Ivo Marinov, Dy Minister of Economy, Energy & Tourism, Bulgaria on the sidelines of the BRICS Business Forum: Global Stability, Security & Prosperity, organised by FICCI, stated that Bulgaria has exempt visa requirement for Indians with a valid Schengen visa.

As a matter of fact, from February 1, 2012 holders of valid common Schengen visas are allowed to visit Bulgaria without a Bulgarian national visa, whereas the allowed number of entries and period of stay in Bulgaria should be equal to the permitted number of entries and period of stay on the common Schengen visa.

Earlier, from July 2, 2009, holders of valid diplomatic and official Indian passports were allowed to enter into, exit from and transit through the territory of Bulgaria without a visa for short-term visits of upto 90 days within 6 months.