Bulgaria Visa for Nigeria Passport Holders

Nigeriapassport Bulgariadestination

Single entry ApprovalLow Transit visaYes

Data verified 15 May 2026

At a glance

Nigeria passport holders: Single entry for Bulgaria. Fee: EUR 90 (~USD 104.66). Processing: 15-21 working days. Indicative only — always verify with the official mission before applying.

Overview

Bulgaria joined Schengen (air/sea) Mar 2024, full Schengen Jan 2025. Schengen Type C visa: EUR 90 (~NGN 132,000). Apply via VFS Global Abuja/Lagos.

Visa types: Schengen C (90/180): Tourist, Business, Family, Cultural, Transit. Bulgarian National D (>90 days): Work, Study, Family Reunification, Long-term Residence. Multi-entry options available.

Fees & funds

Visa fee (local)EUR 90 (Schengen)

In USDUSD 99

In NGNNGN 134,640

Minimum bank balance~USD 55/day (EUR 50)

Service feeVFS service fee: USD 25-40 on top of visa fee

Stay & validity

Schengen C: Validity 6 months to 5 years. Max Stay: 90 days within 180-day period across all Schengen.

Extension possibleConditional

Overstay penalty: Fine EUR 50-1,200 + 1-5 year ban across all 29 Schengen states; SIS alert

How to apply

MethodVFS Global Abuja/Lagos (Bulgarian Embassy via Cairo)

Application centreVFS Global

Processing time15-21 working days

AppointmentYes · Book

InterviewConditional

Urgent processingNo

Requirements

Bank Statement Yes Yes (6 months, EUR 50/day)

Return Ticket Yes

Hotel Booking Yes

Sponsor Doc Conditional

Invitation Letter Conditional

Vaccination Conditional Yellow Fever (carried)

Travel Insurance Mandatory Mandatory (EUR 30,000+)

Biometrics Yes

Police Clearance No No (short-stay)

Employment Letter Yes

Passport & photo

Passport validity3+ months beyond stay

Photo size35 × 45 mm · White bg · biometric

Required documents: Valid passport (3+ months beyond stay, 2 blank pages); Online Schengen application; 35x45mm biometric photo; Travel insurance (EUR 30,000+); Flight booking; Hotel reservation; Bank statement (3-6 months, EUR 50/day); Employment letter; ITR; NIN; Yellow Fever cert (carried); Biometrics at VFS Abuja/Lagos.

Visa types (2)

Tourist ★

Single EUR 90 (~USD 104.66) 15-21 working days

Bulgaria joined Schengen (air/sea) Mar 2024, full Schengen Jan 2025. Schengen Type C visa: EUR 90 (~NGN 132,000). Apply via VFS Global Abuja/Lagos.

Transit Schengen Airport Transit Visa (Type A)

Single EUR 90 (~USD 97.2) 15 calendar days (occasionally up to 45)

Schengen Airport Transit Visa (Type A) - required for Nigerian passport holders changing planes airside at an airport in Bulgaria en route to a non-Schengen third country. Keeps you airside; does not permit entry into Bulgaria or the Schengen Area.

Common rejection reasons

Common Schengen rejections for Nigerians (~50-60%): (1) Insufficient funds — post-Naira devaluation makes proof difficult; (2) Weak ties to Nigeria; (3) Doubtful intent to return; (4) Bulgaria seen as cheap Schengen entry — onward migration suspicion; (5) Past Schengen overstays; (6) Inadequate insurance; (7) Inconsistent itinerary; (8) 419 document forgery screening; (9) Mediterranean migration corridor concerns.

Good to know

Bulgaria visa FAQ for Nigeria passport holders

Do I need a visa to visit Bulgaria with a Nigeria passport?

Yes — Nigeria passport holders need a visa for Bulgaria (Single entry). Apply via VFS Global Abuja/Lagos (Bulgarian Embassy via Cairo).

How much does a Bulgaria visa cost for Nigeria passport holders?

The Bulgaria visa fee is USD 99 (about NGN 134,640). Additional service, biometric or courier charges may apply on top.

How long does it take to get a Bulgaria visa?

Typical processing for a Bulgaria visa is 15-21 working days. Apply well ahead of your travel date and allow for appointment availability.

How long can I stay in Bulgaria on this visa?

A Bulgaria visa for Nigeria passport holders typically allows a stay of Schengen C: Validity 6 months to 5 years. Max Stay: 90 days within 180-day period across all Schengen.. Extensions may be possible (Conditional).

How do I apply for a Bulgaria visa from Nigeria?

Apply for your Bulgaria visa via VFS Global Abuja/Lagos (Bulgarian Embassy via Cairo). An appointment is required. Your passport should be valid 3+ months beyond stay.