Last reviewed: May 2026
TL;DR- Embassy of Bulgaria is at 186-188 Queen's Gate, London, SW7 5HL
- Consular phone line is +44 (0)20 7584 9400
- Short stay Type C visas and long stay Type D visas for work, study and family are handled
- Appointments and forms are at bulgarianembassy-london.org/consular-services/visa
- British citizens travel visa-free to Bulgaria for up to 90 days under Schengen rules
Address and Contact Details
The Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in London is at 186-188 Queen's Gate, London, SW7 5HL. The consular section handles visa applications, passport renewals and notarial services for Bulgarian citizens.
The main consular phone line is +44 (0)20 7584 9400. The official site at bulgarianembassy-london.org publishes opening hours, visa instructions and the consular fee schedule. With Bulgaria's accession to the Schengen Area, the short stay visa rules now mirror EU Schengen practice.
Public hours are typically restricted to weekday mornings, with a separate window for collections. The embassy closes on UK bank holidays and Bulgarian national days such as Liberation Day on 3 March and Unification Day on 6 September.
Visa Services Available
Bulgaria entered the Schengen Area in stages from 2024, with full Schengen visa rules now in effect. Visa categories handled at the London embassy include:
- Short Stay Visa (Type C): Schengen short stay visa for tourism, business and family visits up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- Long Stay Visa (Type D) - Work: linked to a Bulgarian work permit issued by the Employment Agency.
- Long Stay Visa (Type D) - Study: for students accepted at recognised Bulgarian universities.
- Long Stay Visa (Type D) - Family: for spouses, partners and dependent children of Bulgarian residents.
- Long Stay Visa (Type D) - Other Purposes: including research, voluntary service and investment-based residence.
British citizens do not need a visa for short visits to Bulgaria. The embassy mainly serves third country nationals living in the UK who plan to travel to Bulgaria for longer stays or under specific Schengen requirements.
How to Book an Appointment
Appointments are booked through the consular services section at bulgarianembassy-london.org/consular-services/visa. The embassy uses an online slot system, and most categories require in-person submission with biometric capture.
Demand peaks before the Bulgarian academic year in October and around the summer travel period. Applicants planning a Type D visa should start the process several weeks before the intended departure to allow for sponsor documents and the embassy's review.
The confirmation email needs to be printed and brought on the day of submission. Photo identification, the original passport and the appointment slip will be checked at the entrance before access to the consular section is granted.
Documents and Requirements
Each visa category has its own checklist published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Typical documents include:
- A passport valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure from the Schengen Area with two blank pages.
- The completed visa application form, signed and dated.
- One recent passport-style photograph to Schengen standards.
- Travel insurance covering the Schengen Area with at least 30,000 euros of medical cover.
- Flight bookings and accommodation evidence for short stay applications.
- For business visas, an invitation letter from the Bulgarian host on company letterhead.
- For work visas, the work permit from the Employment Agency and the employer's contract.
- For student visas, the acceptance letter from the Bulgarian institution and proof of paid tuition.
- For family visas, marriage and birth certificates with apostille from the issuing country.
- For investor and other Type D categories, supporting documents specific to the basis of residence.
Originals and photocopies are usually required. Documents not in Bulgarian or English should be translated by a sworn translator and legalised where the consular section asks.
Processing Times and Fees
Type C short stay Schengen visas are usually processed within 15 calendar days at the London embassy, extended to 30 or 45 days in cases needing more checks. Type D long stay visas often take 30 to 45 working days because they are coordinated with the Ministry of Interior in Sofia and the Bulgarian Employment Agency for work cases.
Consular fees are set by the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in euros and converted to pounds at the embassy. Type C fees follow Schengen tariffs and apply to non-exempt nationalities. Type D fees vary by purpose and are typically higher than Schengen short stay fees. Payment is taken in cash or by card.
Verify the current tariff at the embassy before submission as both Schengen-wide and Bulgarian national fees are reviewed periodically.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do British citizens need a visa for Bulgaria?
British citizens can visit Bulgaria for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism, business or family visits without a visa, in line with Schengen rules. Longer stays for work, study or residence still need a Bulgarian Type D long stay visa.
Has Bulgaria fully joined the Schengen Area?
Bulgaria joined the Schengen Area in stages from 2024, with full air, sea and land integration completed in 2025. Bulgarian Type C visas now follow Schengen rules and are valid across the entire Schengen zone.
What is the difference between Type C and Type D visas?
Type C is a short stay Schengen visa for visits up to 90 days. Type D is a Bulgarian national long stay visa for stays over 90 days, leading to a residence permit issued by the Migration Directorate after arrival.
How long is the Type D visa valid before I must enter Bulgaria?
Type D visas are typically issued with a 180-day entry window. Once in Bulgaria, the holder must apply to the Migration Directorate for a residence permit before the visa expires.
Where do I legalise UK documents for use in Bulgaria?
UK public documents intended for use in Bulgaria usually need an apostille from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Some commercial and notarial documents may also need a sworn Bulgarian translation. The embassy's consular section can confirm what is needed for each document type.
How We Verified This
Information in this article was cross-checked against the Bulgarian Embassy in London site, the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the European Commission's Schengen accession notices, and GOV.UK travel advice for Bulgaria. Type D references draw on Ministry of Interior and Employment Agency public guidance.
Sources
- Bulgarian Embassy London: bulgarianembassy-london.org
- Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: mfa.bg/en
- GOV.UK Bulgaria travel advice: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/bulgaria
