Bulgaria visit visa for Pakistan passport holders

Planning a trip to Sofia, the Black Sea coast or the Rila Mountains? Bulgaria now issues Schengen visas, so as a Pakistani passport holder you need a type C short-stay Schengen visa before you go, whether the trip is for sightseeing, seeing relatives or a short business visit, and you can stay up to 90 days in any 180. According to the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bulgaria started issuing uniform Schengen visas on 31 March 2024, and since 1 January 2025 there are no more person checks at the internal land borders between Bulgaria and Romania or between Bulgaria and other Schengen states. Pick Bulgaria as the country you apply to only when the main-destination rules lead to Bulgaria; applying to the wrong Schengen state is a common reason for delay or refusal.

Apply to Bulgaria when it is your main destination or, for equal stays, the first country you enter. In Pakistan, applications are handled at the Embassy of Bulgaria in Islamabad according to MFA visa instructions. Follow the embassy's appointment and document rules carefully; incomplete files slow decisions. Confirm opening hours and any appointment system with the embassy before you travel to Islamabad with original documents.

The European Commission fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6 to 12, free under 6. Standard Schengen documents apply: a passport valid at least three months after leaving the area, the form, photo, travel medical insurance, proof of purpose, funds, accommodation and intention to return. Biometrics are collected when you submit, with limited exemptions. If a visa centre is later introduced for Bulgaria in Pakistan, use only channels listed on the official MFA site.

Processing is normally up to 15 calendar days and can extend to 45 days. European Commission 2024 statistics show that 38.9% of decided Schengen applications at Bulgaria's consulate in Pakistan (Islamabad) were not issued. Treat that as public context, not a personal forecast, and prepare a clear, consistent file. Explain large bank deposits in writing and keep employer leave letters consistent with your travel dates.

A Bulgarian Schengen visa lets you travel in the Schengen area within the sticker limits. Border officers still decide entry. Use the Bulgarian MFA visa pages and the European Commission applying page for official fees and timing. Bulgaria's published 2024 refusal share for Pakistan is listed next to the European Commission statistics source on this site. Print your insurance certificate and keep hotel and flight reservations that match the dates on the form. If your plans change after lodging, tell the embassy rather than travelling on mismatched bookings.