| Visa requirements and information |
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| ADVISORY: NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILDREN TRAVELLING THROUGH SOUTH AFRICAN PORTS OF ENTRY - EFFECTIVE 1 JUNE 2015 |
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| Please note that as from 1 July 2015, the visa fees will change to the following: |
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| Kindly take note that fees paid on previous pricing structure WILL NOT be refunded. |
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| DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS |
| The following fees shal be payable in terms of section 7 (1) (i) of the Immigration Act in respect of the applications specified: |
| APPLICATION |
SECTION OF ACT |
AMOUNT IN BGN |
| Visitor's Visa |
10A(3) |
65 |
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| PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2021 |
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Please be advised that after consultation with all stakeholders and consideration of all factors, approval was granted to move the consular jurisdiction servicing Serbia from the South African Embassy in Athens to the South African Embassy in Sofia with effect from 2 February 2015. The decision was taken considering that the South African Embassy in Sofia would be within reasonable favourable proximity in terms of distance to render consular services (inclusive of immigration and civic services) to Serbian and South African citizens in Serbia. Please take note that all consular fees must be paid in cash on application date at Raiffeisen Bank in Sofia, immediately before submission of documents. No international electronic money transfers will be entertained. All other visa requirements shall apply as indicated here. The South African Ambassador in Athens, His Excellence Mr Makgetla still remains accredited to Serbia as a non-resident Ambassador. |
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Republic of South Africa: General administrative issues
Foreigners subject to South African visa control who wish to visit the RSA for holiday, business or transit purposes must be in possession of valid and acceptable passports/travel documents and visas. Visas must be obtained at the South African Missions abroad prior to travel to South Africa.
Consular Section is opened for public as follows:
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: 10:00 – 12:00 for submissions
Wednesday: 10:00 – 12:00 for visa collection
Friday: 09:00 – 11:00 for visa collection
Processing time for visas is 10 working days (please take public holidays into consideration when submitting applications).
Visa application form (BI-84E) must be completed in English and in black ink only.
NB: All documentation accompanying the application must be in English. Documents in Bulgarian language must be translated into English.
The passport must have at least two blank pages upon application.
Visa processing fee – 65.00 Leva, non refundable.
Please note that visa fees are payable at the bank and the account details are as follows:
Bank : RAIFFEISENBANK
Account number: BG09 RZBB 9155 106 500 2001
BIC : RZBBBGSF
ALL PAYMENTS MUST BE MADE THE VERY SAME DAY PRIOR TO PHYSICALLY APPLYING AT THE EMBASSY. NO BANK TRANSFERS WILL BE ACCEPTED. ONLY PROOF OF CASH PAYMENT AT RAIFFEISEN IS ACCEPTABLE.
Please use the passport number as reference on your payment.
The proof of payment should be submitted together with the application form and other required documents for the Visa to be processed. An application will not be accepted without proof of payment.
Please note that the applicants must submit the application in person and that if any of the requirements listed below is not met, the application will not be accepted.
Additional documentation to prove the bona fides of the visit may be requested over and above the requirements listed below. |
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| Visa requirements in respect of: |
| Tourism
A duly completed visa application form (BI 84E) in English.
Two coloured recent passport type photographs (3x4 in size) attached to the application in the space provided.
A passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry date of the intended duration of stay in the RSA.
Two pages of the passport must be blank in order to affix the visa and for entry/departure endorsements.
Statement and/or documentation from South Africa, confirming detailed purpose and duration of visit: letters of invitation from the South African travel agencies accompanied by detailed itinerary must be submitted (copies are applicable) or the hotel booking for the whole period of visit to the Republic.
Confirmation of employment in original reflecting salary details, occupied position and leave granted for the period of visit.
Proof of financial means: original bank or credit card statements for the last 3 months or original confirmation of purchase of travel cheques (copy of confirmation and copies of cheques must be attached).
Visa processing fee – 65.00 Bulgarian Leva.
