Entry Requirements for EU / EEA / Switzerland Citizens
Bulgaria has been a member of the European Union since 1 January 2007 and became a full member of the Schengen Area in 2025. Travel between Bulgaria and other Schengen countries normally takes place without border checks.
Citizens of EU Member States, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, do not require a visa to enter Bulgaria.
You may enter Bulgaria using:
- a valid passport, or
- a national identity card.
Students should always carry their passport or ID card during their stay in Bulgaria.
Non-EU Citizens
Students who are not citizens of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland must normally obtain a Bulgarian long-stay visa (Type D) before travelling to Bulgaria for their Erasmus mobility.
This requirement applies even if the student is currently studying in another EU country.
The Type D visa allows students to enter Bulgaria for long-term study.
After arriving in Bulgaria, students must register their stay with the Migration Directorate of the Ministry of Interior in accordance with Bulgarian immigration regulations.
Where to Apply
Visa applications must be submitted to the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in the student’s country of residence.
Processing times may vary, and students are strongly advised to start the visa application procedure as early as possible after receiving their Erasmus acceptance.
More information about visa procedures and required documents can be found on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria: https://www.mfa.bg
