VISA
TIMINGS
The Visa Section is open from Monday to Friday between 10:00 hrs and 12:30 hrs for receiving documents for service. Serviced documents may be collected only with receipt for paid fee between 17:00 hrs and 17:30 hrs on the day advised. All telephonic enquiries may be made from 14:30 hours to 15:30 hours
ONLINE VISA SYSTEM
Embassy of India, Sofia has implemented online visa application system from 10th June, 2013.
All visa applicants are required to fill-in and submit their visa applications online at http://indianvisaonline.gov.in. Applicants are also advised to upload their photo while applying online. With effect from 26 January, 2022 all visa applicants would need to directly upload all visa supporting documents online at the time of filling-up visas applications. A visa application would be considered incomplete without the required visa documents being uploaded and thus liable for rejection. (Follow the following link for more information: https://www.indembsofia.gov.in/page/online-uploading-of-visa-supporting-documents-w-e-f-26-january-2022/)
When filling in the application form online, applicants should select “Bulgaria-Sofia” in the field “Indian Mission”. This applies to Bulgarians, Macedonians as also to the nationals of other countries who are residing in Bulgaria or North Macedonia.
After filling-in and submitting the application form online, applicants are requested to take a printout of the application form and sign it. After the online submission, applicant may email the copy of online submitted application form, along with relevant documents at cons1.sofia@mea.gov.in and cons.sofia@mea.gov.in seeking appointment for visa interview. The Embassy will inform the applicants via return email about their appointment at the Embassy for which the applicant will have to come personally for interview.
The applicants would be required to bring along with them the signed printout of the application form submitted online, two photographs, the relevant documents required for each type of visa and the requisite fee in cash. Appointments will be scheduled by the Embassy from Monday to Friday between 1000 to 1230 hrs either on the next working day after the date of submission of online application, or as soon as possible thereafter. Visa applicants are advised to apply at least 14 working days before the scheduled departure to India.
VISA TYPES AND DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
The following types of visas can be granted. For detailed information about visas contact Indian Embassy, Sofia.
· Tourist: Air tickets for onward and inward journeys. Tourist visas are issued to individuals whose sole objective of visiting India is recreation, sight-seeing, casual visit to meet friends or relatives etc. Any other purpose or activity like Business or Employment or any type of commercial activity or shooting of Documentaries is not allowed. Please note that continuous stay in India during each visit shall not exceed 90 days.
· Transit: Confirmed onward ticket for entering India / sailing certificate. Letter from the Shipping Company of Bulgaria and letter from the Shipping Company of India indicating: Name, Passport details, Name of the Vessel, Name of the Port and Date of Sailing.
· Student: Admission letter from the School / College / University in India, satisfactory evidence of financial support. For studies in Yoga, Music, Dance, Vedic Culture etc., letter from recognized institutions in India.
· Business: Invitation letter from the Indian counterpart, Sponsorship letter from the local company and the attached Business Information Sheet, duly filled.
· Employment: Employment contract signed between Indian Employer and the employee. More details about Employment visa may be accessed at http://www.mha.nic.in/pdfs/work_visa_faq.pdf
· Diplomatic / Official: Note Verbale from Respective Diplomatic Mission.
· UN Official: Note Verbale from UN Office.
· Journalist: Details regarding the supporting documents can be ascertained from the Embassy which will depend on the nature of the visit.
· Conference: Letter of invitation from the organizers of the conference and confirmed return ticket and copies of approval of Government of India.
· Medical: Hospital’s recommendations and confirmed return ticket for the period of the treatment.
REQUIREMENTS FOR VISAS
· Original passport valid for at least 6 months more from the expected date of return from India. Passport should have at least 2 blank pages for affixing the visa.
· Two recent colour photographs (front facing with white background), of size 2” x 2” / 5cm x 5cm.
· Correct visa fee (in Cash and in Bulgarian Leva only).
· Supporting documents (Please see under type of visas & documents required).
· Print out of completed online application form, duly signed by the applicant.
TOURIST HELPLINE
To facilitate visits of foreign tourist visiting India a 24x7 Toll Free Multi-Lingual Tourist Help Line is available in 12 International Languages including Hindi & English. This service can be availed at toll free number 1800111363 or on a short code 1363 by the visiting tourists while travelling in India.
Validity of visa starts from the date of issue. Actual period of stay permitted to stay in India and other instructions are endorsed on the Visa and should be read, checked & complied with.
Visa Fee
The current visa fees applicable to a Bulgarian or North Macedonian Passport holder for different categories of visitors are indicated below. The visa fees are subject to change without notice. Other nationalities may kindly ascertain the fee from the Embassy.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Nationals of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, North Korea, Jamaica, Maldives, Mongolia, Mauritius, South Africa and Uruguay are issued gratis visas.
Nationals of Nepal and Bhutan do not require visa to enter India.
Holders of Bulgarian / Indian Diplomatic / Official / Service Passports and holders of North Macedonian / Indian Diplomatic Passports do not require Visas to visit each other’s countries for the period of stay up to 3 months.
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