Bulgaria
About
| Bulgaria's beach and ski resorts are expanding quickly and the main cities have become vibrant and attractive, with well-kept boulevards, varied shopping and lively nightlife. Spectacular mountains occupy half the country's territory and the expanse of golden beaches along the 370km- long Black Sea brings in hordes of tourists from around the world. Visitors can stay in towns and villages that have aimed to preserve the authentic Bulgarian spirit and hospitality. Bulgaria is especially proud of its rich folklore traditions; and folk dances, music, national costumes and traditional rituals play an important part in the life of Bulgarians. Visit the busy resorts of Sunny Beach and Golden Sands; picturesque Albena, historical Nesebar, the cultural and historical city of Varna, or the Mediterranean ambience of port city Bourgas. Ski the slopes. Quaint Bansko is the newest ski area, set in a historical town at the foot of the Pirin Mountains; Pamporovo in the Rhodopi range, is Europe's southernmost ski resort; and Borovets in the Rila Mountains, is Bulgaria's oldest and largest mountain resort. |
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| Capital: | Sofia (SOF) |
| Currency: | Lev (BGN) |
| Language: | Bulgarian |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 359 |
| Time Zones: | UTC / GMT +2 (same time as South Africa) |
| Daylight Savings Time: | From last Sunday March to last Sunday October: UTC / GMT +3 (1 hour ahead of South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right. |
| Best Time to Go: | 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) |
| Best for: | UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Religious Sites, Black Sea, Skiing |
| Plugs: | 220-240 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are two-pin |
| Drinking Water: | Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink, but bottled water is available. |
| Health: | Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage. |
| Customs: | Normal social courtesies. Nodding the head means 'No' and a shake means 'Yes'. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | There is no smoking allowed in public areas. There are designated zones in restaurants for smokers. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | Bulgaria is a largely cash-only economy, although credit cards are become increasingly more accepted. |
| Duty Free: | Bulgaria is within the European Union. If you are travelling from the UK, you are entitled to buy fragrance, skincare, cosmetics, Champagne, wine, selected spirits, fashion accessories, gifts and souvenirs - all at tax-free equivalent prices. If you are travelling from within the EU, there is no limit on the amount or value of goods you may import, providing your goods are for personal consumption. If you are arriving from a non-EU country, the following goods may be imported into Bulgaria by persons over 17 years of age without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. • 4L of wine and 16L of beer and 1L of spirits over 22% or 2L of alcoholic beverages less than 22%. • Other goods up to the value of €430 for air and sea travellers and €300 for other travellers. |
Issuing Authorities
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria,
1071 Stanza Bopape Str, Hatfield, Pretoria 0083
Tel: 012 342 3720
Hours (consular): Mon-Fri 09:00-12:00 - appointments are required
E-mail: embassy.pretoria@mfa.bg
Web: www.mfa.bg/en/embassies/southafrica
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1; Mar 3; Apr 18-21; May 1, 6, 24, 26; Sep 6, 8, 22; Dec 24-26
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1; Mar 3; Apr 10-13; May 1, 6, 24, 25; Sep 6-7, 22; Nov 1; Dec 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 FOR SCHENGEN VISA:
See General Schengen Requirements
In addition to the General Requirements:
- 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
NOTE: 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
SA Representative
South African Embassy
7 Shipka Street, Sofia, 1000, Republic of Bulgaria
Tel: +359 2 939 5015
Email: sofia.admin@dirco.gov.za
Web: dirco1.azurewebsites.net/sofia
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | None |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Polio |
