Bulgaria - Schengen or not? Do I need a visa to travel to this country and how to apply for it?

Bulgaria - Schengen or not? This is a question that interests many people. This state is not so far away, plus everything, there is a large number of Russian-speaking. And in general, there was an opinion that in the XXI century in this country you can go just like that, without any visas and passports. So, when will Bulgaria join Schengen? The question was somewhat delayed, because this country is already in the zone.

Briefly about the innovations

Previously, many were wondering whether Bulgaria would be in Schengen. Well, now she is there, and to enter this country any Russian must have the relevant documents. And one of the most important is either a national or Schengen visa. Immediately it is worth mentioning about the innovations. Since September 14 of the current (2015) year for all people who have decided to issue a Schengen visa, there is one more additional requirement, which is the surrender of biometric data. In the Russian Federation, not only passports of a new generation, but also such visas are now issued. That is to get it, you need, like in the case with the design of a biometric passport, to go through fingerprinting (that is, to take off your fingerprints in the visa center). This is mandatory for everyone, except for children under 12 years old.

Required documents

Bulgaria - Schengen or not, it has already become clear. But what about obtaining a visa? This topic should be noted separately. So, first you need to collect the necessary documents. First, you need a questionnaire. It is filled in either national or English. The next is a foreign passport, which must remain valid for 90 days after the person returns from Bulgaria. Civilian must also be presented. Just like copies of all of its completed pages. You will need an insurance policy for at least 30,000 euros. It costs a couple hundred rubles. Tickets for a trip or a technical passport plus a green card (insurance for people traveling by car). Also, you need a hotel reservation (or an invitation from the country), confirmation of your income (an extract from the bank is suitable) and, in addition, a certificate from work. This is a complete list of documents required for obtaining a visa.

Information for property owners

The question that sounds like "Bulgaria - Schengen or not?" Also particularly worried people who were planning to buy property in this country, or already bought it. Many Russians move to this state, because there are low prices (compared to ours) for houses, villas and apartments. But owners need to get a visa. It can be issued both for 90 days and for two years. A person will need a certified notarial deed (it is necessary to register only in Bulgarian), a certificate that proves that there is no debt, and, in any case, a copy of the act (Form 16 or 15).

Cost and other issues

So, the question that sounds like "Bulgaria - Schengen or not?" Can be considered closed. However, a couple of nuances still should be noted with attention, since this information will not be superfluous. For example, the cost of a visa. It is 35 euros - as well as to get a coveted stamp in any other state. About 70 euros is an urgent visa. Plus, everything is required to pay and service fee - it's about 840 rubles. By the way, for children whose age does not reach six years, a visa is issued absolutely free of charge.

In general, you can not worry about getting a coveted stamp in a foreign passport. Russians are practically not denied a Bulgarian visa if they have all the documents collected. The most important thing is to forget nothing and pay the state fee. In the rest - all is not so difficult.