Proof of flight itinerary booking.
For minors: birth certificate and consent if not accompanied by parents: both documents must be notarised, translated into English and apostilled by the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Ministry of Justice.
Vaccination certificate (yellow fever): is required if the applicants are entering South Africa from the countries falling within the Yellow Fever Belt.
The copy of the original air-ticket must be submitted on collection of the visa.
Business
A duly completed visa application form (BI 84E) in English.
Two recent colour passport type photographs (3x4 in size) attached to the application in the space provided.
A valid passport which must be valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry date of the intended duration of stay in the RSA.
Two pages of the passport must be blank in order to affix the visa and for entry/departure endorsements.
Statement and/or documentation from South Africa, confirming in detail purpose and duration of visit: letter of invitation from the South African business company or institution. If the SA host undertakes financial responsibility/hospitality, same must be clearly stated in the submitted documentation.
In addition proof of finance in a form of 3 months bank statement from the company.
An original letter from the Bulgarian company confirming the purpose and duration of the visit or business trip/deputation order.
The profile of the company may be requested.
Visa processing fee – 65.00 Bulgarian Leva.
Proof of flight itinerary booking.
Vaccination certificate (yellow fever): is required if the applicants are entering South Africa from the countries falling within the Yellow Fever Belt.
Private Visit
A duly completed visa application form (BI 84E) in English.
Two recent colour passport type photographs (3x4 in size) attached to the application in the space provided.
A passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry date of the intended duration of stay in the RSA.
Two pages of the passport must be blank in order to affix the visa and for entry/departure endorsements.
Statement and/or documentation from South Africa, confirming detailed purpose and duration of visit: original letter of invitation from the South African host, stating purpose, period of visit, origin of relationship, residing address in the RSA. If the SA host guarantees to pay all expenses i.r.o. the guest whilst in the RSA, this must be confirmed in the letter of invitation.
Copy of ID or other proof of legal residence status of the host in South Africa, certified a true copy of the original by a Commissioner of Oaths.
Confirmation of employment in original reflecting salary details, occupied position and leave, granted for the period of visit:
Proof of financial means: original bank or credit card statements for the last 3 months. The statements must meet the following requirements: a/ issued in English or translated into English; b/ displaying all movements of funds for the period; c/ displaying the balance on date of issue; d/ stamped by the respective bank
Visa processing fee – 65.00 Bulgarian Leva.
Proof of flight itinerary booking.
For minors: birth certificate and consent if not accompanied by parents: both documents must be notarised, translated into English and apostilled by the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Ministry of Justice.
Vaccination certificate (yellow fever): is required if the applicants are entering South Africa from the countries falling within the Yellow Fever Belt.
Training purposes and study up to three months
Please note that any study related visit for up to three months will be regulated on a visitor’s visa, but for a visit longer than three months the applicant must apply for a study permit. In the case of practical training of a foreign student or in-house practical training of a foreign employee, the Act now makes provision for these persons to be regulated on study permits, irrespective of the period of their visit.
A duly completed visa application form (BI 84E) in English.
Two recent colour passport type photographs (3x4 in size) attached to the application in the space provided.
A passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry date of the intended duration of stay in the RSA.
Two pages of the passport must be blank in order to affix the visa and for entry/departure endorsements.
Statement and/or documentation from the Bulgarian employer confirming the need for training, duration of stay and that the applicant will return to his current job on completion of his training. In case of study up to three months a letter from educational organization stating purpose, duration of the course and confirmation of payment for the course must be submitted (copies are acceptable).
Original letter from the company represented by the applicant stating purpose and duration of visit. If such letter also guarantees payment of all expenses, the confirmation of employment reflecting salary details and proof of financial means are not required.
Proof of financial means (must be submitted in case there is no financial guarantee from the SA host or the company represented by the applicant): original bank or credit card statements for the last 3 months.
Visa processing fee – 65.00 Bulgarian Leva.
Proof of flight booking.
