Do Bulgarian Citizens Need a Visa for Indonesia?
Yes, citizens of Bulgaria require a visa to enter Indonesia for tourism, business, or family visits. Bulgaria is not on the visa-free entry list.
Fortunately, Bulgarian passport holders are eligible for the Visa on Arrival (VoA) program. While you can queue to pay for this at the airport, it is highly recommended to apply for the Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) online before you depart from Sofia. This digital visa allows you to skip the payment queues at Jakarta or Denpasar (Bali) airports and head straight to immigration.
How to Apply from Bulgaria
We provide a streamlined English-language service that simplifies the process for Bulgarian travellers.
1. Fill the Form
Complete the secure online form with your personal details and Bulgarian passport data.
2. Upload Documents
Upload a clear photo of your passport bio page and a recent color selfie/photo.
3. Get Your Visa
Receive your approved e-VOA PDF via email. Print it out before flying.
Requirements for Bulgarian Applicants
To successfully obtain the e-VOA, please ensure you have the following:
- Valid Bulgarian Passport: Must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from the date of your arrival in Indonesia.
- Return Flight Ticket: Proof of a ticket leaving Indonesia (either back to Sofia or to a third country).
- Email Address: To receive your visa document.
- Payment Method: A credit or debit card (Visa/Mastercard) enabled for international online payments.
From Bansko to Bali: Digital Nomads
Bulgaria is famous for its digital nomad hub in Bansko, and many Bulgarians are now looking to spend their winters working remotely from Bali.
If you plan to work remotely, the standard B211A Visitor Visa or the renewable e-VOA are your best options. The e-VOA allows for a 30-day stay extendable for another 30 days (60 days total), which is perfect for a "workation" to escape the freezing Sofia winter. Canggu and Ubud are the top spots with co-working spaces similar to those found in Bulgarian hubs.
Travel Advice for Bulgarians
Flights from Sofia (SOF)
While there are no direct flights, the connection from Sofia is quite convenient compared to other European cities:
- The Istanbul Route (Recommended): Istanbul (IST) is a major hub very close to Bulgaria. Turkish Airlines offers frequent connections from Sofia to Jakarta (CGK) and Bali (DPS).
- Qatar Airways: Another popular route is via Doha (DOH), which often offers competitive prices for flights departing from Sofia.
Customs Warning: Alcohol & Gifts
⚠️ Important for Bulgarian Travellers
We know it is customary in Bulgaria to bring gifts, especially alcohol (like homemade Rakia or wine). However, Indonesia has strict customs limits:
You are strictly limited to 1 Liter of alcohol per adult.
Customs officials often scan luggage specifically for this. If you bring more than 1 liter, it will be confiscated and poured out in front of you. Don't risk it!
Currency & Banking Advice
The Bulgarian Lev (BGN) cannot be exchanged in Indonesia. Bring Euros (EUR) or US Dollars (USD) in clean, crisp notes (no tears or marks) to exchange at authorized money changers.
Bank Cards: Cards from Bulgarian banks like DSK Bank, UniCredit Bulbank, or Postbank work in Indonesia, but you must notify your bank before travel to unlock non-EU transactions. Also, ensure your card has 3D Secure enabled for the online visa payment.
Official Resources
- 🏛️ Indonesian Embassy in Sofia: Official Website of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia
Address: Str. Yozef Valdhard 5, 1700, Sofia. - 🇧🇬 Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria: Travel Advice & Consular Services
- 🌴 Tourism Indonesia: Wonderful Indonesia Official Travel Guide
Visiting Bali? Don't Forget the Levy
If your trip takes you to the Island of Gods, remember that all international visitors must pay the Bali Tourist Levy.
The fee is IDR 150,000 (approximately €9 - €10 depending on exchange rates). While you can pay at the airport, we suggest paying online via the official Love Bali website to save time.
Frequently Asked Questions for Bulgarian Citizens
Yes. Bulgaria is not a visa-free country for Indonesia. You must obtain a Visa on Arrival (VoA) or apply for the e-VOA online before you fly.
You are limited to exactly 1 liter of alcohol per person. Indonesian customs are strict, and any amount exceeding this limit will be confiscated immediately upon arrival.
No. If you pay at the airport counter, you must use USD, EUR, or IDR. BGN is not accepted. If you apply online via our website, your Bulgarian credit card (Visa/Mastercard) will work fine, provided international payments are enabled.
Yes, the Embassy is located in Sofia at Str. Yozef Valdhard 5. However, for tourist visas, applying online for the e-VOA is much faster and does not require an embassy visit.
The B1 tourist visa can be extended once for an additional 30 days at an immigration office in Indonesia. If you overstay without extending, you will be fined IDR 1,000,000 per day.