Entry rules to Bulgaria for Ukrainians

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How much money do you need to enter Bulgaria in 2026?

From January 1, 2026, the official currency of Bulgaria is the euro (€). Upon entry, you may be required to prove that you have sufficient funds — approximately €50 per day of stay, and if traveling by car, an additional €100. Cash or bank statements are accepted as proof.

What to do if your foreign passport is about to expire?

As of October 29, 2025, Ukraine has abolished the military rule of extending the validity of foreign passports and adding information about children to them. Now, traveling abroad is only possible with a valid biometric passport.

This means that if your passport has been “extended” or information about children has been added to it, you need to apply for a new biometric foreign passport.

Where to apply for a new passport

• In Ukraine: at the State Migration Service, Administrative Service Centers, or branches of the State Enterprise “Document.”
• Abroad: at Ukrainian embassies or consulates, or at branches of the State Enterprise ‘Document’ if they operate in your country.

If you are abroad and have an “extended” passport

If you are not allowed to leave the country or enter Ukraine because of your “extended” passport, contact the nearest Ukrainian embassy or consulate.

There you can obtain an identity card for returning to Ukraine (a so-called “white passport”). It is issued on the day of application — free of charge for children under 16 and for a consular fee for adults.

How to travel abroad with a child in 2026?

During martial law, Ukraine has simplified rules for children traveling abroad:

1. Children under 16 can travel with one parent without the notarized consent of the other parent.
   
2. Children over the age of 16 have the right to cross the border independently if they have a valid foreign passport.
   
3. If the child is traveling with relatives or other trusted persons, the child's birth certificate and documents confirming the relationship with the accompanying person are required.

Requirements for entering Bulgaria with children

Citizens of Ukraine can enter Bulgaria without a visa and stay for up to 90 days. A biometric passport is required for entry.

Documents for a child to travel abroad

✅ Biometric passport - for visa-free entry and stay up to 90 days.

✅ Birth certificate - especially important if the parents and child have different surnames.

✅ Health insurance - a policy with coverage valid in Bulgaria.

✅ Documents confirming the purpose of the trip - confirmation of accommodation reservation, invitations, tickets, etc.

📌 Need advice on documents or obtaining a residence permit in Bulgaria?

Visit Ukraine specialists will help you with:

• Registration of a power of attorney for a child
  
• Consultation on departure and residence of a child abroad
  
• Preparation of documents for legal stay in Bulgaria

👉Get legal advice right now!

List of things to pack for a trip with a child

Documents:

• Originals and copies of all necessary documents.
  
• Medical insurance.

What to take on the road:

• A change of clothes and shoes.
  
• Hygiene products, diapers (if necessary).
  
• Medicines (antipyretic, anti-allergy, digestive).
  
• Snacks and water.
  
• Toys, books or gadgets to entertain the child.

Health insurance is a must for a trip to Bulgaria!

Medical services in Bulgaria are paid, and the cost of treatment can be very high!

• One doctor's consultation - from 50 to 200 euros
  
• Hospitalization - from 500 euros and more

👉 Take out insurance on Visit Ukraine - it covers emergency care, diagnosis, treatment, hospitalization and even medical evacuation if necessary.

Legal nuances of traveling abroad with a child

1. Travel permit: if a child travels with one parent, the other parent's notarized consent is not required. However, in order to avoid possible misunderstandings, it is recommended to have documents confirming family ties.
   
2. Translation of documents: although the official language of Bulgaria is Bulgarian, English is widely used. It is recommended to have the child's birth certificate translated into English or Bulgarian.

Practical tips for traveling with a child

1. The use of child car seats in Bulgaria is mandatory for children under 12 years of age or up to 150 cm tall.

2. Public transport: children under 7 years old can travel free of charge on public transport.

3. Emergency numbers.

• European emergency number - 112
  
• Ambulance - 150
  
• Police - 166
  
• Fire service - 160
  
• Pharmacies on duty - 145
  

4. Pharmacies are open until 18:00 - if you need medication at night or on a weekend, call 145 to find out where the nearest on-call pharmacy is.

5. Children's hospitals and clinics are usually open only until lunchtime - so if something happens, it is better to go to private medical centers or university hospitals (e.g. St. George University Hospital in Plovdiv).

Useful contacts in Bulgaria

Embassy of Ukraine in Bulgaria

Address: str. 29, Boris I, 1504 Sofia

Phone: +359 2 943 33 08

Hotline: +359 878 015 002

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://bulgaria.mfa.gov.ua/