UK ETA Requirements for Bulgaria Citizens
Everything Bulgarian travellers need to visit or transit the UK with an ETA in 2025.
Do Bulgaria citizens need a UK ETA?
Citizens of Bulgaria are required to obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for short visits or airport transit. The ETA is an online pre‑travel check that is electronically linked to your passport.
Fee
£16 per application, payable online.
Validity
Up to 2 years or until your passport expires.
Stay & entries
Multiple visits; generally up to 6 months per entry under visitor rules.
Processing time
Often within hours; allow up to 3 working days.
Requirements for Bulgaria applicants
Valid Bulgarian biometric passport
Use the same passport you apply with when you travel.
Recent digital photo
Plain light background, neutral expression, no glare (UK photo rules).
Email address
For confirmations and updates.
Payment method
Debit/credit card or mobile wallet to pay the £16 fee.
What Bulgaria nationals can do on an ETA
| Allowed (examples) | Not allowed |
| Tourism, visiting family/friends, attending events. | Paid work, self-employment, providing services to UK clients. |
| Business meetings, conferences, trade visits. | Internships or training with pay; long-term assignments. |
| Short study (≤ 6 months) and airport transit. | Long-term study or residence; overstaying permitted period. |
If your plans include work or a longer stay, apply for the appropriate UK visa rather than using an ETA.
How to apply (for Bulgaria citizens)
Start the application online or in the UK ETA app
Create an account or sign in.
Scan/enter passport & upload photo
Use NFC scanning in the app if available.
Answer eligibility questions
Select your purpose: tourism, business or transit.
Pay the £16 fee & submit
You’ll receive an email confirmation.
Wait for approval
Many decisions arrive within hours; allow up to 3 working days.
Related guides & next steps
UK ETA
UK ETA
UK ETA Service LTD