Passport collection procedures

Schengen visas submitted in Moscow can be collected in person. Visit the collection point on the second floor during working days between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM to retrieve your passport. This option avoids the need to wait for courier delivery.

Bulgarian visa processing time for property owners currently exceeds 45 working days. Documents are submitted exclusively in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Applicants are strongly advised to hold a second international passport (valid) to ensure travel capability while the primary one is under consular review.

After submitting documents for a Bulgarian visa and receiving a notification for delivery, do not wait for the courier. Track your shipment using the QR code on the waybill and contact the provided phone number. If a visa ('C' type) was issued, processing times can vary; for example, a visa submitted on June 25th was collected on August 7th, with the visa valid from August 5th.

Passport collection at the Visa Application Center (VFX) in Moscow is generally available until 15:00 or 18:00 depending on the service level. Standard processing does not allow for faster turnaround compared to agency services. For visa D inquiries, use the official email address found on the embassy website rather than the general information desk.

To request early return of a passport during a Bulgarian visa application process, before the visa is issued, you typically need to contact the consulate or visa application center directly. Inquire about their specific procedure for early withdrawal. This is usually possible, but may require a formal written request explaining the reason for withdrawal.