Europe

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 two incidents in the residential areas of 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 unofficial figures suggest that   there were 1,061 road deaths in Bulgaria (source: TISPOL).  This equates to 13.2 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 4.1 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2008.  In Bulgaria the trend in road deaths over the last couple of years has increased in comparison to the UK where there has been a decrease.

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.