Europe

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

Travel Summary

• There is an underlying threat from terrorism.  Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• 74 British nationals required consular assistance in Bulgaria in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident: deaths (32 cases); hospitalisations (18 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (8 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (91 cases).  You should be aware of young pickpockets in city centres and tourist resorts especially in crowded areas e.g. buses, trains and busy streets.  Keep valuable belongings in a hotel safe where possible.  If you need to contact the emergency services in Bulgaria call 112 – English speaking operators are available.
  
  
• British citizens holding valid passports can enter Bulgaria without requiring a visa.  However, individuals entering Bulgaria without a visa on “BRITISH SUBJECT” passports, may be refused entry.  If you are in any doubt you should contact the Bulgarian Embassy in London before you travel.
  
  
• You should carry a copy of the information pages of your passport at all times as proof of identity.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  See the General (Inurance) section of this Travel Advice.

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is an underlying threat from terrorism.  Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.  For more general information see terrorism abroad.
 

Crime

 

Organised criminal groups are active in casinos, nightclubs, prostitution and elsewhere. Serious crime is rare and people unconnected with these groups have not been specifically targeted, however,  there is obviously a risk of accidental injury from such incidents. You should be aware that, on occasion, tourists have been the subject of overcharging in some late night bars and clubs.

We have had reports of several incidents of British nationals being robbed in the tourist resort of Sunny Beach, where in some cases intimidation and force has been used.  We advise visitors to this area to exercise caution and to refrain from displaying and carrying large amounts of cash and valuables.  

We are also aware of incidents in the residential areas of Sofia, Pleven and Topolovgrad in which properties belonging to British nationals were broken into. If you intend to buy or already own a property, seek local advice on security for your home.

Please bear in mind that in some small villages there is no police station. If you need help from a police officer it may not be available straight away.  The Police can be contacted by dialling 166, anywhere in Bulgaria, at no charge from a landline or mobile.  The operator will forward your call to the local police station.  For all types of emergency (Fire, Ambulance, Police) you can dial 112, anywhere in Bulgaria, at no charge from a landline or mobile.

Please be aware that the majority of local authority officials and police officers do not speak English, even in tourist areas.

For more general information see victims of crime abroad.

Political situation

Country Profile: Bulgaria.
 

Local travel

Most cities and larger towns have cheap and extensive public transport.  There are regular bus services between most major towns in the country. There are several car-hire companies, including Hertz and Avis. It is possible to fly between Sofia and the two major towns on the Black Sea coast, Varna and Bourgas. If travelling on a domestic air flight, you should have your passport ready for inspection.

Taxis are plentiful and cheap by UK standards, although vehicles may not be in very good condition.  Most taxis are metered and the yellow taxis are generally considered reliable, though you should avoid taxis parked outside hotels or in tourist areas – ask your hotel to call a taxi or flag down a passing taxi with a green “available” light in the window.  It is advisable, however, to check the tariffs on the vehicle window before boarding as they can vary considerably. At Sofia airport you should use a taxi from one of the two companies (OK Supertrans and S-Express) operating the official rank.  Each of these companies has a manned desk in the Arrivals Hall from where it is advised you book a car for your onward journey.  From Varna Airport ‘Stil’ Taxi and from Bourgas Airport ‘Srebrin Argirov – ORAK’ companies operate the official rank..

Road travel

If you enter Bulgaria in a private vehicle, you must have your driving licence, all original registration and ownership documents (including logbook) as well as evidence of insurance valid in Bulgaria. If you have hired a car you must have the original contract document, which should state that the vehicle can be brought into Bulgaria. Border officials will impound your vehicle if they are not satisfied that you own it or have permission to use it in Bulgaria.

Tolls, in the form of a vignette, are charged on motorways and main roads out of town.  These are payable in Bulgarian Leva.  The rate for cars is currently BGN 10 for  one week, BGN 25  for one month, and BGN 67 for one year.  Rates are much higher for freight vehicles and coaches for eight or more passengers.  Vignettes can be purchased at ports and border points, and are also available from post offices, large petrol stations and DZI bank offices.  You will be fined if you do not carry the appropriate vignette.

