Bulgaria joined the EU in 2007 and the Schengen Area in 2024, but neither membership removes the Tanzania visa requirement for Bulgarian citizens. All EU nationals โ including Bulgarians โ must apply for a Tanzania e-Visa. The process is fully online.
Do Bulgarian Citizens Need a Visa for Tanzania?
Yes. Bulgarian citizens require a visa to enter Tanzania. Bulgaria's EU and Schengen membership does not grant visa-free access to Tanzania. All European nationals require a Tanzania visa, regardless of EU status.
Bulgarian passport holders can apply for the Tanzania e-Visa online at eservices.immigration.go.tz or get a visa on arrival at Tanzania's main airports.
Tanzania e-Visa Requirements for Bulgarian Citizens
- Valid Bulgarian passport (ะัะปะณะฐััะบะธ ะฟะฐัะฟะพัั): minimum 6 months validity beyond entry date, at least 1 blank visa page
- Passport-size digital photo: white or light background, JPEG, recent
- Return or onward flight booking confirmation
- Proof of accommodation: hotel booking or invitation letter
- Proof of sufficient funds: bank statement (USD 500+ equivalent recommended)
- Travel itinerary
No yellow fever certificate required from Bulgaria.
Tanzania e-Visa Cost for Bulgarian Citizens
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Tourist Single Entry | 50 |
| Tourist Multiple Entry | 100 |
| Business Single Entry | 50 |
| Transit | 30 |
Payment by Visa or Mastercard. Non-refundable. USD 50 โ BGN 92-95 at current rates.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
- Visit eservices.immigration.go.tz โ official Tanzania e-Visa portal
- Register with your email
- Select "Apply for e-Visa" โ choose visa type
- Complete the form with your Bulgarian passport details
- Upload passport scan and photo
- Upload flight and accommodation proof
- Review and submit
- Pay USD 50 by Visa or Mastercard
- Save Application ID
- Download and print approved e-Visa
Apply at least 2 weeks before departure.
Processing Time
Standard processing: 3-10 business days
Valid for 3 months from issue date. Single entry = up to 90 days. Extensions of 60 days at Tanzania Immigration Department.
Tanzania e-Visa vs Visa on Arrival for Bulgarian Citizens
| Factor | e-Visa (online) | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Apply | Before travel | At airport |
| Cost | USD 50 | USD 50 |
| Queue | None | 30-60 min |
| Multiple entry | Yes (USD 100) | No |
| Recommended | Yes | Backup |
Visa on arrival at: Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ).
Bulgaria-Specific Travel Notes
Flights from Bulgaria to Tanzania:
No direct Bulgaria-Tanzania flights. Sofia (SOF) is the main hub. Common routes:
- Turkish Airlines: Sofia (SOF) โ Istanbul (IST) โ Dar es Salaam (DAR) โ the most popular and direct route for Bulgarian travelers
- Ethiopian Airlines: Sofia โ connecting city โ Addis Ababa (ADD) โ Tanzania
- Emirates / Flydubai: Sofia โ Dubai (DXB) โ Dar es Salaam (DAR)
- Ryanair / Wizz Air to a major European hub + onward to Tanzania
Turkish Airlines from Sofia to Dar es Salaam via Istanbul is typically the most convenient option for Bulgarian travelers.
Tanzania for Bulgarian travelers: Bulgaria's growing middle class has increased interest in long-haul adventure travel. Tanzania's safari circuit and Zanzibar beaches are aspirational destinations for Bulgarian travelers. Sofia-based travel agencies increasingly feature East Africa packages.