Bulgaria entry requirements for Tanzania passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Tanzanian passport holders need a visa to enter Bulgaria. Apply at a Bulgarian embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option for Tanzanian citizens as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Schengen visa (C-type) | Apply for a Schengen visa at the Bulgarian embassy or consulate in Tanzania. Submit your application at least 15 days before travel — processing takes up to 15 calendar days. Use the official portal to find the application form and required documents.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date from Bulgaria | Your passport must have at least two blank pages for entry stamps. The 3-month validity rule applies to the entire Schengen zone — border officers check this strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Schengen area | Immigration officers at Bulgarian airports ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. This applies to all Schengen entries — have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation or a notarized invitation from a Bulgarian host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Show you have at least €50 per day of your stay. A recent bank statement or traveler's checks works — credit cards alone may not satisfy the officer. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take up to 45 days during peak season. Don't book non-refundable flights or hotels until you have the visa in hand.
Schengen visa holders can enter
If you already have a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa or a residence permit from a Schengen country, you can enter Bulgaria without a separate visa.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the Bulgarian embassy or consulate
Find the nearest Bulgarian embassy or consulate in Tanzania (or the one covering your region, e.g., in Nairobi, Kenya). Call or email to confirm appointment availability and any additional requirements.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, application form, travel insurance, accommodation proof, flight booking, bank statements. Make photocopies of everything.
3
Submit your application in person
Attend your appointment at the embassy or consulate. Submit the documents, pay the visa fee (around €80 for adults), and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo). Processing takes 15 calendar days typically.
4
Collect your passport
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check the validity dates and number of entries. If denied, you'll get a refusal letter with reasons.
5
Travel to Bulgaria
At the border (airport or land), present your passport with the visa. Immigration may ask for return ticket and accommodation proof. Have them ready on your phone or printed.
Download Bulgaria Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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 (~$87 USD)
Standard short-stay visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
Validity1 year (or up to 5 years with justification)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€100-150 (~$109-163 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires additional permits.
work visa
Work and Residence Permit (Blue Card EU)
1 year, renewable
€100-200 (~$109-218 USD) plus fees
For highly skilled workers with a job offer in Bulgaria. Requires a work contract and qualifications. Allows family reunification.
student visa
Student Visa (D visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€100-150 (~$109-163 USD)
For enrolled students at Bulgarian educational institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
€500-1000 (~$545-1090 USD) plus investment
For investors who invest at least €500,000 in Bulgarian business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for adults. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Visa application service feeAdditional fee charged by visa application center. | Varies by location (approx. €20-30) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period; may include ban. | €50-100 per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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 Bulgaria
Transit visa required
Tanzania passport holders need a transit visa to pass through Bulgaria even if staying airside, unless they hold a valid visa or residence permit from a Schengen country, EU, or certain other countries.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
- Holders of a valid visa or residence permit from EU/EEA countries
- Holders of a valid visa or residence permit from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Japan, or Australia
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., Tanzania).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially in spring and summer. Vaccination recommended for outdoor activities.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions recommended; tap water is generally safe in cities.
Air pollutionLow risk
Urban air pollution can be moderate in winter; sensitive individuals should take precautions.
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 1000
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits.
Plovdiv
Regional Migration Office - Plovdiv
2, Ivan Vazov Str, Plovdiv 4000
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles extensions and registration for southern Bulgaria.
Practical information for TZ 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 = 1.71 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 Tanzanian citizens. You must get a visa from a Bulgarian embassy or consulate before you travel.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days from the date of application. It can take up to 45 days if additional checks are needed. Apply at least 3-4 weeks before your trip.
The visa fee is approximately €80 for adults (about 50,000 Tanzanian shillings). Children aged 6-12 pay around €40. Fees are paid in local currency at the embassy's exchange rate.
Yes, you must appear in person to submit your application and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo). You cannot apply by mail or online.
Yes, if you hold a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa, you can enter Bulgaria without a separate Bulgarian visa. The same applies if you have a residence permit from a Schengen country.
You will receive a refusal letter explaining the reason. You can appeal within 15 days of receiving the refusal. Common reasons include insufficient funds, weak travel history, or incomplete documents.
Yes, you must show proof of travel insurance covering at least €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation. It must be valid for the entire Schengen area.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.