Indian eVisa for Bulgarian Citizens: The Short Guide
The governments of India and Bulgaria have shared a good relationship since 1954. Bulgarian citizens have long been fans of Indian culture and history and that is the reason India has always received thousands of travelers from Bulgaria every year. However, earlier, for Bulgarian citizens, it was quite a task to get a visa for India due to complicated visa paperwork until the government of India launched the eVisa facility.
Today, in 2024, more than 170 countries are eligible to obtain India visas online. If you are a Bulgarian citizen, you are also a citizen of an eligible country for Indian eVisa.
Is It Mandatory for Bulgarians to Get a Visa for India?
Yes, Bulgarian citizens need to have a valid visa if they wish to travel to India. Fortunately, the Indian eVisa makes it quick and convenient to obtain the necessary visa for different travel purposes. If you’re a Bulgarian citizen traveling to India for any of the following reasons, you can apply for an eVisa online:
- Tourism and sightseeing (including visits to friends or family)
- Business-related activities. (attending business conferences in India or meetings)
- Medical treatment
- Accompanying someone undergoing medical treatment in India
Bulgarian citizens have options to obtain different types of Indian eVisas appropriate for their purpose of travel.
What Are Indian eVisa Options for Bulgarian Citizens?
Tourist eVisa
For leisure travel, sightseeing, or visiting friends or family, the Indian Tourist eVisa is an ideal choice. Bulgarian travelers can select from options with 30-day, one-year, or five-year validity periods, with stay durations depending on the visa type chosen.
Business eVisa
Bulgarian citizens coming to attend a business conference and meetings or other work-related activities, the Business eVisa is designed for these purposes. Bulgarian citizens can enjoy 12-month validity and multiple entries with this visa. Please note that the validity period begins from the issuance date, and travelers can stay continuously for up to 180 days within that period.
Medical eVisa
Bulgarian citizens traveling to India for medical treatment can apply for a Medical eVisa. This visa has a 60-day validity and allows up to three entries within that period.
Medical Attendant eVisa
If you’re accompanying someone traveling to India for medical care, the Medical Attendant eVisa is available. Up to two individuals can use this visa to accompany the patient. Like the Medical eVisa, it has a 60-day validity and allows three entries during that time.
It’s essential for Bulgarian citizens to apply for the correct type of Indian eVisa based on their travel purpose to avoid processing delays or potential rejections.
Key Documents Required for Bulgarian Citizens Applying for an Indian eVisa
Bulgarian travelers looking to apply for an Indian eVisa must ensure they have specific documents ready to complete the application process smoothly. Here’s what you’ll need:
Passport
Your ordinary passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in India. Note that diplomatic passports are not eligible for the eVisa application.
Recent Photograph
Bulgarian citizens are to upload their not more than 5 or 6 month passport-style photograph. The image you upload must meet the set-up criteria by the Indian government for eVisa. Here read more about India Visa Photo Requirements.
Accessible Email Address
You must provide an email ID (active), because all Indian eVisa updates, including your application status, will be sent there.
Return or Onward Ticket
You’ll need proof of a return ticket to Bulgaria or a confirmed onward ticket to another destination. This ensures your travel plans align with the permitted stay period.
Proof of Financial Stability
All international visitors, including those from Bulgaria, must show proof of sufficient funds to cover expenses during their stay in India.
Additional Requirements for Business and Medical eVisas
Certain documents are needed for specific types of eVisas:
Business eVisa: Bulgarian citizens traveling to India for business purposes need to submit a business invitation letter from the company that is established in India. The business letter should include the company’s contact details and be printed on official letterhead.
Medical eVisa: If you are traveling for medical treatment, a letter from the hospital in India is required. The letter should confirm your treatment plans and include the hospital’s contact information on official letterhead.
Here check out about the Indian e-Visa Document Requirements.
Are There Any Important Travel Considerations for Bulgarians?
Avoid Overstaying
Bulgarians coming to India are advised not to overstay and leave before their stay in India (according to their visa) expires. Overstaying will only result in fines and may affect your future travel to India.
Restrictions on Work and Study
Bulgarians must know that short-term eVisas do not give them permits for employment in India. Also, enrolling in long-term academic programs in India while on short-term eVisa is not allowed.
(If a Bulgarian citizen comes to India for employment or enrolls in long-term studies, Bulgarian citizens can go for a regular visa option through an Indian embassy.)
Restricted Areas
In India, areas like military zones require special authorization so make sure you have that. eVisa holders must obtain permission from Indian authorities to enter these locations.
Keep a Copy of Your eVisa Approval
Once approved, keep both, a printed or a digital copy of your approved eVisa and passport. While digital copies are generally accepted, having a hard copy provides extra security.
How Can Bulgarian Citizens Obtain Online Indian Visa?
Gather Required Documents: When you sit down to fill out your application form for an online India visa, keep all the required documents for the Indian eVisa ready to save time.
Visit the Indian eVisa Website: Access the official eVisa portal or use a trusted visa processing service.
Fill Out the Application Form: Enter your information carefully, as accuracy speeds up processing time and reduces the risk of delays.
Pay the eVisa Fee: Have a credit or debit card ready for the non-refundable application fee.
What Is the Processing Time for Indian eVisa Applications?
Indian eVisa for Bulgarians processing usually takes three to four business days. To avoid unexpected delays, Bulgarian travelers should apply at least 7 days before their departure and double-check that all information provided is accurate.
Approved Airports for Arrivals for Bulgarian eVisa Holders
Bulgarian citizens can enter India with an eVisa at any of the 31 designated airports as of 2024. Keep an eye on any updates regarding approved entry points. If your chosen airport or seaport isn’t listed, you may need to apply for a visa through the embassy instead.
Can Bulgarians Arrive by Cruise Ship?
If you’re entering India by sea, an eVisa is required. Currently, Bulgarian citizens with an eVisa can disembark at the following seaports:
- Mangalore
- Chennai
- Cochin
- Goa
- Port Blair
- Mumbai
Is It Mandatory to Depart from Bulgaria to Come to India?
Once your eVisa is approved, you’re not required to depart from Bulgaria specifically. With your eVisa approval email, you can travel to India from any country without needing a passport stamp or embassy visit.
To prevent delays or rejection, double-check all the details in your eVisa application before submission. Since Indian eVisa requirements can change, it’s wise for Bulgarian travellers to review the latest guidelines before beginning the process.