Umrah E-Visa for Bulgaria Citizens: The Spiritual Journey Guide 2026
✧
For the historic Muslim community residing in the Balkans, the pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah is more than a trip; it is a cherished lifelong dream. Traveling from the verdant peaks of Bulgaria to the sacred valleys of the Hejaz represents a profound spiritual transition. Unlike a summer holiday to the Black Sea coast, the Umrah E-Visa for Bulgaria citizens is a digital authorization specifically designed to facilitate your worship (Ibadah). In 2026, the Kingdom has fully integrated this process with the Nusuk platform, ensuring that Bulgarian pilgrims can secure their permits online before departing from Sofia, Varna, or via the popular Istanbul route.
This guide specifically addresses the unique logistics for Bulgarian passport holders—covering the transit options via Istanbul, managing BGN/Euro finances, and navigating the Nusuk booking system for a blessed pilgrimage.
✧
Umrah Visa Conditions for Bulgarians
Visa Type: Saudi Arabia Umrah E-Visa (Multiple Entry)
Validity Period: 1 Year from the date of issuance
Maximum Stay: 90 Days for each visit
Primary Platform: Nusuk App integration required for Holy Sites
Mahram Requirement: Not Required (Women can travel alone)
Insurance: Comprehensive medical insurance coverage included
At eviSAudi, we respect the sanctity of your intention. You can start your Saudi Arabia Umrah E-Visa application online, and we will handle the bureaucratic details while you focus on your Niyyah (Intention).
✧
Spiritual Purpose vs. Leisure Travel
Although the digital document is technically a "Visit Visa," applying with Umrah intent fundamentally changes your preparation checklist.
For Worship: The Umrah workflow prioritizes the Nusuk ecosystem. If your heart is set on Tawaf and praying in the Rawdah, you must follow the specific religious protocols.
For Leisure: If your plan is strictly to explore the historical sites of AlUla or the Red Sea without immediate religious rituals, you may want to review the Saudi Arabia E-Tourist Visa for Bulgaria Citizens.
⚠️ Important Limitation: Not Valid for Hajj It is crucial to understand that this E-Visa is valid for Umrah rituals only. It cannot be used for the Hajj pilgrimage. During the sacred season of Dhul-Hijjah, this visa type is suspended. Residents of Bulgaria wishing to perform Hajj must apply for a specific permit allocated through official pilgrimage quotas overseen by the Chief Mufti's Office.
✧
Best Time to Perform Umrah for Bulgarians
Bulgarian citizens often align their pilgrimage with favorable weather conditions to avoid the extremes.
Winter Escape (November – March): Bulgaria can face harsh, snowy winters. Traveling to Makkah during this period offers a pleasant escape to mild temperatures (around 25°C), making the physical rituals of Sa'i and Tawaf much less exhausting than in the summer.
Spring Break: Many families take advantage of school holidays in the spring to travel, but early booking is essential as flights from Sofia or Istanbul fill up quickly.
✧
The Balkan Route: Logistics from Sofia (SOF)
Bulgarian pilgrims have a unique logistical advantage due to their proximity to Turkey.
The Istanbul Connection: While you can fly from Sofia Airport (SOF) via Doha or Dubai, the most common and often most economical route for Bulgarians is to travel to Istanbul (IST)—either by a short flight or by road (bus/car)—and fly directly to Jeddah from there.
Ihram Strategy: If flying from Istanbul, you will cross the Miqat zone shortly after takeoff. It is highly recommended to wear your Ihram at Istanbul Airport before boarding your flight to Jeddah.
Border Crossing: If traveling by road to Istanbul, ensure you have multiple printed copies of your Saudi Visa, as border officials may ask for proof of onward travel.
✧
Digital Access to Holy Sites: The Nusuk Ecosystem
Your E-Visa grants entry to the Kingdom, but the Nusuk App facilitates your access to the sacred areas.
Rawdah Al Sharifah: To pray in the Rawdah (the green carpet area in Al-Masjid an-Nabawi), a digital permit is mandatory. These slots are extremely limited. Once we issue your visa, you must download Nusuk immediately to book your slot.
Umrah Slot: While the Mataf is open, using the app to monitor crowd density ensures a more peaceful Tawaf experience.
✧
Community & Family Travel
In Bulgaria, it is a beautiful tradition for neighbors and extended families to perform Umrah together in groups. The E-Visa system supports this by allowing you to process the entire group's applications in one digital session. Furthermore, Makkah is highly accessible; the Grand Mosque offers electric scooters for Sa'i, and the Haramain High-Speed Train provides wheelchair-accessible transport between Makkah and Madinah, ensuring comfort for elderly community members (Hacii).
✧
Umrah E-Visa Service Fees for Bulgaria Citizens
For applicants applying from Bulgaria, Umrah E-Visa fees are calculated in USD but will be charged to your card in Bulgarian Lev (BGN) by your bank.
Standard Umrah Processing: Approximately 330 BGN – 350 BGN. This service covers the Government fee and processing with a standard turnaround (2-5 business days).
Priority Umrah Processing: Approximately 450 BGN – 470 BGN. Designed for urgent spiritual intentions or last-minute travel (12-24 hour turnaround).
All payments are processed securely. The final amount in Bulgarian Lev (BGN) is determined by your bank’s daily exchange rate. For a full breakdown, visit our Visa Types and Prices page.
✧
Pilgrimage Application Steps for Bulgarians
The process is designed to be efficient and respectful.
Intention & Details: Complete the secure online form. You can apply for your entire family/community group in one session.
Photo: Upload a clear, recent photo. For Muslim women: Photos with a Hijab are perfectly acceptable; the face must be visible from hairline to chin.
Digital Issuance: Once approved, we email the PDF visa directly to you. Please print multiple copies—one for your wallet and one for your hand luggage—especially if you are transiting via Istanbul.
✧
Financial Logistics: Sadaqah & Zamzam
Currency Advice: The Bulgarian Lev (BGN) is pegged to the Euro, but it is not accepted in Saudi Arabia. Important: Convert your BGN to Euros (EUR) or USD in Bulgaria before you travel. You can easily exchange Euros for Saudi Riyals (SAR) at Jeddah airport.
Zamzam Water: You are permitted to bring one 5-liter bottle back. If you are returning via Istanbul by road, ensure your bus or car transport can accommodate the heavy bottles safely.
✧
FAQ: Umrah E-Visa for Bulgaria Citizens
Below are the most common questions Bulgarian citizens ask before applying for an Umrah E-Visa.
✧
Do I need a transit visa for Turkey if I drive to Istanbul Airport?
Bulgarian citizens generally have visa-free access to Turkey. However, ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months to avoid any issues at the Kapikule or Hamzabeyli border crossings when heading to Istanbul Airport for your Umrah flight.
Can Bulgarian women perform Umrah without a Mahram?
Yes. The Kingdom has officially removed the Mahram (male guardian) requirement. Bulgarian women of any age can apply for an Umrah E-Visa and travel alone or in groups to perform their religious duties.
Is the Meningitis vaccine required?
Saudi health regulations strongly recommend the Meningococcal meningitis vaccine (ACWY) for all pilgrims. While you might not be asked to upload the certificate online, carrying the vaccination card is highly advisable for your health safety.
Can I track my visa status?
Yes. We understand the anticipation of a spiritual journey. You can check the progress of your application at any time on our Track Visa Status page.