Visa requirement

Citizens of third countries, legally residing in Bulgaria 

The EU has a common list of countries whose citizens must have a visa when crossing the external borders and those whose nationals are exempt from that requirement.

Schengen Visa

Following the Decision of the Council of the European Union no. 2024/210 regarding the full application of the Schengen acquis provisions in the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania, starting from March 31, 2024, checks on persons at the internal air and sea borders between Bulgaria and the other Schengen member states, including Romania, are lifted, and the Schengen acquis provisions referred to in the annex to the aforementioned Decision are fully applicable to Bulgaria.

The Schengen Area without borders guarantees the free movement of over 400 million EU citizens, along with non-EU citizens residing in or visiting the EU (any person legally present in the EU).

Long-stay visas and residence permits issued by Bulgaria both before and after March 31, 2024, entitle holders to travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Short-stay visas issued by Bulgaria before March 31, 2024, remain valid until their expiration and do not entitle holders to travel to other states, except Romania and Cyprus.

The Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia is competent for issuing Schengen visas:

• to third-country nationals with residence permit in Bulgaria,
• if Slovenia is the sole destination of the visit or if the visit includes more than one destination and Slovenia is the main destination of the visit.

Visa application has to be submitted in person, during the official hours of the Consular department of the Embassy and upon preliminary telephone/e-mail contact.

Visa procedure can take up to 15 days or up to 10 days (in case of Visa facilitation agreements). Visa application has to be submitted at least 15 days before the planned visit.

General requirements/general documentation to be submitted by applicants:

• Passport (with the validity of at least 3 months after the date of the planned return);
• Filled in and signed Application form;
• Bulgarian residence permit;
• Biometric Photo;
• Travel medical insurance (covering the entire period of intended stay, valid for all Schengen States and covering any expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgency medical attention, emergency hospital treatment or death during stay. The minimum coverage must be 30.000 EUR);
• Proof of sufficient means of subsistence in the Schengen area;
• Supporting documentation, which varies on the purpose of stay; For tourism - proof of arrangement of accommodation in Slovenia, for private visit - letter of guarantee, for business visit - invitation from Slovenian business partner and proof of business cooperation.

The holder of visa is obliged to report his or her residence to the nearest police station in the period of 3 days after arriving to Slovenia. This is not obligatory if the holder of the visa stays in a hotel, camp or any other tourist accommodation.

The holder of a visa can stay in the Republic of Slovenia in accordance with the purpose of the visa. He or she has to leave the Republic of Slovenia and the Schengen area before the visa is expired.

Visa fees:

• EUR 35 (In accordance with Visa Facilitation Agreements, citizens of Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, BIH, Georgia, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Russia, Serbia, and Ukraine qualify for this lower visa fee.);
• EUR 80 (other third country nationals);
• EUR 40 (children 6 - 12 years).