Important Information for International Graduates Guests

Do you need help getting a visa for your family or friend to attend your Commencement ceremony?

This page explains the process for obtaining a Declaration-invitation, a required document for citizens from certain countries to get a tourist visa for Bulgaria.

Who Needs This?

Citizens from the following countries need a Declaration-invitation and a tourist visa to attend Commencement:

  • Albania* (may not need a visa with biometric passport)
  • Egypt
  • Georgia* (may not need a visa with a biometric passport)
  • India
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kosovo* (may not need a visa with a biometric passport)
  • Lebanon
  • Moldova* (may not need a visa with biometric passport)
  • Mongolia
  • Morocco
  • North Macedonia* (may not need a visa with biometric passport)
  • Palestine
  • Russia
  • Serbia* (may not need a visa with a biometric passport)
  • Turkey
  • Tajikistan
  • Ukraine* (may not need a visa with a biometric passport)

Holders of Schengen visas and residence permits do not need a separate Bulgarian visa.

Bulgarian Visa

You will need to present the Declaration-invitation at the Bulgarian embassy in your country of residence to obtain a tourist visa.

  1. Complete Declaration-invitation (2 copies per guest).

The forms are available at the office of the International Students Office and the Migration office in Blagoevgrad. They should be completed in legible handwriting in Bulgarian.

  1. Go to the Migration office for approval of the completed form.
  2. Go to a notary for verification and pay a fee.
  3. Submit the Declaration-invitations to the Migration office and the following supporting documents:

If the guest will stay on campus:

  • Declaration-invitation completed and signed by the inviting student who must have a valid Bulgarian ID card.
  • Copy of the guest’s international passport.
  • Bank certificate from a local bank (50 EUR per day per person).
  • Proof of housing – certificate from Residence Life Office.

Note: it is recommended to have a Bulgarian-speaking person with you.

If the guest will stay off campus in your place:

  • Declaration-invitation completed and signed by the landlord.
  • Copy of the guest’s international passport.
  • Bank certificate in the name of the landlord from a local bank (50 EUR per day per person).
  • Copy of the notary deed.
  • Property declaration – completed and signed at the Migration office by the landlord.
  1. Pay a fee of 13.60 leva at the Migration office.
  2. Go back to the Migration office to pick up the Declaration – invitation when it is ready (it takes up to a week).
  3. Mail it to the guest.

Note: If you are inviting more than one person you should make copies of the bank document and proof of housing.

 

Important:  You should keep in mind that it takes at least 10 working days for the visa to be issued.

The expiration date of the passport needs to be at least six months after the date of the ceremony – May 19, 2024.

 

Please contact the International Students Office ([email protected]) if the procedure is unclear.