In Pakistan, all Bulgarian visas and consular cases are directly handled by the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Islamabad. Other Pakistani cities have no Bulgarian consulate, honorary office or third-party visa centers. Anyone who wants to apply for a visa, validate documents, or request consular services, should contact the embassy in Islamabad.
1. Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria – Islamabad
- Location: Plot 6-11, Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna-5, Islamabad, Pakistan
- Telephone: +92-51-2279196 / +92-51-2279197
- Fax: +92-51-2279195
- Email: [email protected]
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Consular Section Timings: Tuesday and Thursday, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM (appointments are compulsory)
👉 Please note: Walk-ins are not accepted. All consular visits, including visa submissions, must be arranged in advance by calling the Embassy.
2. Visa Application Centres
Unlike some Schengen states, Bulgaria does not operate through VFS Global or Gerry’s in Pakistan. This means that there are no Bulgaria visa application centres in Lahore or Karachi. The only place to submit a Bulgarian visa application is at the Embassy in Islamabad.
3. Visa Fees
The visa fee for a short-stay Bulgarian visa (Type C) generally falls in the range of €90 for adults. Reduced fees or exemptions may apply to children and certain categories of applicants, such as close family members of EU/EEA nationals.
⚠️ Because charges are subject to change, it is best to confirm the exact fee in Pakistani rupees with the Embassy when booking your appointment.
4. Applying for a Bulgarian Visa in Pakistan
The process for applying is straightforward but must be followed carefully:
- Book an Appointment – Call the Embassy and arrange a time slot (consular section works only on Tuesdays and Thursdays).
- Prepare Your Application – Collect the required documents, which usually include:
- Completed Bulgarian visa application form
- Valid passport and photocopies
- Recent biometric passport-size photographs
- Proof of travel health insurance
- Accommodation booking or invitation letter
- Travel itinerary (flight bookings)
- Proof of financial stability (bank statements, employment letters, etc.)
- Paid visa fee receipt
- Visit the Embassy – Submit your application in person at the consular section.
- Interview (if needed) – The Embassy may call you for an interview or ask for further documents.
- Decision and Passport Return – Once the application is processed, you will be informed about collection of your passport.
5. Other Consular Services
The Bulgarian Embassy in Islamabad also offers a wide range of services beyond visas. These include:
- Issuance and renewal of Bulgarian passports and ID cards
- Emergency travel documents for Bulgarian nationals abroad
- Registration of births, marriages, and deaths of Bulgarian citizens in Pakistan
- Document legalization and certification (fees may vary depending on urgency)
For example:
- Verification of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stamp: €20 (regular), €40 (urgent)
- Certification of signatures: €15 (regular), €30 (urgent)
6. Important Things to Know
- Bulgaria has only one diplomatic mission in Pakistan, located in Islamabad.
- All applications, whether for visas or consular matters, must be handled through this Embassy.
- Always use official contacts (phone/email) to schedule appointments. Avoid agents or middlemen.
- Make sure to double-check the most recent visa requirements and fees directly with the Embassy before applying.
- Consular timings are very limited (only two days a week), so plan your application well in advance.
