Rwanda passport → Bulgaria

Bulgaria visa for citizens of Rwanda

Embassy / VFSSchengen Visa · Short Stay (up to 90 days)

Citizens of Rwanda 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 · Short Stay (up to 90 days)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 90 days
Entries	Single entry
Processing time	15–45 days
Government fee	€90
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Proof of funds	€50 per day of stay

How to apply

1
Check visa requirements and gather documents
Confirm you need a Schengen visa for Bulgaria and collect all required documents.
2
Book an appointment at the embassy
Schedule an appointment at the Embassy of Bulgaria in Kigali or the responsible consulate.
3
Attend the appointment and submit documents
Bring original and copies of all documents; pay the visa fee in EUR or local equivalent.
4
Provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo)
Biometrics are taken at the visa centre; this is mandatory for most applicants.
5
Wait for visa processing
Processing typically takes 15 calendar days; may be extended to 45 days in some cases.
6
Collect passport or await delivery
If approved, your passport will be returned with the visa sticker. Check pickup or courier options.

Documents checklist

Travel

Valid passport (with at least two blank pages)
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay.
Round-trip flight itinerary or confirmed ticket
Confirmed reservation showing entry and exit from Schengen area.
Hotel reservation or letter of invitation
Proof of accommodation for entire stay.

Financial

Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements last 3 months)
Minimum ~€50 per day of stay or sponsor letter.

Employment

Employment letter or proof of enrollment (if student)
Stating position, salary, and granted leave.

Supporting

Visa application form (completed and signed)
Available on the embassy website or in person.
Passport-size photographs (35x45 mm, white background, recent)
Two photos meeting Schengen photo requirements.
Proof of travel medical insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)
Valid for the entire Schengen area and duration of stay.
Travel history (copies of previous Schengen visas if any)
Optional
Optional but helpful for demonstrating travel behavior.
Copy of residence permit (if applying from a country other than Rwanda)
Optional
If applicant is legally residing in another country.
Cover letter explaining purpose of visit
Optional
Optional: brief description of travel plans and ties to home.

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: €50 per day of stay

Bank statements (last 3 months)
Sponsorship letter + sponsor's bank statements
Cash or traveler's cheques (not recommended)

Proof of sufficient funds must cover accommodation, meals, and other expenses.

Good to know

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen area.
Visa application should be submitted at least 15 days before travel but no earlier than 6 months.
Incomplete applications or missing documents will lead to rejection.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient or unclear proof of funds

Provide detailed bank statements and a clear sponsorship letter if applicable.

Incomplete application form or missing signatures

Double-check the form and sign all required fields.

Travel insurance not valid for the full Schengen area

Purchase a policy that covers all Schengen countries and meets the €30,000 minimum.

Dubious purpose of travel or inadequate ties to home country

Submit a convincing cover letter and evidence of employment, property, or family ties in Rwanda.

Previous visa violations or overstays

Provide a truthful explanation if applicable; otherwise ensure clean travel history.

FAQ

Do citizens of Rwanda need a visa for Bulgaria?

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

How long can citizens of Rwanda stay in Bulgaria?

Up to 90 days.

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

Government fee: €90.

How long does Bulgaria visa processing take?

Typically 15–45 days.

What documents do citizens of Rwanda need for Bulgaria?

Valid passport (with at least two blank pages); Visa application form (completed and signed); Passport-size photographs (35x45 mm, white background, recent); Proof of travel medical insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage); Round-trip flight itinerary or confirmed ticket; Hotel reservation or letter of invitation; and 5 more.

How long must my passport be valid for Bulgaria?

At least 6 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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