# Do Ireland passport holders need a visa for Bulgaria?

## Answer
No. Ireland passport holders do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria for tourism.

- Requirement: Visa-free
- Maximum stay: Length of stay varies
- Scope: Tourism, ordinary passport
- Action before travel: None, travel on your passport
- Data confidence: verified

## Context
No visa is required for a short tourist stay. Travel on a valid passport alone.

Bulgaria drives on the right, the opposite side to Ireland. If you're renting a car, budget extra care at first, especially at junctions and roundabouts.

- Distance between capitals: 2,473 km, straight line (~3h 25m nonstop)
- Visa-free access context: 138 of 242 nationalities tracked

## Sources and freshness
- Canonical URL: https://visafreemap.com/visa/ireland/bulgaria/
- Data as of: 2026-10-14
- Official source: [eur-lex.europa.eu](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02004L0038-20110616) (checked September 3, 2026)

Visa rules change frequently and can depend on your specific circumstances. This site is compiled from public government sources and is provided for general information only. Always confirm requirements with the official immigration authority or a consulate of your destination before you travel.

## Frequently asked questions
### Do Ireland passport holders need a visa for Bulgaria?
No. Ireland passport holders do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria for tourism.

### How far is Bulgaria from Ireland?
About 2,473 km in a straight line, roughly ~3h 25m nonstop by air.

### What currency is used in Bulgaria?
Bulgarian lev (BGN).

### What is the emergency number in Bulgaria?
112.

### Does Bulgaria drive on the same side of the road as Ireland?
Bulgaria drives on the right, the opposite side to Ireland. If you're renting a car, budget extra care at first, especially at junctions and roundabouts.

### What time zone is Bulgaria in?
Sofia (UTC+3).

### What is the nearest airport to Sofia?
Sofia Airport (SOF), about 8 km away.

### How many countries can enter Bulgaria without a visa?
138 of the 242 nationalities this site tracks can enter Bulgaria visa-free, with a visa on arrival, or with an eTA.


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