Checking Visa Status via VFS: how it works in Bulgaria — first-hand
Short answer
Check your Bulgarian visa status on the official VFS Global portal using your full reference number and surname, preferably via Google Chrome without a VPN. If errors occur or status shows "NOT OK," ignore them, or send an email with "passport readiness inquiry" to the visa center for clarification.
From real experience
To check Bulgarian visa status online via VFS Global, use the full application number (e.g., MOAC/XXXX/XXXX/XX for Moscow, PEAC/XXXX/XXXX/XX for St.
Petersburg) without spaces. Accessing the website via Google Chrome is recommended as some users report issues with Yandex. A common issue is the status showing "NOT OK" even when the visa is eventually approved; do not panic if this occurs. Alternatively, applicants can email the visa center with the subject "passport readiness inquiry" (запрос о готовности паспортов) for a prompt response.
✓ 1 report from chats
Bulgarian visa processing time is currently highly variable.
Applicants should rely on manual tracking via the official visa center portal using the reference number and surname, rather than SMS alerts. Recent reports indicate increased scrutiny and potential refusals for applicants employed by sanctioned entities. Status tracking: official website -> 'Check application status' -> enter MOAC reference number and last name.
✓ 1 report from chats
If a user encounters 'no records found' or errors when checking Schengen visa status on VFS Global sites, ensure the following: 1. Do not use a VPN as it may interfere with region-specific site redirection.
2. Use a direct search via Google/Chrome rather than Yandex. 3. Double-check for typos in the reference number and date of birth. 4. Ensure you are on the correct national VFS domain for Bulgaria.
✓ 1 report from chats
When checking visa status on the official visa center website, ignore the 'I am not a robot' CAPTCHA if it appears mid-process; often, the status is displayed in blue text at the bottom of the page after clicking 'submit' with your code.