Under Bulgarian law, vehicles that are registered outside the EU are considered to be 'temporarily imported' when driven inside Bulgaria. If they are stolen on Bulgarian soil, the owners will be liable for import duty and related taxes. Cars registered in the Channel Islands and the Isles of Man are subject to this legislation.
 
Take care when driving, particularly at night. Many roads are in poor condition and road works are often unlit or unmarked. Driving standards are generally poor. Avoid confrontations with aggressive drivers who may be armed. You should observe the speed limit and ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy. Spot fines are charged for minor violations.

In 2008 there were 1,061 road deaths in Bulgaria (source: DfT).  This equates to 13.9 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 4.3 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2008.

Some criminals have been reported to impersonate traffic policemen and impose “fines” or even steal vehicles and personal belongings on major routes.  If you are crossing Bulgaria by car, you should try to travel in daylight hours.

For more general information see driving abroad.

Rail travel

If travelling by train, you should check with operators on the availability of sleeping compartments and whether bicycles can be taken on board. This may vary between regions, and there may be additional charges. Thieves operate on trains, so take particular care that documents and other valuables are safe. The train system is very poor by European standards and most Bulgarians prefer to travel by inter-city buses, which are frequent, relatively fast and comfortable.

Local laws and customs

The Bulgarian authorities treat all drug-related (including possession) and or sex offences very seriously (the age of consent is 16).  Custodial sentences can be expected for any foreigners convicted of such offences.  Offences relating to drunken, disorderly behaviour and hooliganism may also be treated more seriously than in the UK.

Homosexuality is not illegal, but Bulgarians tend not to be very open about the subject and the gay community generally keeps a low profile.  There are a few gay bars and clubs in Sofia and, to a lesser extent, in other major towns in Bulgaria.

You should avoid taking photographs near potentially sensitive areas such as military establishments in order to avoid any misunderstanding.    If in doubt, ask permission.

Purchasing Property

Whilst the majority of property brokers are honest, we have received numerous reports of  buyers being defrauded.  The  British Government cannot intervene in legal proceedings within a fellow EU Member State, nor can they become involved in steps to recover any capital outlay in respect of individual property deals.   We advise that you proceed with caution and seek comprehensive advice, including legal advice from a qualified, independent, Bulgarian property lawyer, before making any purchase.  British nationals purchasing property in Bulgaria are strongly recommended to deal only with established and reputable real estate agents or with other contacts whom they know to be reliable and genuine.

You should also note that the Bulgarian legal system is not the same as that in the UK and the process of achieving legal redress in Bulgaria can be very protracted in comparison.

You should take at least the same steps to protect your interests as you would do at home, and instruct an experienced, reputable lawyer who is totally independent to act on your behalf and ensure that your interests are adequately safeguarded.  Attempting to save money on professional fees by cutting corners, or by using the seller’s lawyers, is a false economy that can result in severe problems later.

For more general information for different types of travellers see your trip.

Entry requirements

Visas

British citizens holding valid passports or a National Identity Card (see the website of the Identity Passport Service (IPS) can enter Bulgaria without requiring a visa. However, please note that British subjects, e.g. of Irish descent and born before 1 January 1949, must obtain a visa from the Bulgarian Embassy in London prior to any visit to Bulgaria. Failure to do so will mean that you will be refused entry. If your passport classifies you as anything other than a British citizen you should contact the Bulgarian Embassy in London before you travel to see if you need a visa. If you wish to visit Bulgaria for longer than three months, and/or reside in Bulgaria on a more permanent basis exercising an EU Treaty right (for example as a worker, student, self-employed person or self-sufficient person), you will need to register with the police to obtain the appropriate permit. Dual nationals of Bulgaria and any other country should enter and exit Bulgaria on their Bulgarian passports. It is always advisable to carry your Bulgarian travel document with you as well as that of your second nationality.

