Bulgaria Travel Advice
Bulgaria is at the forefront of modern Europe, serving as a vibrant hub for culture, industry and innovation.
As a developing country, Bulgaria faces its share of challenges, including crime. Like other European nations, it has experienced instances of terrorism in the past. While there are concerns about far-right movements in Bulgaria, these typically do not pose a threat to tourists.
Visiting Bulgaria FAQsHire a bodyguard in Bulgaria
If you are interested in hiring a bodyguard for your travel to Bulgaria, please get in touch with us.
Key Information for Bulgaria
Emergency Services
Police: 166 or 112
Fire Rescue: 160
Medical: 150
Maritime Rescue: +359 52 633067 or +359 52 603268
Note: While some emergency services staff will speak English, some, particularly in rural areas, may not.
Country Overview
Capital City: Sofia
Official State Language(s): Bulgarian
Official State Religion(s): Christianity (Bulgarian Orthodox)
State Currency: Bulgarian Lev (BGN лв)
Current Capital Time:
How safe is Bulgaria?
There is a heightened risk of terrorist activity in Bulgaria, with recent incidents underscoring concerns about security in the country.
Current travel advice for Bulgaria urges visitors to stay vigilant at public gatherings, events, and prominent locations.
Western nationals, including those from the UK and the US, are considered at increased risk of terrorist attacks, a concern that extends to well-known international companies operating in Bulgaria. Travelers should remain cautious and report any suspicious behavior to local authorities.
If you are visiting Bulgaria for leisure or business and have concerns about personal security, Intelligent Protection International Limited has been providing security and protection services in Bulgaria for international clients for over a decade.
Health Emergencies in Bulgaria
Trichinosis, also referred to as trichinellosis, is a zoonotic disease that is commonly reported in Bulgaria and poses a significant health concern in the country. This illness is contracted by consuming undercooked meat from infected pigs or wild boar.
Lyme disease, or Lyme borreliosis (LB), is a tick-borne infection that is common in Bulgaria and other parts of the Balkan Peninsula.
Key Security Issues
As with all cities and towns, visitors should take care at night, as muggings and bag-snatching can be an issue.
Currently, there are no significant threats from Islamic extremism in Bulgaria. However, organized crime groups pose a greater concern at this time.
Theft and scams aimed at tourists are increasing. It is recommended to stay vigilant and take precautions against these threats.
Crime in Bulgaria
The overall level of crime in Bulgaria is comparable to that of other European countries, including the UK. Bulgarian police are known for their strict approach to public order issues, including dealing with disturbances related to sports events. In recent years, there have been concerns regarding far-right and far-left extremist groups operating within the country. Discrimination based on race, religion, and sexual orientation remains prevalent. Travelers should exercise caution and avoid large gatherings, as these events may be prone to demonstrations that could escalate into violence.
Global Travel AdvisoriesFAQs for visiting Bulgaria
You can find the following embassies in Bulgaria for the UK and US:
British Embassy
9, Moskovska St,
1000 Sofia,
Bulgaria
Telephone: +359 2 933 9222
Email: [email protected]
United States Embassy
16, Kozyak St,
1407 Sofia,
Bulgaria
Telephone: +359 2 937 5100
Email: [email protected]
British Passport holders do not require a visa to enter Bulgaria. Note that as the UK is no longer part of the EU, British nationals can travel without a visa to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, to stay longer than 90 days in Bulgaria whether for work, study, business travel or any other reasons, a visa will be required. Please note that visits to other Schengen countries within the previous 180 days will be cumulative and will count towards the 90-day limit.
US citizens are required to obtain a visa prior to travel. For stays of longer than 3 months, you will need to register with the police and get a permit.
For further information, see: Bulgaria visa requirements
There are no recent terror attacks or related incidents in Bulgaria, aside from; in March 2024, a series of bomb threats led to the closure of numerous schools across Bulgaria, raising concerns about the security environment. Authorities suspected a possible connection to external influences, including Russia.
Burgas bus bombing (2012)
The last terrorist incident in Bulgaria, was the Burgas bus bombing was a devastating terrorist attack that took place on July 18, 2012, at Burgas Airport in Bulgaria. A suicide bomber targeted a passenger bus transporting Israeli tourists, primarily youths, who were returning from a flight from Tel Aviv to their hotels. The explosion resulted in the deaths of the Bulgarian bus driver and five Israeli nationals, while 32 others were injured, prompting widespread international condemnation.
If you are a British citizen, your UK EHIC card remains valid when travelling to an EU country until it expires, providing access to state-provided healthcare in Bulgaria. After that, British citizens must apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) which will cover them for state-provided healthcare in the EU. Nevertheless, you will be required to show proof on arrival that you have travel insurance for your trip.
It is advised that visitors to Bulgaria are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. It is further recommended that most travellers also get a Tetanus vaccination.
The medical health care and facilities in Bulgaria are of a good standard. Make sure to take out essential medical and health insurance in order to cover the necessary costs abroad as medical treatments are quite expensive. If visiting from the UK, be sure to take your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you.
Consult a healthcare provider or travel clinic well in advance of your trip to determine which vaccines are appropriate based on your health status and itinerary. Staying informed and prepared can help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Bulgaria.
Overall, public transportation in Bulgaria is less developed than in Western countries, especially regarding rail services. Inner-city buses are the most popular mode of transport, as they are frequent, comfortable, and relatively quick.
When travelling by car in Bulgaria, British nationals do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) but a motor insurance green card issued by their car insurer is required to drive a UK-registered car in the EU.
Remain vigilant when driving in Bulgaria, as road travel is known to be quite hazardous, due to aggressive road users that are inconsiderate of other drivers, as well as speeding and poor road conditions. In some rural areas, animals are a common cause of many road accidents, so be cautious when driving, especially at night. It is a legal requirement to drive with head lights or dipped beam headlights throughout the year, even during the daytime.
Our closest office
In 2020, Intelligent Protection opened an office in Berlin, to better serve our clients across Eastern Europe.
Intelligent Protection International - Germany
4th floor, Gontardstraße 11,
10178 Berlin,
Germany
Telephone: +49 305 6795729
Email: [email protected]
Disclaimer
You are responsible for your own safety abroad and for making the decision to travel. The information contained in this Travel Advice for Bulgaria is provided for information only.
Whilst care is taken to ensure that this country brief is as up-to-date and accurate as possible, it is provided on an “as is” basis without any representation or endorsement made and without warranty of any kind, express or implied. Intelligent Protection International Limited does not assume responsibility and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.