Bulgaria visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for South Africans visiting Bulgaria

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Bulgarian Visa.

  • A passport with a validity of minimum of 6 months after the end of the duration of stay.
  • Completed copy of application form filled by applicant.
  • One passport sized photograph taken with a white background which follows the passport requirement for a visa application.
  • A copy of the hotel voucher to show that you have an accommodation for the duration of your stay in the hotel.
  • If you are visiting a friend or relative, an invitation letter from such person is required. The address of the host should be clearly stated on the letter.
  • Travel itinerary for the duration of the stay in the country.
  • Proof of travel and medical insurance.
  • Copy of confirmed return ticket to South Africa.
  • Bank statement that shows steady and continuous flow of income. The information on the bank statement should not be less than 3 months old.

Bulgaria Visa for South Africans

Facts about Bulgaria

Bulgaria has a mix of everything you can think of. Whether it is skiing in southwestern Bansko or chilling on a beach resort in Varna, visiting archeological sites in Nessebar or marveling in the beauty of several gold artifacts on display in the National Museum of History in Sofia. There is just no shortage of things to do in the country. In addition to this, you can also try to move to the rhythm of the local music.

As much as 12 million tourists’ troop into the city yearly to take-in the rich tourists’ sites and its seaside and winter resorts.

Hiding or covering of the face in public places is considered an offence in Bulgaria. Tourists should try to desist from snapping photos near sensitive areas such as military establishments.

Types of Bulgaria Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 10 working days 90 days
Business visa 10 working days 90 days
Student visa 10 working days 180 days
Work visa 10 working days 180 days

General Requirements for Bulgaria Visa

  • A passport with a validity of minimum of 6 months after the end of the duration of stay.
  • Completed copy of application form filled by applicant.
  • One passport sized photograph taken with a white background which follows the passport requirement for a visa application.
  • A copy of the hotel voucher to show that you have an accommodation for the duration of your stay in the hotel.
  • If you are visiting a friend or relative, an invitation letter from such person is required. The address of the host should be clearly stated on the letter.
  • Travel itinerary for the duration of the stay in the country.
  • Proof of travel and medical insurance.
  • Copy of confirmed return ticket to South Africa.
  • Bank statement that shows steady and continuous flow of income. The information on the bank statement should not be less than 3 months old.
Bulgaria Tourist visa Bulgaria Business visa Bulgaria Student visa Bulgaria Work visa

Bulgaria Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This is for those in the country for sightseeing, relaxation and recreational purposes.
  • People who intend to pay their relative and friends a visit in the country can also apply for this visa type.
  • You cannot be employed in a company or organization in the country.
  • This visa does not give you the privilege to enrol in one of the institutions in the country.
  • For underaged children traveling without their parents, an original copy of birth certificate is needed.
  • A letter of invitation from your host who resides in the country is required.
  • The home address of the host and a means of identification of the host should be presented.
  • The visa allows its holders multiple entry into the country.
  • The cost of processing the visa is $131.
  • The visa is valid for a period of 90 days. 

Bulgaria Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The visa is for business-oriented people.
  • Holders of this visa intend to develop or maintain a current working relationship with companies based in Bulgaria.
  • An invitation letter from the company with which you want to transact business with is required.
  • Certificate of registration of the company should be presented at the embassy.
  • You cannot be gainfully employed with this visa type.
  • Traveling with a minor requires you to have the minors birth certificate. You should also have a consent form which has been signed by both parents.
  • Onward and return ticket.
  • Medical report from a medical institution in South Africa stating that you are in good health condition.
  • The visa costs $131 and takes about 10 working days to be processed.

Bulgaria Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This is for intending students. All those who want to study in one of the higher institutions of learning in the country.
  • A letter of acceptance from the university higher institution of choice is needed to be presented.
  • For underaged children traveling without their parents, an original copy of birth certificate is needed.
  • After arriving Bulgaria, the student should apply for a resident permit which is valid for a period of 1 year and renew each year till the end of the period of study.
  • Proof of means of sufficient funds. This shows that you can cater for yourself during your time in the country.
  • Proof of medical insurance.
  • You are not expected to work during the duration of your study.
  • The visa is valid for 180 days.
  • It allows its holders multiple entry into the country.

Bulgaria Work Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa type allows its holders to take up any form of work in Bulgaria.
  • Before you can start to work, you need to have a work permit which has been cleared by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy.
  • Work permit cannot be granted to a South African if the work can be undertaken by a Bulgarian.
  • If an employer has over 10% of foreign workers, he cannot employ more.
  • For underaged children traveling without their parents, an original copy of birth certificate is needed.
  • Letter of invitation from your employer in Bulgaria.
  • You are not allowed to take up permanent residence in the country.
  • This visa type allows its holders to stay in the country for 6 months.
  • It is a multiple entry visa.

Bulgaria Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

131.00 (USD)

Business visa

131.00 (USD)

Student visa

131.00 (USD)

Work visa

131.00 (USD)

Bulgaria Visa Application Centres & Embassies in South Africa

Location

Address

Pretoria

1071 Stanza Bopape Street, Hartfield 0083, Pretoria.

https://www.mfa.bg/embassies/southafrica

embassy.pretoria@mfa.bg

+27 12 342 3720

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I travel to Bulgaria with a Schengen visa??

Yes, you can travel to the country with a Schengen visa.

How long is a Schengen visa valid for??

A Schengen visa is valid for 180 days.

Is Bulgaria a safe place to visit??

Yes, Bulgaria is a safe country.

Do they speak English in Bulgaria??

Yes, English is the second most common language spoken in Bulgaria.

What is the main religion in Bulgaria??

The main religion in Bulgaria is Bulgarian Orthodox.