Many Bulgarians visit Israel for religious and historical attractions, business connections in cities like Tel Aviv, and Mediterranean holiday trips. With frequent flights from Sofia and other European hubs, travel is convenient and often planned on short notice. These patterns make a predictable, simple entry process especially valuable for Bulgarian visitors.
Do Bulgarian citizens need a visa for travel to Israel?
Bulgarian citizens do not need a traditional visa for short visits to Israel. Instead, they must obtain the ETA-IL, which is Israel’s electronic travel authorization used to screen travelers before they arrive. The ETA-IL confirms that the visitor meets Israel’s entry conditions in advance and helps prevent issues during boarding or at connecting airports. It is required for tourism, short business travel, family visits, and any transit involving entry into Israel.
Bulgarians can submit their request through the online form of ETA-IL applications, and once approved, they can travel without visiting an embassy or completing lengthy visa procedures. This approval must be secured before departure, since airlines check it during boarding.
How long is the ETA-IL valid for Bulgarian citizens?
For Bulgarian citizens, the authorization is valid for 2 years from approval, as long as the same passport remains valid. During this period, travelers can make multiple short trips to Israel without reapplying. The border officer decides whether to allow entry, but once entry is approved, the permitted stay is always up to 90 days under the rules of this program.
How can Bulgarian citizens apply for the ETA-IL online?
Bulgarian travelers can apply through a short online form requiring personal details, passport information, and contact data. After submitting the form and paying the fee, the result is delivered by email. Travelers can submit the online application in just a few minutes, with no in-person visit required.
What documents do Bulgarian citizens need to apply?
Bulgarians only need a few basic items to complete the process:
- A valid Bulgarian passport
- A payment method
- An active email address
The passport must remain valid for the entire stay in Israel. No additional documents, interviews, or physical paperwork are typically required.
What trips can Bulgarians make to Israel using this authorization?
The authorization supports tourism, short business travel, family visits, conferences, and transit when entering Israel. It is suitable for vacations, religious trips, and short business activities. It does not allow work, long-term residence, or extended study programs, which require different Israeli visas.
How long does the ETA-IL processing take?
Most Bulgarian applicants receive a result within 24 to 72 hours. Some cases may require additional checks, so processing times are not guaranteed. Applying well before fixed departure dates is recommended.
What are the entry rules for Bulgarian citizens arriving in Israel?
Bulgarian travelers must enter Israel with the same passport used in the application. The authorization allows boarding, but the final entry decision is made by border control. Once entry is approved, the permitted stay is always up to 90 days, as this program does not grant custom duration.
Are Bulgarian citizens included in Israel’s ETA-IL program?
Bulgaria is listed among the countries eligible for this program. This allows Bulgarian passport holders to use the online authorization for short-term visits rather than applying for a traditional visa for these purposes.