India visa for Bulgarian citizens
Bulgarian citizens can apply online for an Indian e-Visa (tourist, business, medical or conference categories) on the official Government of India site before travelling.
Check the official site before you travel. imptpune.in is a hotel and travel site; it does not issue visas. Visa rules change: confirm on indianvisaonline.gov.in.
| Status | e-Visa available |
|---|---|
| Visa type | Indian e-Visa (tourist, business, medical, conference), applied for online |
| Where to apply | indianvisaonline.gov.in (e-Visa) |
| Processing | Set by the Government of India: check the official site |
| Arrival | At an airport or seaport designated for e-Visa arrivals |
Bulgarian passport holders can obtain an Indian e-Visa for tourism, business, or medical visits. You must apply online at the official government site before departure. The e-Visa allows entry at designated airports and seaports. Check the official site for the latest eligibility and conditions.
What the e-Visa means
The Indian e-Visa for Bulgarian citizens is an electronic travel authorisation linked to your passport. It removes the need to visit an Indian embassy or consulate. You apply entirely online. The e-Visa is for short stays for tourism, business, or medical purposes. It is not a visa on arrival; you must have the approved e-Visa before you travel.
Once approved, the e-Visa is sent to your email as a PDF. Print a copy to carry with you. The e-Visa is valid for entry at 28 designated airports and 5 major seaports in India. It is not valid for land border crossings. Always check the official site for any changes to the list of entry points.
Before travel and at the airport
Apply for the e-Visa on the official Indian e-Visa website at least a few days before your departure. You will need a digital photo and a scanned copy of your passport's bio page. The application asks for travel details and a brief itinerary. Pay the fee online using a credit or debit card. Check the official site for the current fee.
After approval, the e-Visa is sent to your email. Carry a printed copy and your passport. At the departure airport, the airline may check your e-Visa before issuing a boarding pass. On arrival at an Indian airport, proceed to the e-Visa counters for immigration. Have your passport and e-Visa ready.
Arriving in Indian cities and travelling
Upon landing at a designated airport, follow signs for e-Visa holders. Immigration officers will verify your e-Visa and passport, and take your fingerprints. This is a standard biometric procedure. After clearance, you can collect your luggage and exit. The process is usually straightforward.
Once in India, you can travel between cities and states freely. The e-Visa covers your entire stay. Keep your passport and e-Visa copy with you at all times. Hotels and domestic flights may ask to see your visa. For internal travel, no additional permits are needed for most destinations. Check if you plan to visit restricted areas.
Staying longer, working or studying
The e-Visa is for short stays only. It does not permit paid employment or long-term study. If you intend to work, take up a job, or study a course, you need a different visa category. Apply for a work visa or student visa at the Indian embassy in Sofia before travel. The e-Visa cannot be converted to another visa type in India.
For longer tourist stays, you may need to apply for a regular paper visa from the Indian embassy. Check the official site of the Indian embassy in Bulgaria for details. Overstaying your e-Visa can lead to fines and future visa problems. Always check your visa's validity and exit before it expires.
How to apply for the e-Visa
- Go to the official Indian e-Visa website: indianvisaonline.gov.in.
- Complete the online application form with your passport and travel details.
- Upload a recent digital photograph and a scan of your passport's bio page.
- Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card.
- Wait for the electronic travel authorisation to be emailed to you.
- Print the e-Visa approval and carry it with your passport when you travel.
- On arrival at an Indian airport, go to the e-Visa counter for biometrics and immigration.
Documents to carry
- Valid Bulgarian passport with at least six months validity
- Printed copy of the approved e-Visa
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation in India
- Sufficient funds for your stay
Bulgarian citizens: questions
Can Bulgarian citizens get an Indian visa on arrival?
No, Bulgaria is not on the Indian visa-on-arrival list. Bulgarian citizens must apply for an e-Visa online before travel. The e-Visa is not issued at the airport.
How long does the Indian e-Visa take for Bulgarian citizens?
Processing times vary. Check the official e-Visa website for current estimates. Apply well before your departure to avoid delays.
Can I extend an Indian e-Visa while in India as a Bulgarian citizen?
No, the e-Visa cannot be extended or converted to another visa type in India. You must leave before the visa expires. For a longer stay, apply for a regular visa before travel.
Which Indian airports can Bulgarian citizens enter with an e-Visa?
The e-Visa is valid at 28 designated airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. Check the official site for the full list. Land borders are not allowed.
Do Bulgarian children need an e-Visa for India?
Yes, every traveller, including infants and children, needs a separate e-Visa. Apply for each child using their own passport. The process is the same as for adults.
Where will you stay in Pune?
Koregaon Park for a first visit, Viman Nagar for the airport, Hinjewadi or Kharadi for work. Live prices for your dates open in the IMPT app.
Photo credits: Photo on Pexels.