South Africa entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Bulgarian passport holders need an eVisa to enter South Africa in 2026. The application is entirely online, and you must have it approved before you travel. No visa-free access or visa-on-arrival is available for Bulgarian citizens.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Bulgarian passport holders need an eVisa to enter South Africa. Apply at the South African Department of Home Affairs portal — processing takes 5–10 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have 2 blank pages | Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended departure from South Africa. It also needs two blank visa pages for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Airlines check at check-in | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel — a return flight or a ticket to your next destination. Airlines enforce this strictly at check-in in Sofia. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and contact details. Officers at OR Tambo and Cape Town sometimes ask for it. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Carry a recent bank statement showing at least 3,000 ZAR per day of your stay, or a credit card with sufficient limit. Immigration may ask to see it at the border. | Recommended |
Apply early — no rush service
The eVisa can take up to 3 weeks. There is no fast-track option. Apply at least 3 weeks before your flight to avoid stress.
Keep a printed eVisa copy
Phone screens can die or lose signal. Print two copies of your eVisa approval letter — one for your bag, one for your wallet.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official South African eVisa portal (ehome.dha.gov.za). Fill in your personal details, passport info, and travel plans. Upload a digital passport photo and a copy of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around €20-30 depending on exchange rate). Processing takes 5-10 business days — apply at least 2 weeks before your trip.
2
Receive and save your eVisa
You'll get an email with your eVisa approval letter. Download it, print two copies, and save a PDF on your phone. The letter has a barcode that immigration will scan.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Pack your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and first-night accommodation confirmation. Keep them in your carry-on — you'll need them at check-in and on arrival.
4
Arrive at a South African airport
You'll land at OR Tambo (Johannesburg), Cape Town International, or King Shaka (Durban). Follow signs to 'Foreign Passports'. Join the queue, hand over your passport and eVisa letter. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and where you're staying. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport — check the stamp says the correct number of days.
Download South Africa Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostR1,350 (~$75 USD)
Standard tourist visa for longer stays beyond eVisa period.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
ValidityUp to 3 years
CostR2,700 (~$150 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; requires proof of multiple trips.
Long-stay visitor visa
Max stayUp to 3 years
Validity3 years
CostR4,000 (~$220 USD)
For retirees or long-term visitors with sufficient funds.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Section 11(1)(b))
Up to 3 years, renewable
R4,000 (~$220 USD) application fee
For individuals aged 55+ with sufficient pension or income. Requires proof of funds and medical cover. Allows long-term residence.
digital nomad visa
Remote Work Visa (proposed)
Up to 1 year, renewable
R2,000 (~$110 USD) estimated
For remote workers earning foreign income. Requires proof of employment and income above threshold. Not yet fully implemented.
work visa
General Work Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable
R5,000 (~$280 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer from a South African employer. Requires labour market test and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Study Visa
Duration of course, renewable
R1,350 (~$75 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a recognized South African institution. Requires proof of enrollment and funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Bulgarian passport holders applying online. | R1,350 (~$75 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, if eVisa not used)For those applying at a South African embassy. | R1,350 (~$75 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | R2,700 (~$150 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | R500 (~$28 USD) per day, max R5,000 (~$280 USD) |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extension of tourist visa possible at immigration offices. | R1,000 (~$56 USD) plus admin fee |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through South Africa
No transit visa needed
Bulgarian passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through South African airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsO.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) · Cape Town International Airport (CPT) · King Shaka International Airport (DUR)
Health & vaccines for South Africa
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in low-altitude areas of Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverLow risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid swimming in untreated water.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in northern and eastern regions (e.g., Kruger National Park). Prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Cape Town
Cape Town Immigration Office
120 Plein Street, Cape Town, 8001
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Bring completed extension form, passport photos, and fee payment.
Johannesburg
Johannesburg Immigration Office
71 Harrison Street, Johannesburg, 2001
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Busy office; arrive early to avoid long queues.
Practical information for BG travellers
Country basics
CapitalPretoria
Language11 official languages incl. Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid with IDP for tourist drives.
Money
CurrencySouth African Rand (ZAR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 16.24 ZAR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h (EST) / +6h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+10h (PST) / +9h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
M,NType M (large 3-pin) and N — US plugs do not fit. Bring an adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe in Cape Town and major cities. Use bottled water in rural areas.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to South Africa — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Typically 5-10 business days, but it can take up to 3 weeks during peak periods. Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your trip. There is no expedited option.
The fee is around €20-30, depending on the exchange rate. You pay online by credit or debit card during the application.
No. The eVisa does not allow extensions. You must leave before your visa expires. If you need a longer stay, you must apply for a different visa type before travel.
Rejections are rare but can happen if documents are incomplete or incorrect. You can reapply, but you'll need to pay the fee again. Common reasons: blurry photo, wrong passport scan, or missing travel details.
Only if you are arriving from or have transited through a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of South America or Africa). Otherwise, no vaccine is required for entry.
Yes, the eVisa is valid at all ports of entry — airports and land borders. But most travellers arrive by air. If crossing by land, have your eVisa letter ready for the border officer.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), the printed eVisa approval letter, your return or onward ticket, and proof of first-night accommodation. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and how long you're staying.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.