For minors: birth certificate and consent if not accompanied by parents: both documents must be notarised, translated into English and apostilled by the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Ministry of Justice.
Vaccination certificate (yellow fever): is required if the applicants are entering South Africa from the countries falling within the Yellow Fever Belt.
Sport Purposes
A duly completed visa application form (BI 84E) in English.
Two coloured recent passport type photographs (3x4 in size) attached to the application in the space provided.
A passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry date of the intended duration of stay in the RSA.
Two pages of the passport must be blank in order to affix the visa and for entry/departure endorsements.
Statement and/or documentation from the South African sport organization, confirming detailed purpose and duration of visit (copies are applicable). If the South African sport organization takes responsibility for all expenses, it must be confirmed in the letter of invitation.
A letter from the club/organization, represented by the applicant stating purpose and period of visit (copies are acceptable). If this club/organization takes responsibility for all expenses, it must be confirmed in the letter.
Proof of financial means (must be submitted in case if there is no financial guarantee from the SA host or the company represented by the applicant): original bank or credit card statements for the last 3 months
Visa processing fee – 65.00 Bulgarian Leva.
Proof of flight itinerary booking.
For minors: birth certificate and consent if not accompanied by parents: both documents must be notarised, translated into English and apostilled by the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Ministry of Justice.
Vaccination certificate (yellow fever): is required if the applicants are entering South Africa from the countries falling within the Yellow Fever Belt.
The copy of the original air-ticket must be submitted on collection of the visa.
Research (Up to three months)
A duly completed visa application form (BI 84E) in English.
Two coloured recent passport type photographs (3x4 in size) attached to the application in the space provided.
A passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry date of the intended duration of stay in the RSA.
Two pages of the passport must be blank in order to affix the visa and for entry/departure endorsements.
Statement and/or documentation from South Africa, confirming detailed purpose and duration of visit: letter of invitation from the South African inviting organization (copies are applicable). If the South African inviting organization takes responsibility for all expenses, it must be confirmed in the letter of invitation.
Original letter from the company represented by the applicant stating purpose and duration of visit is required. If such letter also guarantees payment of all expenses, the confirmation of employment reflecting salary details and proof of financial means are not required.
Proof of financial means (must be submitted in case there is no financial guarantee from the SA inviting organization or the company represented by the applicant): original bank or credit card statements for the last 3 months
Visa processing fee - 65.00 Bulgarian Leva.
Proof of flight itinerary booking.
Vaccination certificate (yellow fever): is required if the applicants are entering South Africa from the countries falling within the Yellow Fever Belt.
The copy of the original air-ticket must be submitted on collection of the visa.
Medical Treatment
Any medical related visit up to three months will be regulated on a visitor’s visa, but for a visit longer than three months the applicant must apply for a medical permit.
A duly completed visa application form (BI 84E) in English.
Two coloured recent passport type photographs (3x4 in size) attached to the application in the space provided.
A passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry date of the intended duration of stay in the RSA.
Two pages of the passport must be blank in order to affix the visa and for entry/departure endorsements.
A letter from the applicant’s medical practitioner or medical institution, indicating the reason/ necessity for treatment. The period of treatment and particulars of the treatment plans in the Republic.
Proof of funds available to cover cost of medical treatment.
Visa processing fee – 65.00 Bulgarian Leva.
Proof of flight itinerary booking.
For minors: birth certificate and consent if not accompanied by parents: both documents must be notarised, translated into English and apostilled by the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Ministry of Justice.
Vaccination certificate (yellow fever): is required if the applicants are entering South Africa from the countries falling within the Yellow Fever Belt.
A repatriation guarantee may be requested.
The copy of the original air-ticket must be submitted on collection of the visa.
Intended Marriage (Visa valid for 3 months)
A duly completed visa application form (BI 84E) in English.
Two coloured recent passport type photographs (3x4 in size) attached to the application in the space provided.
A passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry date of the intended duration of stay in the RSA.
