Deep breath. Here's the answer.

US regular-passport holders can visit Bulgaria without a tourist visa within the shared Schengen limit of 90 days in any 180. Days in other Schengen countries use the same allowance; leaving does not reset it. Bring evidence of your visit and departure plans, funds, accommodation and medical insurance. The medical-insurance coverage minimum for visa-exempt US tourists is still being checked. This page covers ordinary adult tourism; ask the authorities about other purposes or longer visits.

Key facts

For United States passport holders, tourism or short business trips.

You may need a visa if…

• Issued within the 10 years before entry and valid at least 3 months after planned departure from the Schengen area. The State Department additionally lists 2 blank pages per stamp.
• The State Department requires medical insurance for the entire stay and says proof may be requested at entry. The coverage minimum for visa-exempt US visitors remains under review; confirm with the Bulgarian consulate and insurer.
• The State Department's Europe-transit section says to have sufficient funds and a return plane ticket; EU border guidance says return/round-trip tickets and accommodation evidence may be requested. Carry these documents for your route.
• Sufficient resources for your visit and departure are required. Bulgaria's EUR50/day and EUR500 minimum in the Commission's funds table are expressly visa-application provisions; they are not presented here as a universal visa-exempt minimum.
• EES records eligible short-stay travellers at the external Schengen border, including a facial image and fingerprints; no advance EES application is needed. ETIAS is not operating or accepting applications as checked on 12 November 2026.
• Bulgaria is fully in Schengen. Temporary internal border checks can still apply; carry travel documents and check your route.
• Visa exemption does not guarantee admission. This review covers tourism; consult the Bulgarian authorities about longer stays or any other purpose.
• The State Department lists no required vaccinations. Check current travel-health advice before departure.
• Cash declarations: Bulgarian Customs requires EUR10,000 or more (or currency equivalent) to be declared on entering/leaving the EU; between Bulgaria and another EU state, declare it on request. State calls EUR10,000 an entry/exit maximum; follow the competent Customs authority's declaration procedure and consult it about other cash/export restrictions.
• Driving with a US licence: State says carry your US passport and an official translation from a licensed Bulgarian translation company. Many rental companies additionally require an International Driving Permit.

Before you travel

• ✓Check your US passport's issue and expiry dates against the Schengen rules. Allow 2 blank pages per stamp, as listed by State.
• ✓Count all Schengen visits against the rolling 90/180 allowance.
• ✓The State Department requires medical insurance for the entire stay and says proof may be requested at entry. The coverage minimum for visa-exempt US visitors remains under review; confirm with the Bulgarian consulate and insurer.
• ✓Carry accommodation details, financial evidence and onward/return journey documents.
• ✓Complete EES registration at the external border when required; do not buy an ETIAS while applications are closed.
• ✓Read current US travel advice and check temporary border controls and your route.

Common questions