Eswatini passport → Bulgaria

Bulgaria visa for citizens of Eswatini

Embassy / VFSSchengen Visa · Tourist (up to 90 days)

Citizens of Eswatini need a visa for Bulgaria and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · Schengen Visa · Tourist (up to 90 days)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 90 days
Visa validity	90 days
Entries	Single entry
Processing time	15–45 days
Government fee	€90
Passport validity	At least 3 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Bank statements for last 3 months showing sufficient funds for the stay

How to apply

1
Determine the correct Bulgarian embassy or visa application center
Since Eswatini has no Bulgarian embassy, applicants must apply at the Bulgarian embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, or through a VFS Global center in South Africa.
2
Prepare all required documents
Gather passport, photos, insurance, flight and hotel bookings, bank statements, employment letter, and cover letter.
3
Complete the Schengen visa application form online
Fill out the form on the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and print it.
4
Book an appointment for biometrics and submission
Schedule an appointment at the chosen embassy or visa center (appointments are mandatory).
5
Attend the appointment in person
Submit documents, provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo), and pay the visa fee.
6
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 15 calendar days, but may extend up to 45 days in some cases.
7
Collect passport with visa decision
If approved, the visa sticker will be affixed to the passport. Collection may be in person or via courier if arranged.

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages, issued within last 10 years)
Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure from Schengen area.
Completed and signed Schengen visa application form
Form available on the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Two recent passport-sized photographs (35x45mm, white background)
Must meet ICAO standards.
Proof of residence in Eswatini (if not a national of Eswatini)
Optional
Only for non-Eswatini nationals residing in Eswatini.

Travel

Travel health insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage, valid throughout Schengen area)
Insurance must cover medical emergencies and repatriation.
Round-trip flight reservation or itinerary
Not a paid ticket, but a confirmed booking.
Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, invitation letter, or rental agreement)
Must cover entire stay in Bulgaria/Schengen.

Financial

Bank statements for the last 3 months
Must show sufficient funds for the trip (approx. €50-100 per day).

Employment

Employment letter or proof of occupation
Letter from employer stating position, salary, and approved leave; or student certificate, or pension proof.

Supporting

Proof of civil status (marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, etc.)
Optional
Only if applicable to demonstrate ties to home country.
Cover letter explaining purpose of visit and itinerary
Briefly describe travel plans and reasons for visiting Bulgaria.
Copy of previous Schengen visas (if any)
Optional
Helps demonstrate travel history.

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: €50-100 per day of stay

Bank statements
Traveler's cheques
Credit card statements

Bank statements must be original, stamped, and dated within the last month.

Good to know

Apply well in advance (at least 3-4 weeks before travel) to allow for processing delays.
Ensure travel health insurance covers the entire Schengen area and meets the minimum coverage.
Incomplete or incorrect applications may lead to rejection.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient funds or unclear source of income

Provide clear bank statements showing regular income and sufficient balance for the trip.

Lack of strong ties to home country (risk of overstay)

Submit proof of employment, family, property, or other commitments in Eswatini.

Invalid or expired passport

Ensure passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned departure from Schengen.

Incomplete or incorrect documentation

Double-check all required documents and follow the checklist from the embassy.

FAQ

Do citizens of Eswatini need a visa for Bulgaria?

Citizens of Eswatini need a visa for Bulgaria and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Schengen Visa · Tourist (up to 90 days).

How long can citizens of Eswatini stay in Bulgaria?

Up to 90 days.

How much does the Bulgaria visa cost for citizens of Eswatini?

Government fee: €90.

How long does Bulgaria visa processing take?

Typically 15–45 days.

What documents do citizens of Eswatini need for Bulgaria?

Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages, issued within last 10 years); Completed and signed Schengen visa application form; Two recent passport-sized photographs (35x45mm, white background); Travel health insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage, valid throughout Schengen area); Round-trip flight reservation or itinerary; Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, invitation letter, or rental agreement); and 6 more.

How long must my passport be valid for Bulgaria?

At least 3 months.

Where do I apply?

Applications go through https://www.mfa.bg/en/services/visas. Check that you are on the government's site before you pay.

Sources

mfa.bg

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