Travel & living abroad
- You are here:
- Home
- › Travel & living abroad
- › Travel advice by country
- › Europe
- › Bulgaria
Europe
Bulgaria |
|
| Still current at: 26 November 2009
Updated: 17 November 2009 |
This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Local Travel, Road Travel, Local Laws and Customs, Purchasing Property, Currency Regulations, Health, Obtaining a replacement passport, Money and Contact Details sections. The overall level of the advice has not changed.
(see travel advice legal disclaimer)
Travel advice for this country
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.
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.