Passport validity

The Bulgarian Embassy in London advises all citizens, including EU citizens, to  ensure that their passports are valid for at least three months after their departure from Bulgaria.

Currency regulations

New legislation on the controls of cash entering or leaving the EU applies in all Member States.  Any person entering or leaving the EU will have to declare the cash that they are carrying if this amounts to 10,000 Euros or more; this includes cheques, travellers’ cheques, money orders, etc.  This will not apply to anyone travelling via the EU to a non-EU country – as long as the original journey started outside of the EU, nor to those travelling within the EU.  

Travelling with children

All children entering Bulgaria will need to have their own passport. Children included in parents' passports will only be allowed in if the passport also contains their photograph. Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting children to leave the country. 

Health

The Form E111 is no longer valid. You should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. The EHIC is not a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but entitles you to emergency medical treatment that becomes necessary on the same terms as Bulgarian nationals. You will not be covered for medical repatriation, on-going medical treatment or treatment of a non-urgent nature. For more general information see EHIC.  

You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

Facilities in most Bulgarian hospitals are basic and old-fashioned compared to those in the UK. Standards of medical care are acceptable, although specialised equipment/treatment may not be available, and hospital staff invariably do not speak English. 

Private clinics and hospitals are generally well equipped and not expensive in comparison with the UK.  You should, however, be aware that some private hospitals will not accept the EHIC.  You should check with Hospital Administrators.

You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. 

For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbnreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should check the websites of NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

Natural disasters

Bulgaria regularly experiences earth tremors. These are normally relatively minor (up to 4.5 on the Richter Scale) and do not have any major impact on the country

General

Insurance

We recommend that you take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover the full period you will be in the country, and which includes medical repatriation  to the UK if necessary. You should be aware, however, that most insurance companies will not authorise medical repatriation to the UK as a matter of routine, or because local hospitals are not up to UK standards. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see travel insurance. 

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is how we can help.
 

Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.
 

Obtaining a replacement passport

The British Embassy in Sofia does not issue full passports. Before setting off, you should ensure that your passport has sufficient validity and a plentiful supply of unused pages.

Applications for new passports are not accepted in Sofia.  Applicants are required to send completed forms and supporting documents direct to the British Passport Processing Centre in Dusseldorf – further information on the procedure can be obtained from the Embassy website – www.ukinbulgaria.fco.gov.uk.  

In the event of an emergency requiring immediate travel to the UK the British Embassy can issue an Emergency Travel Document to enable you to do so.    You should keep a photocopy of your passport with you at all times as proof of identity.

Customs regulations

Travellers entering the UK from European Union countries do not normally pay any UK tax or duty on excise goods they have bought tax and duty paid in EU countries for own use. But there are special rules for cigarettes and some other tobacco products from some EU countries. The UK is maintaining limits on the amount of cigarettes and some tobacco products that travellers are able to bring in to the UK for own use from nine European Union Member States (including Bulgaria), without paying UK duty. The limits are: Estonia - 200 cigarettes or 250g of smoking tobacco. Bulgaria, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia - 200 cigarettes. Anyone who is carrying more than the limits should pay UK duty on those goods by entering the Customs red channel or by using the red point telephone. If travellers enter the Customs blue channel with more than the limits, then all of their tobacco may be seized. 

Money

You can buy Leva from banks and foreign exchange offices in the UK.  There are many exchange bureaux in Bulgaria that normally exchange all major currencies.  However, check the rates of exchange before making a transaction and where possible, you should change money in banks, in large hotels, or in  exchange bureaux, do not use sellers on the street.  If you have travellers’ cheques you may need to go to a bank anyway. You should also be aware that Scottish and Northern Irish bank notes/coins may not be exchanged in banks and bureaux de changes.
 
There is now a large network of ATMs that accept standard international credit and debit cards. Check with your UK bank/card provider whether you will be able to use these machines to draw Leva.
 
Bulgaria is still largely a cash economy. Credit cards are not yet very widely accepted, though they may be used in major hotels and, increasingly, in restaurants and retail outlets.