All country guides
- Capital
- Sofia (SOF)
- Dialing Code
- + 359
- Time Zone
- UTC / GMT +2
- Daylight Savings Time
- Last Sunday of March to last Sunday of October: UTC / GMT +3
- Best Time to Go
- April - October & mid-December - March
- Currency
- Lev (BGN)
Travel Tips
- Bulgaria is a largely cash-only economy, although credit cards are become increasingly more accepted
- Water in hotels and towns is safe to drink, but bottled water is available
- April – Mid-October for beach resorts (June – early September is peak tourist season, April – mid-June is the best time to visit for good weather and low season rates)
- Mid-December – March is the best time for skiing (peak season at the ski resorts is Christmas/ New Years and February – Mid-March)
Last updated 28 September 2026
Visa Guide
Foreign Representation in South Africa
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria,
1071 Stanza Bopape Str, Hatfield, Pretoria 0083
Telephone: 012 342 3720
Hours (consular): Monday - Friday, 09:00-12:00 (appointments are required)
E-mail: embassy.pretoria@mfa.bg
Web: www.mfa.bg
Public Holidays
2026
January: 1
March: 3
April: 10 - 13
May: 1, 6, 24, 25
September: 6 - 7, 22
November: 1
December: 24 - 26, 28
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by S.A. passport holders
Bulgaria is a member of the Schengen Agreement
- If you intend to visit only Bulgaria, you must apply at the Embassy of Bulgaria
- If you intend to visit several Schengen countries, you must apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate that is your main destination / longest stay
- If you intend to visit several countries but are spending an equal number of days in each, you should apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the country of your first point of entry
Requirements:
See General Schengen Requirements
In addition:
- A photocopy of the first page of the foreign travel document;
- A photocopy of the last Bulgarian and Schengen visas or visas for the UK and the US, if any
Applicants must appear in person at the embassy in Pretoria for the collection of biometric data, unless otherwise exempted
Visa Processing Time
At least 15 calendar days before the intended visit. Not more than 6 months before the visit
Visa Validity
No more than 90 days in any 180-day period
Visa Cost
Adults: EUR90
Children (6-12): EUR45
Children (under 6): Free
Health / Vaccinations
Compulsory:
- None
Recommended Travel Vaccines:
- Hepatitis B
- Tetanus
- Polio
South African Representative Abroad
South African Embassy
7 Shipka Street, Sofia, 1000, Republic of Bulgaria
Telephone: +359 2 939 5015
Email: sofia.admin@dirco.gov.za
Website: dirco1.azurewebsites