Planning a trip to Bulgaria but unsure of your visa application status? Checking your Bulgaria visa status is easy and convenient. The Bulgarian visa portal offers different options for tracking your application so you don’t miss a chance to visit one of the most beautiful countries in the Schengen Area.
In this blog, we will cover the steps for how to check Bulgaria visa status online to ensure that you stay informed and avoid unnecessary delays.
- Requirements to Check Your Bulgaria Visa Status
- How to Check Bulgaria Visa Status?
- Common Issues Related to Checking Bulgaria Visa Status
- What to Do If Your Bulgaria Visa is Delayed?
- What Should You Do After a Bulgaria Visa Rejection?
- Bulgaria Visa Appeal Process
- Filing a New Application (Re-Application)
- FAQs
Requirements to Check Your Bulgaria Visa Status
Important Note: From 31 March 2024, the Republic of Bulgaria will issue Schengen visas valid throughout the Schengen area. If you are applying for a tourist visa, the embassy will issue you a Schengen visa for a 90-day short stay.
To check your Bulgaria visa application status, ensure that you have the following:
1. Reference Number
This reference number is mentioned on the invoice or receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre. An application reference number helps in tracking your Bulgaria visa status online and its progress.
2. Last Name
You will be required to provide your last name along with your reference number to check your Bulgaria visa application status update.
3. Email Address
You can track your Bulgaria visa status through your registered email address. Simply check your email to access the online portal for Bulgaria visa status.
4. SMS
Another way to check Bulgaria visa status is through SMS updates to your registered mobile number. Use it to track your Bulgaria visa application status.
5. Date of Birth
You may be asked to provide your date of birth for your Bulgaria visa status inquiry with your reference number.
Suggested Read: Guide on Bulgaria Visa Photo Requirements for Indians
How to Check Bulgaria Visa Status?
Tracking your Bulgaria visa status is straightforward and can be done online or offline. Let’s break it down:
How to Check Bulgaria Visa Status Online?
The most convenient method for checking your visa status is through the official online tracking system. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Go to VFS Global for Bulgaria visa status.
Step 2: Provide your application reference number, date of birth, or last name.
Step 3: Click “Submit” to view your Bulgaria visa application status.
Step 4: The system will display the current status of your visa application.
How to Check Bulgaria Visa Status with Passport Number?
Bulgaria visa check by passport number is not optional for Indians. Here are some alternative ways to track Bulgaria visa application status:
- Visit the online portal to check your Bulgaria visa status with the reference number and last name.
- You can use the reference number and your date of birth to know the status.
- You can use your registered email address or SMS.
How to Check Bulgaria Visa Status Offline?
For applicants who cannot access the online tracking portal, here are some offline methods:
- Visit the Visa Application Center: Take your passport and application reference number to the center where you submitted your application.
- Contact the Bulgarian Embassy: Call or email the embassy with your application details for your Bulgaria visa application status update.
Here are some common issues that may arise in the process of Bulgaria visa tracking:
Incorrect Tracking Portal
The most common issue associated with Bulgaria visa status checks is using the wrong tracking portal. To avoid delays and scams, visit the VFS Global website, select the right country, and proceed to track your application status. If you are applying with an agent, please use their official portal to find out the status of your application.
Technical Errors
The online portal for Bulgaria visa status may occasionally experience outages or slow response times, making it difficult to access your application details. Try incognito mode or clear the cache before checking your visa status update.
Incorrect Information
Entering incorrect details, such as an invalid reference number or last name, can result in errors when tracking your Bulgaria visa application status. Always double-check your information before submitting.
Incomplete or Inaccurate Application
If you have submitted an incomplete application, your application will be rejected or delayed. You must ensure that your visa application and passport details are in sync, you have fully met all the requirements, and you have not submitted any invalid documents.
Additional Documentation Required
If your status changes to “Additional Documents Required,” you’ll need to provide the requested documents promptly to avoid further delays in your Bulgaria visa application status.
What to Do If Your Bulgaria Visa is Delayed?
If your Bulgaria visa processing takes longer than expected, here are steps to address the issue:
1. Contact the Visa Center
Contact the center where you applied with your reference number and passport details to check your Bulgaria visa application status update.
2. Verify Your Submission
Ensure that all required documents are submitted correctly. Missing or incomplete submissions can lead to delays.
3. Follow Up Regularly
Stay in contact with the embassy or visa center to monitor the progress of your Bulgaria visa status inquiry.
4. Be Patient During Peak Periods
Delays are expected during high travel seasons. Planning your application well in advance can help mitigate stress caused by extended processing times.
Suggested Read: Know How to Book a Bulgaria Visa Appointment Easily
What Should You Do After a Bulgaria Visa Rejection?
If your visa application is denied, you can appeal the decision or submit a new one. Here’s what to do:
Appeal the Decision
- Write an Appeal Letter: Address the reasons for rejection and attach any additional supporting documents.
- Submit the Appeal: File your appeal through the designated system.
- Track Your Appeal: Use the Bulgaria visa status inquiry system to monitor the progress of your appeal.
Reapply for the Visa
If an appeal isn’t feasible, reapply for the visa:
- Correct Errors: Address any issues from your old application.
- Submit a Complete Application: Gather all necessary documents and ensure accuracy when applying for your Bulgaria visa application online.
Suggested Read: Bulgaria Visa Rejection for Indian Citizens: Top Reasons
Bulgaria Visa Appeal Process
The Bulgaria visa appeal process requires you to submit the appeal letter within 14 days of visa refusal. You must submit the appeal letter in person or through mail. Make sure to address the reason for the rejection in your letter. Visit this guide to understand the visa appeal process clearly.
Filing a New Application (Re-Application)
Review the reasons behind your visa rejection, correct your errors, gather all the required documents, and reapply for a new Bulgaria (Schengen) visa. Submit a new application with accurate details to improve your chances of visa approval.
FAQs
How can I check my Bulgaria visa application?
Yes, you can track your visa application through VFS. It is the main portal for Bulgaria visa status checks for Indians:
- Visit the official online portal for Bulgaria visa status
- Provide your reference number
- Fill in your last name
- Hit ‘submit’ to know the status
Can I check Bulgaria visa status online?
Yes, you can check your status online through the official Bulgaria visa tracking portal. You will need:
- Your reference number is mentioned on the invoice of your application.
- Your last name or date of birth details along with that.
Can I track the Bulgaria visa application using your passport number?
No, the tracking system allows you to verify your Bulgaria visa status using your reference number and your last name or date of birth.
How long does it take to process a Bulgaria visa application?
Processing your Bulgaria visa can take up to 15 working days, excluding the day of submission.
What should I do if my Bulgaria visa is denied?
If your Bulgaria visa status online says denied, you can appeal the decision or submit a new application with corrected details.
What details are required to check Bulgaria visa status?
Here’s how to check Bulgaria visa status online:
- Visit the official portal
- Provide your reference number and last name/date of birth
- Hit ‘submit’ to get the progress status
