Bulgaria entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
Visa 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
Kenyan passport holders need a visa to enter Bulgaria in 2026. You must apply for a Schengen visa at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate before you travel, as there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for Kenyans.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Schengen visa (C type) | Apply for a Schengen visa at the Bulgarian embassy or visa application centre in Kenya. Bulgaria is not yet in the Schengen zone but issues Schengen-compliant visas. Submit your application at least 15 days before travel, and expect processing to take up to 15 calendar days.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date from Bulgaria | Your passport needs at least two blank pages for visa stickers and entry stamps. The 3-month validity rule applies to your entire stay in the Schengen area, not just Bulgaria. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Sofia Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary showing you leave the Schengen area within your visa's validity period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a confirmed hotel reservation for every night of your stay, or a notarised invitation letter from a Bulgarian host. Border officers may ask to see this during passport control. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Show you have at least €50 per day of your stay, or a total of €500 for trips under 10 days. A recent bank statement or a credit card with sufficient limit works. | Recommended |
Start your visa application early
Processing can take 15 days, but during peak travel seasons (June-August) it often takes longer. Book your appointment at the Bulgarian embassy in Nairobi at least 4 weeks before your planned departure.
Schengen visa covers Bulgaria
Bulgaria is not yet a full Schengen member, but it accepts valid Schengen visas for entry. If you have a multiple-entry Schengen visa from another country, you can use it to enter Bulgaria without applying for a separate visa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a Schengen visa
Visit the Bulgarian embassy in Nairobi (or the consulate if applicable) to submit your application. Book an appointment online first. Bring your passport, photos, application form, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, insurance, and bank statements. Expect to pay around €80 for adults, €40 for children 6-12, free for under-6s.
2
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days. It can take up to 45 days if your application needs extra checks. You'll get a decision by email or SMS — no need to visit the embassy again unless they ask for more documents.
3
Travel to Bulgaria
At Sofia Airport or any Bulgarian border, present your passport with the visa sticker. The officer may ask for your return ticket and proof of accommodation. Have them ready on your phone or printed. They'll stamp your passport with your entry date and allowed stay.
Download Bulgaria Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Requires appointment at Bulgarian embassy/consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Must justify need for multiple entries.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (approx. $109 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires additional documentation.
work visa
Bulgarian Work Visa (D Visa)
1 year, renewable
€100 (approx. $109 USD) application fee
For employment with a Bulgarian company. Requires a work permit and job offer. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Bulgarian Student Visa (D Visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€100 (approx. $109 USD) application fee
For full-time study at a Bulgarian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
family reunification visa
Family Reunification Visa
1 year, renewable
€100 (approx. $109 USD) application fee
For family members of Bulgarian residents or citizens. Requires proof of relationship and residence.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for short-stay Schengen visa. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Visa application service feeAdditional fee charged by visa application centre. | Varies by location (approx. $30–50 USD) |
| Overstay finePenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | €100–200 per day (max €1,000) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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 Bulgaria
Transit visa required
Kenya passport holders need a transit visa to pass through Bulgaria even if staying airside, unless they hold a valid Schengen visa or residence permit.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit may transit without a visa.
- Holders of a valid visa for Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus, or Croatia may also transit without a visa.
Transit hubsSofia Airport (SOF) · Burgas Airport (BOJ) · Varna Airport (VAR)
Health & vaccines for Bulgaria
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Kenya).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially in spring and summer. Consider vaccination if hiking.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in rural areas. Use repellent and check for ticks.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions recommended; tap water is generally safe.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Sofia
Migration Directorate – Sofia
47, Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd, Sofia 1202
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits.
Plovdiv
Migration Directorate – Plovdiv
2, Ivan Vazov Str, Plovdiv 4000
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles visa-related issues for southern Bulgaria.
Practical information for KE travellers
Country basics
CapitalSofia
LanguageBulgarian
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 6 months; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyBulgarian Lev (BGN)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.68 BGN
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C (Europlug) and Type F (Schuko) plugs are used.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is generally safe to drink in major cities, but bottled water is recommended in rural areas.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. There is no visa-on-arrival for Kenyan passport holders. You must get a Schengen visa from the Bulgarian embassy in Nairobi before you travel.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days. In busy periods or if extra documents are needed, it can take up to 45 days. Apply at least 3-4 weeks before your trip.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6-12, and free for children under 6. This is paid in Kenyan shillings at the embassy's exchange rate.
Yes. You need to show you have enough money for your stay — roughly €50 per day. Bank statements from the last 3 months are the easiest way to prove this.
Yes, if you have a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa issued by another Schengen country, you can use it to enter Bulgaria for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
You can appeal the decision within 15 days. Write to the Bulgarian embassy explaining why you think the rejection was wrong. There's no extra fee for an appeal, but you'll need to provide new evidence.
If you're staying in the international transit area of the airport and not entering Bulgaria, you don't need a visa. But if you need to leave the airport or stay overnight, you need a Schengen visa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.