport holders, are strongly encouraged to purchase an international health insurance plan prior to their trip, to avoid emergency medical costs.

The emergency telephone number in Bulgaria and the rest of the Schengen Area is 112. This number is common for the ambulance, police, and firefighters.

Canadian visitors who use prescription medications must make sure that these are stored in the original packaging and clearly labelled.

Other than the COVID vaccinations required in Europe, no other vaccination is required in order to enter Bulgaria.

Candian Embassy in Bulgaria

There is no Candian Embassy in Bulgaria, but there is a consulate in Sofia:

  • Address: 7 Pozitano Street, Block #3, 1st Floor, Office #4, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
  • Phone: 359-2-969-9710
  • Email: sofia@international.gc.ca

Note that contacting an embassy or consulate is not necessary when applying for an ETIAS for Bulgaria from Canada.