Do I need a visa to travel to Russia from Bulgaria?
If you’re a Bulgarian citizen traveling with an ordinary passport, you need a visa to enter Russia, even if your stay is for tourism, visiting friends, business, or other purposes. Unfortunately, there’s no visa-free agreement between Bulgaria and Russia for regular passport holders.
You can apply for either an electronic visa (eVisa) or a regular visa, depending on the purpose and duration of your trip.
⚠️ Remember: your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your visa’s expiration date.
Entry options for Bulgarian citizens
| Entry Type | Visa Needed? | Max Stay | Application Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| eVisa | ✅ Yes | Up to 30 days | Apply online here |
| Regular Visa | ✅ Yes | As per visa type | Visa application form |
The electronic visa (eVisa)
The eVisa is a convenient option for Bulgarian tourists, business visitors, or those attending cultural or sporting events in Russia. I’ve written a step-by-step guide to applying for an eVisa.
It’s easy to get: you apply online from home, without visiting a consulate or visa center. Applications can be submitted up to 86 days in advance, and the eVisa allows you to stay up to 30 days.
Once approved, you’ll receive the visa by email as a PDF. Simply print it or carry it on your mobile phone when traveling. You don’t need hotel bookings or an invitation letter—just valid travel insurance accepted by Russian authorities.
The unified e-visa allows you to enter Russia for private visits, tourism, business, or participation in cultural, sports, scientific, or political events. If your trip doesn’t fall into these categories, you’ll need a regular visa.
The regular visa
If you plan to stay longer than 30 days or your trip doesn’t qualify for the eVisa, you’ll need to apply for a regular visa through a Russian consulate or visa center.
The most common type is a tourist visa, but there are also business, private, humanitarian, study, transit, and work visas depending on your travel purpose.
Unlike the eVisa, a regular visa is stamped into your passport. It requires an invitation or visa support letter—you can request one here. The application must be submitted no later than 90 days before your trip.
You can find detailed step-by-step instructions on applying for a regular visa in this guide.
Do Bulgarians need travel insurance?
Yes—travel medical insurance is mandatory for Bulgarian citizens when applying for either a regular visa or an eVisa.
I recommend purchasing your policy from a provider recognized by Russian authorities. You can buy your policy quickly here.
Important arrival information
When you arrive in Russia, you’ll receive a migration card. This document must be kept during your stay and returned when you leave. Learn how it works here.
Additionally, if you’re staying in a private residence or with friends, your host must register you with the local authorities within 7 days of arrival. More details on the process here.
FAQs about traveling to Russia from Bulgaria
Can I travel to Russia without a visa?
No, Bulgarian citizens need a visa, either an eVisa or a regular visa.
Is travel insurance mandatory?
Yes, for both eVisa and regular visa applications. You can get it here.
Can I stay more than 30 days with an eVisa?
No, if you plan to stay longer, you’ll need to apply for a regular visa instead.
Do I need an invitation letter?
Only for the regular visa, not for the eVisa. You can request your invitation here.
Where do I apply for a regular visa?
At a Russian consulate or visa center in Bulgaria. You’ll also need to complete the visa application form online.
Do I need to register in Russia?
Yes, if you’re staying in a private home, your host must register you within 7 days. Read about the process here.