Bulgaria visa for South African citizens

For Bulgarian passport holders, exploring the diverse landscapes of South Africa is refreshingly straightforward, as travel to the Rainbow Nation is visa-free. This welcome arrangement permits a generous stay of up to 90 days, allowing ample time to experience everything from Cape Town's vibrant culture to the wildlife wonders of Kruger National Park. While there are no direct flights connecting Sofia and Johannesburg, the journey typically involves a single layover in a major European hub, bridging the vast geographical and cultural distance between the Balkan Peninsula and Southern Africa. This single tourist category of entry simplifies planning, though travellers should certainly familiarise themselves with the South African Rand for daily expenses.

Visa required· verified 2026-05-27

Entry requirements

Passport validity
3+ months
Blank pages
2+
Funds proof
Required
Health insurance
Required

Visa options

TransitAirport Transit Visa (Type A)
0d$98valid 6mo
Apply
TouristUniform Short-Stay Visa (Type C – Schengen, tourism/business/private, single entry)
90d$109valid 6mo
Apply
TouristUniform Short-Stay Visa (Type C – Schengen, tourism/business/private, multiple entry)
90d$109multiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply
BusinessShort-Stay Visa (Type C – business)
90d$109valid 6mo
Apply
OtherLong-Stay Visa (Type D – 6-month)
180d$109multiple-entryvalid 6mo
Apply
OtherLong-Stay Visa (Type D – 12-month)
365d$218multiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply
WorkLong-Stay Visa (Type D – employed worker, single permit)
365d$218multiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply
StudentLong-Stay Visa (Type D – student)
365d$218multiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply
FamilyLong-Stay Visa (Type D – family reunification with foreigner holding residence)
365d$218multiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply
FamilyLong-Stay Visa (Type D – family member of Bulgarian citizen)
365d$218multiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply
OtherLong-Stay Visa (Type D – researcher/scientific activities)
365d$218multiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply
BusinessLong-Stay Visa (Type D – trade representative office / economic activity)
365d$218multiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply
RetirementLong-Stay Visa (Type D – pensioner with sufficient funds)
365d$218multiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply
MedicalLong-Stay Visa (Type D – medical treatment)
365d$218multiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply
HumanitarianLong-Stay Visa (Type D – humanitarian / other grounds under Foreigners Act)
365d$218multiple-entryvalid 1y
Apply
HumanitarianAsylum or international protection (refugee / humanitarian status – entry and stay)
$0
Apply

Sources