Zimbabwe entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
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 can get a visa on arrival in Zimbabwe. Just show up at the airport or land border with the right documents and pay the fee in US dollars cash. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but you need to be prepared.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Single-entry visa issued at airport | Get your visa at Harare, Victoria Falls, or Bulawayo airport. Pay in USD cash — $30 for single entry, $55 for double entry. Have a printed eVisa approval from evisa.gov.zw as backup in case the visa-on-arrival desk is slow.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your departure date from Zimbabwe. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Zimbabwe | Immigration officers ask for a confirmed onward ticket at the visa-on-arrival counter. A bus ticket to a neighboring country works if you're overlanding. Carry a printed copy or have it on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have your first night's hotel confirmation ready. If staying with friends, a letter of invitation with their address and phone number is accepted. Officers rarely check this, but having it speeds things up. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Zimbabwe is a cash-heavy economy — USD is widely accepted. ATMs exist but often run out of cash. | Recommended |
Have USD cash ready
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in US dollars cash. ATMs in Zimbabwe may not dispense USD, and credit cards are not accepted at immigration. Bring enough small bills to cover the fee and some extra for taxis or snacks.
Check your passport validity carefully
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Zimbabwe. If it expires sooner, you will be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before you travel if needed.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at entry point
You'll land at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare or Victoria Falls Airport, or arrive at a land border like Beitbridge. Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a small form to complete. It asks for basic info: name, passport number, flight details, accommodation address. Fill it out in black ink.
3
Queue at the visa counter
Hand over your passport, completed form, and return ticket. The officer will process your visa and tell you the fee. Pay in US dollars cash.
4
Receive your visa and enter
The visa is stamped or stuck into your passport. Check the validity dates before you walk away. Then proceed to baggage claim and customs.
Download Zimbabwe 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, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD
Apply at Zimbabwe embassy or online eVisa.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 6 months)
Max stay30 days per visit, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 USD
Ideal for frequent travelers; allows multiple entries.
Long-stay visitor visa (up to 1 year)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$250 USD
Requires proof of sufficient funds and purpose; apply at embassy.
retirement visa
Zimbabwe Retirement Visa (Residence Permit)
5 years, renewable
$500 USD application fee + $250 USD per year
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires medical report and police clearance. Allows long-term residence.
investor visa
Zimbabwe Investor Visa (Residence Permit)
3 years, renewable
$1,000 USD application fee + $500 USD per year
For investors committing at least $100,000 USD in a Zimbabwean business. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Leads to permanent residence.
work visa
Zimbabwe Work Permit (Employment Visa)
2 years, renewable
$300 USD application fee + $200 USD per year
For those with a job offer from a Zimbabwean employer. Requires employer sponsorship and labor market test. Allows work and residence.
student visa
Zimbabwe Student Visa (Study Permit)
Duration of course, renewable
$150 USD application fee
For enrollment in a recognized Zimbabwean educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable at port of entry; have exact change in USD. | $30 USD (exact amount, payable in USD cash) |
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 60 days)Available at major airports and land borders. | $45 USD |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Can be obtained from Zimbabwe embassy or online eVisa system. | $50 USD |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 6 months)Allows multiple entries; valid for 6 months from issue. | $150 USD |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office before departure. | $20 USD per day, maximum $500 USD |
| Stay extension (per month)Apply at immigration office before current visa expires. | $50 USD per month |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel documents20%
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 Zimbabwe
No transit visa needed
Bulgarian passport holders transiting through Zimbabwe do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or collect luggage), you must obtain a visa on arrival.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours airside.
Transit hubsRobert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (Harare) · Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (Bulawayo) · Victoria Falls International Airport
Health & vaccines for Zimbabwe
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission; must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in low-lying areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; use mosquito repellent.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid contact.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Zimbabwe, especially in rural areas and during rainy season (November–April). Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Harare
Department of Immigration (Head Office)
1st Floor, Block A, New Government Complex, Samora Machel Avenue, Harare
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee in USD cash.
Bulawayo
Bulawayo Regional Immigration Office
Corner 9th Avenue and Fife Street, Bulawayo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and permits for southern Zimbabwe.
Practical information for BG travellers
Country basics
CapitalHarare
LanguageEnglish, Shona, Ndebele
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyZimbabwean dollar (ZWL)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 26.89 ZWL
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
D,GType D (3-pin round) and Type G (3-pin rectangular) plugs.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is generally not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
The visa on arrival fee for Bulgarian citizens is typically around $30–$75 USD, depending on whether you're getting a single-entry or double-entry visa. Pay in US dollars cash — exact change is preferred. Credit cards are not accepted at the immigration counter.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than the allowed period (usually 30 days), you must apply for a visa extension at the Zimbabwe Department of Immigration in Harare before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines.
The same visa on arrival process applies at major land borders like Beitbridge (from South Africa) and Victoria Falls (from Zambia). You'll fill out the same form, pay the same fee in USD cash, and get your visa on the spot. Expect longer queues at busy borders.
Zimbabwe requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Bulgaria is not a risk country, but if you've recently traveled to a yellow fever endemic area, you'll need to show the certificate. Otherwise, it's not required.
Yes, the visa on arrival covers tourism and business visits. For business, you may need a letter of invitation from your host company in Zimbabwe. It's a good idea to have it printed out just in case.
Immigration officers may ask to see a return or onward ticket. If you can't show one, you could be denied entry or asked to buy a ticket on the spot. Always have a confirmed onward booking before you arrive.
Yes, US dollars are widely accepted and preferred for visa fees, hotels, and safaris. Carry small denominations ($1, $5, $10, $20) for daily expenses. Avoid carrying large amounts — use hotel safes for storage.
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.