Two pages of the passport must be blank in order to affix the visa and for entry/departure endorsements.
Statement and/or documentation from South Africa, confirming detailed purpose and duration of visit: original letter of invitation from the South African fiancé, stating purpose of visit, origin of relationship, residing address in the RSA.
Copy of ID or immigration permit i.r.o. the SA host.
Proof of marital status i.r.o. the SA fiancé and the applicant.
If accompanied by children born out of previous marriage – birth certificate i.r.o. the child and consent of biological father/mother that the child may accompany father/mother and may live permanently in the RSA (notarised, translated into English and apostilled by the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Ministry of Justice).
Repatriation guarantee in all cases.
Visa processing fee – 65.00 Bulgarian Leva.
Proof of flight itinerary (one way ticket is applicable).
Vaccination certificate (yellow fever): is required if the applicants are entering South Africa from the countries falling within the Yellow Fever Belt.
The copy of the original air-ticket must be submitted on collection of the visa.
INTRA COMPANY TRANSFER VISAS
A foreigner, who is employed abroad by a business operating in the Republic of South Africa in a branch, subsidiary or affiliate relationship and who by reason of his or her employment is required to conduct work in the Republic, may be issued with an intra-company work permit.
- The employer undertakes that it will take prescribe measures to ensure that such foreigner will at all times comply with the provisions of this Act, and will immediately notify the Director General if it has reason to believe otherwise.
- The employer furnishes the prescribed financial guarantees to defray deportation and other costs should such foreigner fail to depart when no longer aloud to sojourn in the Republic.
The following documentation must be submitted in respect of each person applying for an intra-company work permit:
a fully completed application form including two (2) passport photographs (see Form DHA-1738);
- a passport valid for no less than thirty (30) days after departure from the Republic of South Africa, and containing at least two (2) blank pages;
- a copy of passport, page with photograph;
- the applicant's contract of employment with the company valid for a period of not less than 6 months;
a) a letter from the company abroad confirming that the foreigner shall be transferred to a branch of that company or an affiliated company situated in the Republic of South Africa; as well as, specifying the occupation and capacity in which that foreigner shall be employed.
b) a letter from the branch, subsidiary
or affiliate in the Republic confirming the transfer of the foreigner and specifying the occupation and capacity in which that foreigner shall be employed;
c) the South African company confirming the transfer of the foreigner as well as specifying the occupation and capacity in which that foreigner shall be employed.
- In terms of section 19 (5) of the Act, the relevant employer shall ensure that-:
- a foreigner is only employed in the specific position which the visa has been issued;
- the foreign employee will at all times comply with the provisions of the Act and conditions of his or her visa and undertakes to immediately notify the Director General if the employee refuses to comply with the provisions of the Act or conditions of the visa and;
- a plan is developed for the transfer of skills to a South African citizen or permanent resident.
- a police clearance certificate, issued by the police or security authority in each country where the applicant resided for 12 months or longer since having attained the age of 18 years, in respect of criminal records or the character of the applicant, and this certificate shall not be older than six (6) months at the time of its submission;
- a medical report (see Form BI-811), which shall not be older than six (6) months at the time of its submission;
- a radiological report (see Form BI-806), which shall not be older than six (6) months at the time of its submission, and shall not be required in respect of children under the age of 12 years or pregnant women;
Note:
- An intra-company transfer work visa shall be issued for a period not exceeding four (4) years and is not renewable
- Documentation that accompanies the application shall be original or certified copies and translated by a sworn translator into English.
- A complete application should be submitted personally during the consular opening hours
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| Requirements for travel companies for registration at the embassy: |
Introductory letter of the company on original letter-head contained full details (contact names and telephone numbers): in English.
In case the Travel Company is an operator – confirmation of registration at the Bulgarian Tourism Register is required.
In case the Travel Company is an agency – confirmation of registration with Tax Inspection and confirmation of tourism activity in the Charter of the company is required.
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| Documentation |
| Application for VISA |
Download |
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