Bulgaria Schengen Visa from Turkey

For Turkish citizens traveling to Bulgaria, applying for a Schengen visa is essential. The primary type is the Tourism Visa Application (TURIZM VIZE BASVURUSU). Applications can be submitted at the Consulate General of Bulgaria in Istanbul or the Bulgaria Visa Application Center in Istanbul-Altunizade. Ensure you have all necessary documents ready for a smooth application process.

2 visa centres·2 visa types·Starts at ₺1000·Processed by VFS

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Appointment wait times

Median days from booking until appointment — based on real appointments observed by xVisa

< 20 days20–30> 30

Visa centre	TURIZM VIZE BASVURUSU / TOURISM VISA APPLICATION NSTOURISM	Applications without Biometric(0-12) 25eu
Istanbul CONSULATE GENERAL BULGARIA ISTANBUL
Istanbul Altunizade Bulgaria Visa Application Center in Istanbul-Altunizade

Bulgaria visa centres in Turkey

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Document checklist

A total of 23 documents may be required for the Tourism Visa Application. This includes a valid passport, travel itinerary, accommodation details, proof of financial means, and travel insurance. Additional documents may be necessary for applicants under the age of 12, particularly for those applying without biometric data. Review the specific requirements to ensure compliance.

Application form
Required
Duly completed and signed visa application form
Bank statements (3 months)
Required
Personal bank statements showing income and funds
Complete extract of the civil registry or family book
Required
Complete extract of the civil registry or family book showing parents, siblings, spouse, and children; if possible including a QR code for verification.
Return or onward travel booking
Required
Printed flight/train/bus booking showing passenger name and itinerary
Hotel Reservation
Required
Provide confirmed accommodation booking showing the applicant's name, travel dates, and accommodation address details.
Valid passport or travel document
Required
Original passport valid at least 3 months beyond return date, plus photocopy
Passport Copy
Required
If your name is not on the accommodation reservation, also provide a photocopy of the passport or ID card of the person named on the reservation, plus the passport signature page if the signature is not on the bio page.
Passport photos (standardized)
Required
Standardized passport photographs required for a short-stay visa application (as specified in the checklist).
Proof of regular income (e.g., payslips for last 3 months)
Required
Proof of regular income, such as pay slips for the last three months (as described in the Slovenia – USA short stay visa checklist, Rev. 1-2025).
Travel health insurance
Required
Travel health insurance for travel abroad covering at least EUR 30,000 for the actual travel period in Bulgaria/Schengen area.
Visa fee payment proof
Required
Proof that the visa fee has been paid for the application.
Company activity certificate
Required in some cases
Company activity certificate (Faaliyet Belgesi).
👔Self Employed
Company chamber of commerce registration
Required in some cases
Company registration in the chamber of commerce and a copy of the bulletin of the trade register.
👔Self Employed
Company signature circular
Required in some cases
Official company signature circular.
👔Self Employed
Employer letter or leave approval
Required in some cases
Letter from the employer and/or approval for leave containing employment details, salary, leave period, and employer contact information.
👔Employed
Farmer certificate
Required in some cases
Farmer certificate issued by a chamber of agriculture.
👔Self Employed
Parental consent documents for minors
Required in some cases
For minors travelling alone/with one parent: parental consent, certified copies of parents’ passports, British school certificate.
👶Travelling with children
Proof of pension
Required in some cases
Proof of pension, either through a bank account record or pension booklet.
👔Retired
SGK employment and service statement
Required in some cases
SGK statement of employment (Sigortalı İşe Giriş Bildirgesi) and SGK registration and service document (SGK tescil ve hizmet dökümü) with a readable QR code.
👔Employed
Proof of sole parental authority
Required in some cases
Document proving that the travelling parent has sole parental authority, such as a birth certificate showing one parent, death certificate, divorce decree, or custody agreement.
👶Travelling with children
Student certificate
Required in some cases
Student certificate issued by the Council of Higher Education in Turkey (YÖK) with a readable QR code.
👔Student
Statement of tax payments
Required in some cases
Statement proving payment of taxes by the company.
👔Self Employed
Proof of residence in Turkey
Required in some cases
Proof of legal residence in Turkey, valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure date from the Member States.

Booking your Bulgaria appointment

When scheduling your appointment, consider peak times at the visa centers in Istanbul. Arriving early can help avoid long waiting periods. Ensure all required documents are complete and organized before your appointment to facilitate the process. Double-check the center's operating hours to confirm availability on your chosen date.