Europe

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

• Health
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• General
 

Travel Summary

• There are increasing numbers of confirmed human cases of A (H1N1) - Swine Flu in Bulgaria (source: Bulgarian Ministry of Health). The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6.  The WHO website has further details. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated swine flu page on this website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website .
  
  
• The Bulgarian authorities have introduced entry screening in the form of thermal scanners at airport terminals. Passengers displaying flu-like symptoms are examined at airport medical points and directed to hospitals as recquired. There are no entry/exit screening procedures in place at land or port border checkpoints. Health Certificates are not required.
  

• 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 strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.  See the General (Inurance) section of this advice and travel insurance for more details.