According to an announcement this week by Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry, Bulgarians no longer need to apply for a visitor’s visa to enter South Africa.
The new visa-free arrangement, which came into effect on 7 October, allows holders of ordinary Bulgarian passports to enter and remain in South Africa for up to 90 days for tourism, family visits, or business trips.
This puts Bulgaria in line with many other EU countries that already enjoy visa-free access to South Africa.
“This decision reflects the high level of bilateral relations between Bulgaria and the Republic of South Africa and will contribute to facilitating contacts between citizens, tourism and business exchange,” the Foreign Ministry said.
However, the exemption applies only to short-term stays.
Those wishing to study, work, start a business, or receive medical treatment in South Africa will still need to apply for the relevant visas specified in sections 13–24 of the Immigration Act of the Republic of South Africa.
Closure of SA embassy in Bulgaria
The move marks a further strengthening of ties between the two nations, even as South Africa no longer maintains a diplomatic mission in Sofia.
The South African embassy in Bulgaria was closed on 30 June this year, with consular duties now handled through its embassy in Athens, Greece.
South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) said the decision to close the embassy was “informed by prudent fiscal considerations and the need to prioritise national resource allocation.”
The South African government is confident that this closure will be “temporary,” while stating that South Africa deeply values the presence of the Bulgarian embassy in Pretoria, and looks forward to sustained cooperation through this channel.
Updated list of exempt countries
South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs maintains an updated list of countries whose citizens are exempt from visa requirements, available on its official website.
The inclusion of Bulgaria adds to a growing number of European Union member states that enjoy simplified travel arrangements with South Africa.
The change is expected to boost tourism and make it easier for Bulgarian travellers and businesses to engage directly with South African counterparts – a step both governments see as a sign of deepening cooperation.
