Planning to attend the 4th EAPD Athena Master Class in Plovdiv?

This guide provides essential information to help you navigate the entry and visa application process for attending our conference in Bulgaria. We hope you find it helpful and look forward to seeing you at the event.

To visit Bulgaria, you may need a visa, or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETIAS) might be required based on your nationality, as Bulgaria is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area.

Step 1: Determine if You Need a Visa

Before proceeding with your visa application, please check if you need a visa to visit Bulgaria. Visit the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria or the EU immigration portal to determine your visa requirements based on your nationality.

Step 2: Invitation Letter

During your registration process, you will be asked if you need a Visa Invitation Letter, provided that you will be attending the conference physically. This letter is essential for your visa application, as it serves as proof of your intent to attend the conference and provides details about your participation.

By ticking the box next to this question and clicking on “Next”, you will be taken to another page, where you will need to add the information requested for the issuance of said letter, e.g., Date of birth, passport details, full postal address, etc.

For any further questions or if you haven’t received your letter within ten days from your registration payment, you may contact the conference organizer at registrations@eapdathena2026.eu 
.

Step 3: Pay Your Conference Registration Fee

Ensure that you have completed your conference registration and paid the required fees. Only participants who have completed their payment will be eligible to receive the official invitation letter.

Step 4: Prepare and Submit Your Visa Application

Once you have determined that you need a visa and have obtained your invitation letter, you will need to prepare the necessary documents for your Schengen Visa (Type C) application. These typically include:

• A valid passport (issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months after your intended departure)

• A completed visa application form

• The official invitation letter from the conference

• Proof of accommodation in Plovdiv and travel plans

• Travel health insurance covering the Schengen zone

• Any additional documents required by the Bulgarian consular authorities

Submit your application through the appropriate channels, whether online or at a local Bulgarian Embassy, Consulate, or official visa application center (e.g., VFS Global) in your country of residence.

Important Tips

• Apply Early: Visa processing times can vary depending on the season and location, so it is advisable to apply as early as possible to avoid any delays.

• Check Requirements: Ensure you have all the required documents and information before submitting your application.

• Follow Up: Keep track of your application status and be ready to provide any additional information if requested by the consular authorities.

We look forward to welcoming you to the conference in Plovdiv and wish you a successful visa application process. Should you have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our support team.

European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)

Please note that travelers visiting Bulgaria from visa-exempt non-EU countries (such as the US, Canada, UK, Australia, etc.) may be required to obtain an ETIAS prior to travel, depending on their nationality and immigration status.

The ETIAS is a digital travel permission required for eligible visitors traveling to the Schengen Area for tourism, business, or conference attendance. The ETIAS is linked electronically to the traveler’s passport and must be obtained online before departure. Participants are strongly advised to check the latest EU entry requirements well in advance of their trip and apply early if required, as airlines may deny boarding without valid travel authorization.

For official information, eligibility criteria, and applications, please visit the official EU ETIAS website.

Visa requirements and ETIAS eligibility vary depending on nationality. ETIAS is Not a Visa (No Guarantee of Entry): An ETIAS is permission to travel to the Schengen Area, not an automatic permission to enter. The final decision is always made by a Border Control officer upon arrival.